Free online NWCTXT to MUSICXML converter

A score exported from NoteWorthy Composer may need conversion before it can be opened in notation software that accepts MusicXML but not NWCTXT. MusicXML provides a notation interchange format for sharing and further editing in compatible score editors.

What the NWCTXT format is

NWCTXT is the plain-text representation of a musical score used by NoteWorthy Composer (NWC), a Windows notation program. You may encounter it when a score is exported or saved as text for editing, inspection, or transfer between NWC users. It encodes score elements and their properties; it is not a general-purpose interchange format supported by most notation apps.

What the MUSICXML format is

MusicXML is a notation interchange format supported by many music-scoring programs. It carries musical structure such as notes, measures, parts, lyrics, and directions, allowing compatible apps to display and edit a score. It is useful when sharing notation between different editors; layout and application-specific details may not transfer exactly.

How to convert NWCTXT to MUSICXML

Online on 101convert.com

1. Open the NWCTXT-to-MusicXML converter page and upload the .nwctxt file.
2. Start the conversion, then download the resulting MusicXML file.

The converter runs on the site’s server using nwc2xml. It supports batch conversion, subject to the per-file size limit shown on the page.

Offline with desktop software

Use the NWC2XML utility for a local conversion. In Windows, install or obtain a compatible release, open Command Prompt in the utility’s folder, and check its supported syntax with nwc2xml.exe /?. Then run the command in the form documented for that release, supplying the .nwctxt input and a MusicXML output path such as score.musicxml. Options can differ between releases, so use the included help or documentation rather than assuming a command-line syntax.

Quality and compatibility

After conversion, open the result in the target notation program and check the parts, rhythms, lyrics, repeats, and directions. NWC-specific objects or formatting may not have a direct MusicXML equivalent, and page layout can change between programs.