Quick Start
Open the Library tab
At the bottom of the screen.
Tap the Add button (+)
In the bottom-right corner.
Tap "Import Files"
Opens your device's file browser.
Select your file(s)
From local storage, iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.
Tap the piece to start practicing
New pieces appear in the "Just Imported" section.
Supported File Formats
For best results, use MusicXML. Other formats work but may lose some details.
| Format | Extensions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MusicXML | .musicxml .xml .mxl |
Best quality - preserves all notation |
| MIDI | .mid .midi |
Converted automatically (may lose dynamics, articulations) |
| LilyPond | .ly |
Converted automatically |
.pdf |
View-only (no practice mode) |
Maximum file size: 100MB. You can select multiple files at once.
About MIDI and LilyPond conversion
When you import MIDI or LilyPond files, Crescendo converts them to MusicXML. You'll see a notice that conversion may not be 100% accurate. For best results, use MusicXML files when available.
MXL vs Uncompressed MusicXML
Both formats work identically in Crescendo. The only difference is file size.
| Format | Extension | Example Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compressed | .mxl |
~33 KB | Recommended |
| Uncompressed | .musicxml .xml |
~789 KB | Works fine, just larger |
Example: Clair de Lune is 33 KB as .mxl vs 789 KB as .musicxml (24x smaller). Both render identically.
Import from Your Device or Cloud Storage
The file picker lets you browse local files and cloud storage (iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox) if you have those apps installed.
iOS File Picker
The iOS file picker shows the Files app interface. You can access:
- On My iPhone/iPad - Local files
- iCloud Drive - Built-in, no extra setup
- Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive - If those apps are installed
Cloud files are downloaded automatically when you select them.
Android File Picker
The Android file picker uses the system document browser. You can access:
- Downloads - Files you've downloaded
- Internal storage - Any accessible folder
- Google Drive - Via the Files app
- Dropbox, OneDrive - If those apps are installed
No special permissions are needed. The file picker handles everything.
Import from a URL
If someone shares a link to a music file, you can paste it directly.
- Tap the Add button in Library
- Select Import from URL
- Paste or type the URL to your file
- Tap Import
Supported Cloud Services
| Service | URL Import Status |
|---|---|
| Dropbox, Google Drive, GitHub, GitLab | Works automatically |
| OneDrive (Personal) | May need sign-in |
| iCloud, MEGA, Box, SharePoint | Use file picker instead |
Import from Email Attachments
If someone emails you a music file, save it first, then import.
Workflow: Tap the attachment in your email app → Save to Files (iOS) or Download (Android) → Open Crescendo → Import Files → Select the saved file.
After Importing
Where your pieces appear
- New pieces appear in the "Just Imported" section at the top of your Library
- This section is temporary - pieces move to "All Pieces" after you dismiss it
- You can organize pieces into folders by long-pressing a piece
What happens during import
- Validates the file (format, size limit of 100MB)
- Extracts .mxl files (if compressed)
- Checks for duplicates using a content fingerprint
- Copies the file to app storage
- Extracts metadata (title, composer, key, tempo)
About PDF files
PDFs open in a dedicated viewer with page navigation, zoom, and a metronome. However, practice mode is not available for PDFs because they don't contain structured music data.
Troubleshooting
"Already in library"
Crescendo uses a content fingerprint to detect duplicates. Even if you renamed the file, it recognizes it's the same piece.
The message tells you the existing title, so you can find it in your library.
"File too large"
The maximum file size is 100MB. Most sheet music files are well under 5MB.
If your file is larger, try:
- Using .mxl instead of .musicxml (compressed format)
- Splitting multi-movement works into separate files
"Unrecognized file format"
Crescendo supports: .mid, .midi, .musicxml, .mxl, .xml, .ly, .pdf
Common unsupported formats:
- .mscz (MuseScore) - Export as MusicXML first
- .sib (Sibelius) - Export as MusicXML first
- .musx (Finale) - Export as MusicXML first
"MIDI conversion failed" or "LilyPond conversion failed"
The file may be corrupted or use features our converter doesn't support.
Try:
- Opening the file in another program to verify it works
- Exporting as MusicXML from MuseScore or notation software
- Finding an alternative version of the piece
"Potentially malicious file detected"
Crescendo detected patterns associated with XML security attacks. This is rare for legitimate files.
If you trust the file source, try re-exporting from MuseScore or your notation software.
"No MusicXML content found in archive"
The .mxl file is a valid ZIP archive, but Crescendo couldn't find the expected MusicXML content inside.
Try re-exporting as .mxl from your notation software.
File imports but looks wrong
Display issues are usually caused by the source file, not the import.
Try:
- Using MusicXML instead of MIDI (preserves more notation details)
- Opening in MuseScore first to check if it displays correctly there
- Finding a different version of the same piece
File picker doesn't show cloud files
iOS: Make sure iCloud Drive is enabled in Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud. For Google Drive or Dropbox, you need those apps installed and signed in.
Android: Cloud storage apps appear in the file picker if installed. Try browsing through the "..." menu or hamburger icon in the picker.
URL import says "Access denied"
The file isn't publicly accessible. Make sure the share link is set to "Anyone with the link can view."
For iCloud links, URL import won't work. Use the file picker instead.
Where to Find Sheet Music Files
MuseScore.com (Recommended)
- 1.5+ million scores from community contributors
- Download as MXL format
- Free for public domain classical pieces
Mutopia Project
- 2,000+ public domain pieces (Bach, Beethoven, Chopin)
- Download MIDI or LilyPond files
- Completely free, no account required
Your Own Files
Export MusicXML from notation software like MuseScore (free), Finale, Sibelius, or Dorico. Your teacher can also send you files directly.
Why can't I practice with my PDF?
PDFs are images - they don't contain structured music data (which notes, which beats, which staff). Crescendo needs this data to check your playing.
For practice mode, find the piece on MuseScore.com in MusicXML format.
Can I import directly from MuseScore.com without downloading?
Not currently. MuseScore's API is private, so you need to download the MXL file first, then import it. It's a two-step process, but only takes a few seconds.
Still Need Help?
Having trouble with a specific file? Send it to us and we'll take a look.
Response time: 2-3 business days