The Complete Guide to MIDI Export [Free .mid Download Included]

What Is MIDI Export? Understanding the SMF Format

"MIDI export" refers to the process of saving the note data, velocity, tempo, and other performance information from your DAW as a Standard MIDI File (SMF). Unlike audio files (WAV/MP3), a MIDI file contains no actual sound — no waveforms, no recordings. Instead, it stores a set of performance instructions: which notes to play, when to play them, and how hard to hit them.

There are three common reasons you might need to export a MIDI file:

• Moving projects between DAWs — for example, taking a melody you programmed in Cubase and opening it in Logic Pro
• Importing into notation software — such as MuseScore, Finale, or Sibelius
• Sharing with collaborators — sending a melody line or chord progression to another composer

In this guide, we'll walk through the MIDI export process step by step for all the major DAWs. We'll also cover a free, browser-based tool that lets you export SMF files without installing anything — so read on to the end.

How to Export MIDI: Step-by-Step for Every Major DAW

① Cubase / Nuendo

Cubase (by Steinberg) is one of the most widely used DAWs among professional producers, and it offers flexible MIDI export options.

1. In the Project window, select the MIDI track or Instrument Track you want to export
2. From the menu bar, go to File → Export → MIDI File
3. Choose a destination and filename, then select SMF Type 0 or SMF Type 1 (Type 0 merges all tracks into one; Type 1 keeps each track separate)
4. Click Export — your .mid file will be saved to the specified location

Heads up: Instrument Tracks can't always be exported directly as MIDI. If that's the case, use Merge MIDI in Loop or convert the track to a MIDI track first, then export.

② Logic Pro

1. Select the region(s) you want to export in the Tracks area
2. Go to File → Export → Project as MIDI File…
3. Choose a save location and click Save

Logic Pro exports your entire project as a single SMF. If you only need specific tracks, mute or delete the ones you don't want before exporting.

③ FL Studio

1. Open the Piano Roll for the pattern you want to export
2. From the Piano Roll's top menu, select File → Export as MIDI file
3. Choose a save location and click Save

FL Studio exports on a pattern-by-pattern basis, which makes it easy to quickly export individual phrases rather than your entire project.

④ Ableton Live

1. Right-click the MIDI clip you want to export
2. From the context menu, select Export MIDI Clip…
3. Choose a save location and you're done

Ableton exports one clip at a time by default. If you need to export multiple clips as a single SMF, arrange them in the Arrangement View first for a more streamlined workflow.

⑤ GarageBand

GarageBand doesn't support direct MIDI export out of the box, but here's a workaround:

1. Select the track you want to export, then use Share → Send Project to Logic Pro
2. Once the project is open in Logic Pro, export it as a MIDI file from there

Alternatively, the browser-based tool covered later in this article is a practical option for GarageBand users.

⑥ LMMS (Free DAW for Windows/Mac/Linux)

1. From the menu bar, go to File → Export
2. Set the file type to MIDI (*.mid) and save

LMMS works natively with the SMF format, so exporting is straightforward. It's a solid free option if you're just getting started and don't want to pay for a DAW.

SMF Type 0 vs. Type 1 — Which Should You Choose?

MIDI files come in two main formats. Here's a quick breakdown:

• SMF Type 0: All tracks are merged into a single channel stream. This format has the best compatibility with hardware synthesizers and older gear. Most ringtone MIDIs use Type 0.
• SMF Type 1: Each track is stored separately, preserving your full arrangement. This is the better choice for transferring between DAWs or importing into notation software.

If you're sharing data with another DAW or opening the file in notation software like MuseScore or Finale, go with Type 1. For more details, check out the official SMF specification at MIDI.org.

Free Browser-Based MIDI Export: LA Studio

Don't have a DAW installed, or working from a Chromebook or borrowed computer? A browser-based DAW is the perfect solution. LA Studio is completely free, requires no account, and lets you program and export MIDI files entirely in your browser.

Here's how to export MIDI from LA Studio:

1. Open the LA Studio editor in your browser — no installation needed
2. Program notes in the Piano Roll, or load an audio file and use the automatic Audio to MIDI conversion (powered by Basic Pitch)
3. Click MIDI Export from the editor's top menu
4. Your .mid file will download directly from the browser

Because there's nothing to install, you can use LA Studio from anywhere. It also includes a sheet music OCR feature (LEGATO AI) — just upload a photo or PDF of a score, and it will automatically convert the notation into a MIDI file. Great for digitizing handwritten music or existing sheet music.

Common MIDI Export Problems (and How to Fix Them)

Problem 1: Tempo is off when opening the MIDI in another DAW

SMF files can carry tempo information, but your DAW may have the "include tempo track" option turned off. Check your export settings and make sure tempo data is enabled. On the receiving end, look for a setting like "use tempo from MIDI file" in the import options.

Problem 2: Pitch bend or CC data isn't coming through

Some DAWs require you to explicitly enable automation data (like pitch bend or mod wheel) as part of the MIDI export. Look for options like "include controller data" or "include pitch bend" in the export dialog.

Problem 3: Instrument Tracks won't export as MIDI

In DAWs like Cubase, tracks tied to a virtual instrument plugin can't always be exported directly as MIDI. The fix: convert the track to a plain MIDI track, or copy the notes from the Piano Roll and paste them into a new MIDI track, then export.

Problem 4: Chords aren't exporting correctly

If you used a chord tool or shorthand chord entry, those chords may need to be "flattened" into individual MIDI notes before exporting. Check your DAW's help documentation for a "expand chords" or "convert to notes" option.

What Can You Do With an Exported MIDI File?

Once you have your .mid file, the possibilities are wide open:

• Print sheet music: Import into MuseScore (free), Finale, or Sibelius to generate and print notation
• Rearrange in a different DAW: Transfer melodies, chord progressions, or drum patterns between production environments
• Play back through hardware synthesizers: Send the MIDI file to a Roland, Yamaha, or other hardware sound module via USB MIDI
• Practice and learning: Load the file into a piano learning app like Synthesia to practice along with
• Feed into AI composition tools: Use the MIDI as input for AI-powered arrangement or harmonization services

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What's the difference between a MIDI file (.mid) and an audio file (.wav/.mp3)?

A. A MIDI file contains only performance data — which notes to play, when, and at what velocity. There's no actual audio in the file, which is why MIDI files are tiny (a few KB to a few dozen KB) and will sound different depending on which instrument plays them back. WAV and MP3 files contain recorded audio waveforms, so they always sound the same regardless of where you play them.

Q. Can I export MIDI for free?

A. Yes. Most paid DAWs (Cubase, Logic Pro, FL Studio, etc.) include MIDI export as a standard feature. For a completely free option, LA Studio is a browser-based DAW with full MIDI export — no installation or account required. LMMS is another solid free desktop option.

Q. Should I use SMF Type 0 or Type 1?

A. Use Type 1 if you're opening the file in another DAW or notation software. Use Type 0 if you need compatibility with hardware synths or older gear. When in doubt, Type 1 is the safer default.

Q. Can I convert an audio file to MIDI and then export it?

A. Yes. LA Studio includes an Audio to MIDI feature (powered by Basic Pitch) that automatically converts WAV or MP3 files into MIDI tracks, which you can then export as an SMF. It all happens in the browser — no need for paid software like Melodyne.

Q. Will my VST plugin's sound settings be saved in the MIDI file?

A. No. MIDI files can include a Program Change message (a general instrument number), but they can't store the specific preset or patch settings from a VST plugin. If you need to preserve your instrument settings along with the notes, save the project in your DAW's native format (.cpr, .als, .logicx, etc.).

Wrapping Up

Exporting MIDI (SMF) is one of the most useful skills in music production — whether you're moving a project between DAWs, generating sheet music, or connecting to hardware gear. In Cubase, Logic Pro, FL Studio, and Ableton Live, it only takes a few clicks. And if you don't have a DAW on hand or just want a quick, hassle-free way to try it out, LA Studio (free) lets you go from note entry to MIDI download entirely in your browser — no installation required.