Free online MUS to MXL converter

Convert a Finale score in MUS format to MXL when you need to share or edit the notation in software that accepts compressed MusicXML. MXL carries score data in a more widely supported interchange format than Finale’s native file.

What the MUS format is

In music composition, .mus is Finale’s proprietary notation-document format. Finale uses it to store a score’s notes, layout, text, and other notation data; it is not an audio file. MUS files are typically encountered in archives or projects created with Finale.

What the MXL format is

.mxl is compressed MusicXML, an interchange format for written music. It packages MusicXML score data in a compressed container, usually making the file smaller than uncompressed MusicXML. Notation programs that support MusicXML can use it to exchange and edit scores.

How to convert MUS to MXL

Online on 101convert.com

1. Upload the MUS file on the converter page; multiple files can be added for batch conversion. The page shows the per-file size limit.
2. Choose MXL as the output format and start conversion. The conversion runs on the site’s server with denigma.
3. Download the converted MXL file.

Offline with desktop software

MuseScore is free and runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, but it does not directly open Finale MUS files. Use Finale to export the score as MusicXML, then use MuseScore to save it as MXL:

1. Open the MUS file in a Finale version that supports it, then choose File → Export → MusicXML and export an uncompressed MusicXML file, such as score.musicxml.
2. Open that MusicXML file in MuseScore. Choose File → Save As, select compressed MusicXML (.mxl) as the file type, and save.

Finale is commercial software for Windows and macOS. If you do not have a version that can open the MUS file, use the online converter or obtain access to a compatible Finale installation before exporting.

Quality and compatibility

MusicXML transfers notation, but it may not preserve every Finale-specific setting or reproduce the original page layout exactly. Check the MXL in your target notation program, especially formatting, fonts, articulations, repeats, lyrics, and playback assignments.