Convert PDF to SIB

Understanding PDF and SIB file formats

PDF (Portable Document Format) is a widely used file format developed by Adobe for presenting documents, including text and images, in a manner independent of application software, hardware, and operating systems. PDF files are commonly used for sharing sheet music, scores, and other music-related documents in a fixed layout.

SIB is the native file format for Sibelius, a popular music notation software. SIB files contain musical scores, including notes, lyrics, dynamics, and other notational elements, allowing for editing, playback, and printing within Sibelius.

Why convert PDF to SIB?

Converting a PDF (sheet music) to a SIB file allows musicians and composers to edit, arrange, and playback the music in Sibelius. Since PDF files are not directly editable in notation software, conversion is essential for further musical work.

How to convert PDF to SIB

Direct conversion from PDF to SIB is not natively supported by Sibelius. However, you can achieve this in two main steps:

1. Convert PDF to MusicXML: Use optical music recognition (OMR) software to scan and interpret the sheet music in the PDF and export it as a MusicXML file, a widely supported music notation interchange format.
2. Import MusicXML into Sibelius: Open the MusicXML file in Sibelius and save it as a SIB file.

Recommended software for PDF to SIB conversion

• PhotoScore & NotateMe Ultimate: This is the official OMR software recommended by Avid (the makers of Sibelius). It can read printed and handwritten sheet music from PDFs and export directly to Sibelius.
• SmartScore: Another powerful OMR tool that can convert PDF sheet music to MusicXML, which can then be imported into Sibelius.
• ScanScore: Offers accurate PDF-to-MusicXML conversion, suitable for importing into Sibelius.

Step-by-step conversion process

1. Open your OMR software (e.g., PhotoScore & NotateMe Ultimate).
2. Use File → Open to select your PDF sheet music.
3. Let the software scan and recognize the music notation.
4. Export the recognized score as a MusicXML file using File → Export → MusicXML.
5. Open Sibelius and use File → Import to import the MusicXML file.
6. Once imported, save your project as a SIB file using File → Save As.

Important tips

• Accuracy depends on PDF quality: Clean, high-resolution PDFs yield better results.
• Manual corrections may be needed: OMR is not perfect; review and edit the imported score in Sibelius.
• Trial versions available: Most OMR software offers trial versions to test conversion quality before purchase.