Free online MGU to MXL converter

If a notation editor or score archive accepts MusicXML but not Band-in-a-Box songs, an MGU file needs conversion before it can be used there. MXL is the compressed form of MusicXML and is intended for exchanging notated scores.

What the MGU format is

MGU is a Band-in-a-Box song file created by PG Music’s Band-in-a-Box. It stores song information such as chords, melody, and arrangement or style settings; you typically encounter it when opening or sharing a Band-in-a-Box composition.

What the MXL format is

MXL is a compressed MusicXML score file. It is useful for transferring notation between compatible notation programs while keeping the score in a smaller, packaged file than uncompressed MusicXML.

How to convert MGU to MXL

Online on 101convert.com

Upload the MGU file on this page, select MXL as the output format, and start the conversion. The conversion runs on the site’s server with MuseScore. You can convert several files in one batch; the per-file size limit is shown on the page. Download the resulting MXL file when conversion finishes.

Offline with desktop software

Band-in-a-Box for Windows or macOS can export a song as MusicXML; MuseScore, available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, can then save that score as MXL:

1. Open the MGU file in Band-in-a-Box.
2. Choose File → Save Special → Save Song as MusicXML and save the exported MusicXML file. The menu option may depend on the Band-in-a-Box version.
3. Open the exported file in MuseScore, choose File → Save As, and select compressed MusicXML (.mxl) as the file type.

Quality and compatibility

MXL carries notation, not Band-in-a-Box’s style engine or generated audio. After conversion, check the score in the target program for missing or altered melody, chord symbols, lyrics, or layout; program-specific arrangement settings may not transfer.