Free online PTB to MXL converter

A score saved in Power Tab format may need conversion when notation software or a publisher workflow requires MusicXML. MXL stores compressed MusicXML, making the score easier to share and open in compatible notation applications.

What the PTB format is

PTB is the native score format of Power Tab Editor, a tablature editor for guitar and bass. PTB files can contain tablature, standard notation, and performance markings; you typically encounter them in older guitar-tab collections or when receiving a score created with Power Tab Editor.

What the MXL format is

MXL is compressed MusicXML: a notation-exchange format that carries score data such as notes, rhythms, staves, and many markings. It is useful for moving editable notation between supported score editors, and is smaller than uncompressed MusicXML. It is not an audio file.

Online on 101convert.com

1. Upload the PTB file on the converter page; the displayed per-file size limit applies.
2. Choose MXL as the output format and start the conversion. The conversion runs on the site’s server with MuseScore. You can submit several files as a batch.
3. Download the resulting MXL file or files.

Offline with desktop software

With TuxGuitar, open the PTB file and export it as MusicXML using File → Export → MusicXML. TuxGuitar is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Open the exported MusicXML file in MuseScore, then use File → Export and select compressed MusicXML (.mxl) as the format. This two-step route avoids uploading the score.

Quality and compatibility

After conversion, check tablature tuning, rhythms, repeats, bends, and other guitar-specific markings in the MXL file. Power Tab features may not have exact MusicXML equivalents, and notation applications can interpret or display some markings differently.