Convert SIB to MID

A Sibelius score may need conversion when a DAW, hardware keyboard, sequencer, or other application cannot open .sib files. MIDI is also easier to share and much smaller, but it preserves playback events rather than the original score layout.

What the SIB format is

.sib is the native, proprietary project format used by Avid Sibelius notation software. It can store notes, rests, voices, instruments, lyrics, text, dynamics, tempo changes, playback settings, page layout, and engraving data. A .sib file normally must be opened in Sibelius; its version and the installed Sibelius edition can affect compatibility.

What the MID format is

.mid and .midi are Standard MIDI File extensions. A MIDI file stores events such as note-on and note-off messages, timing, tempo, MIDI channels, program changes, controller data, markers, and sometimes lyrics. It stores performance instructions rather than recorded audio, so it can be edited in a DAW, sequencer, notation program, or MIDI hardware and is usually far smaller than a Sibelius project.

How to convert SIB to MID in Sibelius

1. Open the .sib file in the Sibelius version that supports it. If Sibelius reports that the file is from a newer version, obtain a compatible copy from the sender or have the sender export it.
2. Check the score and playback setup. Verify instruments, voices, repeats, tuplets, tempo changes, dynamics, articulations, and unwanted muted or hidden staves.
3. In current Sibelius versions, choose File → Export → MIDI. In older versions, the MIDI command may appear under File → Save As or a similarly named export menu.
4. Choose the MIDI format if the export dialog provides it. Use Type 1 to retain separate tracks; use Type 0 only when the receiving device or application requires one merged track.
5. Set the destination and save with a .mid extension. Open the exported file in the target DAW, sequencer, notation application, or keyboard and check tempo, track assignments, MIDI channels, program changes, and playback.

Sibelius is the dependable direct converter because it can read the native score and apply its playback interpretation. MuseScore and other notation programs should not be assumed to open .sib files directly. If Sibelius is unavailable, ask the file owner to supply MIDI for playback or MusicXML for continued notation editing, then export the required format from that application.

Online conversion options

There is no broadly reliable online service that accepts every Sibelius version and converts native .sib files to MIDI. General services such as Zamzar or CloudConvert may list many audio and document formats but should be used only if their current converter explicitly lists .sib as an input format; a generic MIDI converter cannot read a proprietary Sibelius project. Do not upload unpublished, client-owned, or confidential scores without checking the service's retention and privacy terms. For a supported file, download the result and verify it in the target software rather than trusting the upload site's preview.

Quality and compatibility limits

The conversion is not lossless. MIDI does not preserve page layout, fonts, staff spacing, engraving rules, most graphical notation, or Sibelius playback sounds. Dynamics and articulations may become velocity or controller events, while ornaments, pedal markings, repeats, text instructions, and playback effects can be translated differently or omitted depending on the Sibelius version and export settings.

MIDI contains no audio. The same file can sound different on different synthesizers because the receiving device or DAW supplies its own instrument patches and sound engine. Render the score to WAV or another audio format when consistent sound is required. Export MusicXML as well when the recipient needs to continue editing notation.

Before sending the file to older hardware, confirm that it supports Standard MIDI Files, the selected Type 0 or Type 1 structure, multiple tracks, the required MIDI channels, and the exported tempo and controller events. Keep the original .sib file: importing MIDI back into Sibelius cannot reconstruct the complete score, layout, notation instructions, or original playback setup.