How to Batch Export Finale Files to MusicXML

*Export Several Finale Files to XML*

Let's look at how you can batch export .musx (or Finale files) to a MusicXML file which can be imported in other programs. We'll talk more about WHAT to do with those files in a later video, but for right now let's just show how you do not have to do an export for each individual file. It's a very simple process if you're using Finale 2014.5 or newer. We're going to look at Finale 25.5 and v27.

Batch export is going to save you a lot of time and provide some ease within the transition from Finale to your next notation software. You can then take the XML (MusicXML) files and open in Dorico, Sibelius, Musescore and more.

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[JeffSmallman]

This is a lifesaver!!! Thanks for this!

[heathery]

This video is super helpful! Thank you so much!

[davemontreuil]

I searched for all of my .musx and .mus files and made a copy of them and put them into one folder. I was able to make over 6000 .xml files by letting my machine go. There were a few really old files that it could not handle, so I had to click skip. But really it worked perfectly.

[jaireidca]

I converted 375 Finale lead sheets (generally a max of 2 pages each) in one batch to musicXML and it worked flawlessly.

[banjocatbird]

Thanks so much! This makes "the switch" much easier. Just a caveat...Steinberg says you should use musicXML version 4 to import into Dorico. I think that might be why they finally (pun unintented) offered a free upgrade to Finale V27. I have V26 and it only goes up to version 3 in the MusicXML preferences. So much fun!

[jamesdefrancesco]

I will try this batch xml this weekend. Thanks for relieving some of the stress. Glad I found your channel. I subscribed!

[stevekraus]

In Finale 27 go to MusicXML preferences and specify MusicXML 4.0 first. Also specify subdirectories. Mention that the new MusicXML files are Created in the same folder alongside the matching MUSX file.

[seethismusic]

If you're getting MXL files, go to Preferences under EXPORT/TRANSLATE and make sure XML button is unchecked...

[davidparker]

Great video! I was so scared when the news dropped about finale.

I write a lot for percussion. How would you compare writing for percussion in Dorico vs Finale?

[Vadian-iy]

Does selecting the menu item consider also subfolders? The FinaleScript version does, at least you can say “process subfolders”

[samsmith]

Finale v27.4.1.110 Win10. I understand "translate folder to MusicXML." Now that I've converted my documents to xml I'd like to also save them as pdf. For a test, I have a folder of finale documents on the desktop. I want to batch process all documents in the folder to pdf. Can you show us how to use FinaleScripts to convert (either export or print) finale documents in a folder to pdf?

[NickOswald]

I used finale to arrange music. All of my arrangements are in one main folder (arrangements) and then subfolders (listed by each song). Can I just select the main arrangement folder or do I need make a copy of all my finale files dump then in one folder (so there aren't any other file types) and then put each XML file back in it's proper home?

[davemontreuil]

Is there anyway to have all my musx files batch printed as pdf files? I find the format, look and layout of the xml files really not good enough.

[ccjazzmusic]

Does doing this keep the old musx file as well as make a new file?

[seethismusic]

The finale batch processor is creating MXL files NOT XML files. IS THIS A PROBLEM?