MusicXML guide
MusicXML — the file that moves scores between programs.
MusicXML is the standard format for sheet music: it keeps notes, rhythms, parts and lyrics. Unlike a PDF it is not a picture, so you can open it in a notation program to edit, transpose and reprint. On ingkm you can turn a song or MP3 into a MusicXML score for free.
Convert a song to MusicXML and open it
- 1Sign in to ingkm with Google and upload your audio (MP3, M4A, OGG up to 30 MB; WAV, FLAC up to 100 MB; 10 seconds to 10 minutes). Up to 5 songs a day are free.
- 2When it is done, download MusicXML from the result page (compressed MusicXML, a .mxl file).
- 3Open the file in a notation program such as MuseScore (free), Sibelius, Dorico or Finale. Edit the separate parts, transpose and print.
MusicXML vs. other formats
- MusicXML
- The score itself — notes, rests, time and key signatures, parts and lyrics. Keep editing it in a notation program.
- MIDI
- Performance data — pitch, length and velocity. Great for DAWs and practice apps; it carries less notation detail.
- A printable picture — easy to view and print, but not editable. ingkm PDFs carry a watermark, which 20 credits removes.
Good to know
- .mxl vs. .musicxml
- .mxl is MusicXML compressed the standard way, so the file is much smaller. ingkm gives you .mxl; the programs above open both as they are.
- Automatic transcription is an approximation
- Melodies usually come out well, but fast ornaments, syncopation and instrument separation can be wrong. Review the score in our editor or your notation program.
- AI songs come with a score too
- Songs you create with AI on ingkm come with a MusicXML score, lyrics included.
Frequently asked questions
Does converting a song to sheet music cost anything?
Song-to-score conversion is free for 5 songs a day per member (Korea time); after that you can keep converting with points or credits. Downloading your scores as MusicXML, MIDI or PDF is free too. PDFs carry a watermark; removing it costs 20 credits.
What files can I upload?
MP3, M4A and OGG up to 30 MB, and WAV and FLAC up to 100 MB, between 10 seconds and 10 minutes long. AI tracks from tools like Suno or Udio work, and so do your own recordings — as long as you have the right to upload them.
What kind of score do I get?
A score with separate parts (vocals, keys, guitar, bass, drums, strings) as MusicXML, MIDI and PDF. "Playable" mode lets you pick a difficulty (beginner, intermediate, pro) and parts and tidies the score for playing; "Faithful" mode writes down what it hears. MusicXML opens in MuseScore, Sibelius, Finale and Dorico.
How accurate is the transcription?
It is automatic, so it is an approximation. Melodies usually come out well, but fast ornaments, syncopation and instrument separation can be wrong. Please review the score before rehearsing or performing. You can fix it in the built-in editor (piano roll and score). Saving your edits is free the first time for each song, then 10 credits per save.
How long does it take?
Usually a few minutes. When it is busy you may wait in a queue, and we notify you when it is done. You can close the tab; the job keeps running.