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Converting Your Score

CLARA reads MusicXML, MIDI, and ABC files. If you have a PDF, photo, or paper score, here's how to convert it.

Which method should I use?

Already in notation software? Export as MusicXML directly — no conversion needed. Jump to export instructions

Have a PDF? MuseScore 4 can open PDFs and convert them. It's free and the easiest option. Jump to MuseScore guide

Have a photo or scan? Use a phone app to get a cleaner image first, then MuseScore or Audiveris. Jump to phone apps

Want the most accurate conversion? Audiveris is a powerful open-source OMR engine. Jump to Audiveris guide

Already in Notation Software?

The fastest path — just export as MusicXML

If your score is already in any notation program, export it as MusicXML. This preserves everything — notes, rhythms, key signatures, dynamics, and lyrics.

1

MuseScore (free)

File → Export → Format: MusicXML → Export

1

Finale

File → Export → MusicXML

1

Sibelius

File → Export → MusicXML

1

Dorico

File → Export → MusicXML

1

Noteflight (free, online)

File → Export → MusicXML

1

Flat.io (free, online)

Export → MusicXML

Choose the .mxl (compressed) format if given the option — it's smaller and uploads faster.

MuseScore 4

Recommended — free, easiest option

MuseScore is a free, open-source notation editor that can also import PDFs. It handles most scores well and gives you a chance to review and fix any recognition errors before uploading to CLARA.

1

Download and install MuseScore 4

Free from musescore.org/en/download. Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

2

Open your PDF

File → Open → select your PDF file. MuseScore will convert it using its built-in OMR engine. This may take a minute for longer scores.

3

Review the result

Check that the notes, key signature, and time signature look correct. Fix any obvious errors — OMR isn't perfect, especially with handwritten or low-quality scans.

4

Export as MusicXML

File → Export → choose MusicXML format → Export. Upload the resulting .mxl file to CLARA.

Tips for best results

  • Use a clean, high-resolution PDF — 300 DPI or better
  • Scores from IMSLP or publisher websites usually convert well
  • Handwritten manuscripts and poor photocopies may need manual cleanup

From a Photo or Paper Score

Use your phone to capture the score, then convert

If you have sheet music on paper, you can photograph it and convert it to MusicXML. The key is getting a clean, well-lit image.

1

Take a good photo

Lay the score flat, use even lighting (no shadows across the staff lines), and shoot straight down. Crop tightly to the music — remove blank margins.

2

Use a scanner app (optional but helps)

Apps like Apple Notes (scan document), Microsoft Lens, or Adobe Scan straighten the image, increase contrast, and export as PDF. All free.

3

Convert to MusicXML

Open the PDF or image in MuseScore 4 (free, desktop) or Audiveris (free, desktop). Both can read images and PDFs.

Phone apps that scan directly to MusicXML

PlayScore 2 (iOS/Android) — Point your camera at sheet music and it recognizes the notes in real time. Free version handles single-line melodies; paid version does full scores. Can export MusicXML directly.

ScanScore (iOS/Android/Desktop) — Scans printed sheet music from camera or PDF. Free trial available; exports to MusicXML. Works best with printed (not handwritten) scores.

Audiveris

Free, open-source OMR — most powerful option for complex scores

Audiveris is a dedicated optical music recognition (OMR) program. It's more powerful than MuseScore's built-in PDF import, especially for complex piano music, multi-staff scores, and older engravings. It takes a bit more setup but gives you more control.

1

Install Java (required)

Audiveris needs Java 17 or later. Download from adoptium.net (free). Choose the installer for your system (Windows .msi, macOS .pkg, or Linux .tar.gz). Run the installer and follow the prompts.

2

Download Audiveris

Go to the Audiveris releases page. Download the latest release:

  • Windows: the .msi installer
  • macOS: the .dmg file — drag to Applications
  • Linux: the .deb or build from source
3

Open Audiveris and load your file

Launch Audiveris. Go to File → Input and select your PDF or image file. The score will appear in the main window.

4

Run the transcription

Go to Book → Transcribe Book (or press the green play button in the toolbar). Audiveris will analyze each page — this takes 30 seconds to a few minutes depending on score length.

5

Review and fix errors (optional)

Audiveris highlights uncertain symbols in red. You can click on any symbol to correct it. Focus on key signatures, time signatures, and obviously wrong notes. Minor errors in inner voices can usually be ignored.

6

Export as MusicXML

Go to Book → Export Book. This saves a .mxl file. Upload that file to CLARA.

Troubleshooting

  • "Java not found" — Make sure you installed Java 17+. On macOS, you may need to restart after installing. Run java -version in Terminal to verify.
  • Poor recognition — Try increasing the image resolution (300 DPI minimum). Crop out non-music elements (titles, page numbers, illustrations).
  • Wrong key or time signature — Fix these first in Audiveris, as they affect all subsequent notes.
  • macOS security warning — Right-click the app → Open (first time only). macOS may block unsigned apps by default.

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