Convert PDF Sheet Music to MusicXML Online
Turn PDF scores into fully editable MusicXML files for notation software and professional workflows.
What Is MusicXML — and Why Use It?
MusicXML is the universal format for sharing sheet music between notation software. Unlike MIDI, it preserves the complete visual structure of your score.
MIDI
For Playback
MIDI captures pitch, timing, and velocity — perfect for audio playback and DAW production, but loses notation details.
MusicXML
For Notation
MusicXML preserves measures, voices, clefs, dynamics, articulations, and layout — everything you need to edit and publish scores.
MIDI is for playback. MusicXML is for notation.
Fully Editable
Open in MuseScore, Finale, or Sibelius and edit every note, dynamic, and articulation.
Rearrangeable
Extract parts, rearrange voices, and restructure your score with ease.
Publication Ready
Export to PDF, print, or share with professional-quality formatting.
When PDF to MusicXML Is the Right Choice
MusicXML conversion is ideal for notation-focused workflows where editability matters.
Editing Existing Scores
Make corrections, add annotations, or update an existing piece without starting from scratch.
Rearranging Parts
Extract individual instrument parts or combine multiple voices into new arrangements.
Transposing for Different Instruments
Quickly transpose scores for different keys or instrument ranges.
Importing into Notation Software
Bring PDF scores into MuseScore, Finale, Sibelius, or Dorico for further work.
Supported PDF Types
Structure retention depends on your PDF source. Digital PDFs preserve the most detail.
Digital PDFs
Best ResultsExported directly from notation software like Finale, Sibelius, or MuseScore.
- Complete structure preservation
- Accurate measure detection
- Multi-voice recognition
- Clef and key signature retention
Scanned PDFs
Quality DependentCreated by scanning physical sheet music or photographing printed scores.
- Results depend on scan quality
- Review recommended after conversion
- Complex scores may need refinement
- Some manual editing may be required
How PDF to MusicXML Works
Our AI focuses on structure recognition, not just note detection.
Detect Musical Notation
AI scans your PDF to identify notes, rests, clefs, time signatures, and other musical elements.
Reconstruct Score Structure
The system rebuilds measures, voices, staves, and their relationships to preserve the original layout.
Export as Clean MusicXML
Generate a standards-compliant MusicXML file ready for any notation software.
Processing typically takes 15-45 seconds depending on score complexity.
Accuracy & Expectations
MusicXML conversion prioritizes structure preservation over playback realism.
Digital PDFs
Very HighExcellent structure accuracy. Measures, voices, and clefs are reliably preserved.
High-Quality Scans
GoodGood results with clear scans. Review recommended for complex passages.
Complex Orchestral Scores
May Need RefinementLarge scores with many staves may require manual adjustment after conversion.
MusicXML conversion focuses on editability, not playback realism. The goal is a clean, editable score — not an audio-ready file.
Why Choose Melogen AI for PDF to MusicXML?
We built this tool for composers, arrangers, and music educators who need editable scores.
Structure-Focused Recognition
Our AI prioritizes score structure — measures, voices, and layout — not just note detection.
Notation Software Ready
Output files work seamlessly with MuseScore, Finale, Sibelius, and other professional tools.
Professional Workflow
Designed for arrangers, educators, and publishers who need editable, publication-ready scores.
Standards Compliant
We generate clean, valid MusicXML that follows the official specification.
PDF to MusicXML FAQ
Common questions about converting PDF sheet music to MusicXML
MIDI captures pitch, timing, and velocity for audio playback. MusicXML preserves the complete visual structure of a score — measures, voices, clefs, dynamics, articulations, and layout. Use MIDI for DAWs and playback; use MusicXML for notation software and editing.
Yes! That's the main purpose of MusicXML. Open the file in MuseScore (free), Finale, Sibelius, or Dorico to edit notes, dynamics, articulations, and layout.
MusicXML is supported by virtually all notation software: MuseScore (free), Finale, Sibelius, Dorico, Notion, and many others. It's the universal exchange format for sheet music.
Digital PDFs (exported from notation software) achieve very high accuracy. Scanned PDFs depend on scan quality — clear, high-resolution scans work well, but complex scores may need some manual refinement.
Choose MusicXML if you want to edit the score in notation software. Choose MIDI if you want to play back the music in a DAW or create audio. For professional arranging and publishing, MusicXML is usually the better choice.
Yes, but complex orchestral scores with many staves may require some manual adjustment after conversion. The AI handles most standard notation well, but dense passages benefit from review.
Need MIDI Playback Instead?
If you want to play back your score in a DAW or create audio, MIDI is the better choice.
Ready to Convert Your PDF?
Upload your sheet music PDF and get an editable MusicXML file in seconds.
Upload PDF and Export MusicXMLBest for notation software and professional editing