Converting sheet music into playable digital audio used to be a complex task. Today, tools like Audiveris make it possible to transform printed music sheets into MIDI files quickly and efficiently.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to use Audiveris to convert sheet music into MIDI, even if you’re a beginner.
What is Audiveris?
Audiveris is a free, open-source Optical Music Recognition (OMR) software. It scans sheet music (PDF or images) and converts it into digital formats like MusicXML and MIDI.
👉 MIDI files are especially useful because they allow you to:
- Play music digitally
- Edit notes in DAWs or notation software
- Customize instruments and tempo
Requirements Before You Start
Before using Audiveris, make sure you have:
- ✔️ A clear PDF or image of sheet music
- ✔️ Audiveris installed on your system
- ✔️ Optional: Music software like MuseScore for editing
👉 Tip: High-quality scans = better accuracy
Step-by-Step Guide to Convert Sheet Music into MIDI
🟢 Step 1: Install Audiveris
Download and install Audiveris from a trusted source.
Once installed, launch the application.
🟢 Step 2: Import Your Sheet Music
- Click on File → Open
- Select your sheet music (PDF or image format)
Audiveris will begin analyzing the file automatically.
🟢 Step 3: Run Optical Music Recognition (OMR)
After loading the file:
- Let Audiveris scan and detect musical symbols
- It will identify notes, staffs, clefs, and rhythms
👉 This step may take a few moments depending on file size.
🟢 Step 4: Review & Correct Errors
No OMR tool is perfect. You should:
- Check notes and symbols
- Fix incorrect recognition manually
👉 Clean input = fewer corrections needed
🟢 Step 5: Export as MIDI
Once satisfied with the results:
- Go to File → Export
- Choose MIDI format (.mid)
Your MIDI file will be saved and ready to use.
🟢 Step 6: Edit & Play the MIDI File
Open the MIDI file in tools like MuseScore or any DAW to:
- Adjust tempo
- Change instruments
- Edit notes
Tips for Better Conversion Accuracy
✔️ Use high-resolution scans (300 DPI or higher)
✔️ Avoid blurry or skewed images
✔️ Use printed sheet music instead of handwritten
✔️ Crop unnecessary margins
Common Issues & Fixes
❌ Problem: Notes are detected incorrectly
👉 Solution: Improve scan quality or manually edit
❌ Problem: Missing symbols
👉 Solution: Re-scan or adjust image clarity
❌ Problem: MIDI sounds wrong
👉 Solution: Edit file in music software
Pros and Cons of Using Audiveris
✅ Pros
- Free and open-source
- Supports MIDI export
- Works on multiple platforms
❌ Cons
- Requires manual corrections
- Not beginner-friendly UI
- Accuracy depends on input quality
Who Should Use This Method?
This method is ideal for:
- 🎼 Musicians digitizing old sheet music
- 🎓 Students learning music editing
- 🎹 Composers converting scores into digital format
Final Thoughts
Learning how to use Audiveris to convert sheet music into MIDI can save you hours of manual work. While it may require some corrections, it’s still one of the best free tools available in 2026.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to digitize music, Audiveris is definitely worth using.
