Free MIDI File Splitter Apps and Online Tools ReviewedMIDI files are compact, versatile blueprints for musical data — they don’t contain audio, but instead store notes, timing, controllers, program changes, and other instructions that tell virtual instruments how to play. Splitting a single MIDI file into smaller files or extracting individual tracks/channels is a common task for arrangers, remixers, educators, and anyone working with multi-instrument MIDI compositions. This review surveys free desktop apps and online tools that perform MIDI splitting, evaluates their strengths and weaknesses, and offers recommendations based on common user needs.
Why split MIDI files?
Splitting MIDI files is useful when you want to:
- Isolate a single instrument or part for editing or practice.
- Create stems for remixing or re-arranging.
- Convert multi-track MIDI into separate files per track or per channel.
- Trim long MIDI files into sections (e.g., verses, choruses) for easier import into DAWs or notation software.
What to look for in a MIDI splitter
When choosing a splitter, consider:
- Supported split methods: by track, by channel, by time (measure/beat), or by note-range.
- Batch processing: handling multiple files at once.
- Export formats: standard MIDI files (Type 0/1), and whether the tool preserves tempo, time signatures, and metadata.
- Ease of use: UI clarity, visualization of tracks/channels, preview options.
- Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux, or web-based (no install).
- Privacy and offline capability for sensitive projects.
Desktop Apps
1) Aria Maestosa (free, cross-platform)
Aria Maestosa is an open-source MIDI editor and composer available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. While not a dedicated splitter, it provides good track-level editing and export functions.
Pros:
- Visual piano-roll and score editors.
- Can solo/mute tracks and export selected tracks as new MIDI files.
- Cross-platform and open source.
Cons:
- No one-click “split all tracks” batch command; splitting multiple tracks requires manual export per track.
- Interface feels dated and can be slow on large files.
Best for: Users who want a free, visual MIDI editor and don’t mind exporting tracks one at a time.
2) MIDI Editor (MIDIEditor) (free, Windows/macOS/Linux)
MIDIEditor is a lightweight editor that supports track/channel viewing and editing. It’s useful for basic splits and saving selected portions as new files.
Pros:
- Simple UI focused on editing MIDI data.
- Supports cut/copy/paste and export of selected tracks or time ranges.
- Lightweight and fast.
Cons:
- Feature set is basic compared with full DAWs.
- No advanced batch splitting tools.
Best for: Quick edits and simple splits without leaving a desktop environment.
3) Cakewalk by BandLab (free, Windows)
Cakewalk is a full-featured DAW with excellent MIDI handling. Though its main purpose is production, it can split MIDI tracks and export them individually.
Pros:
- Robust MIDI routing and export options.
- Supports splitting by region/time and exporting selected tracks.
- Professional features without cost (Windows only).
Cons:
- Large install and steeper learning curve.
- Overkill if you only need simple splitting.
Best for: Windows users who want a powerful, free DAW that includes MIDI splitting as part of a broader workflow.
4) Sekaiju (free, Windows, Japan-origin)
Sekaiju is a Japanese open-source MIDI sequencer with powerful track/channel editing and export capabilities.
Pros:
- Precise control over MIDI events, channels, and program changes.
- Can export individual tracks or channels as MIDI files.
- Lightweight and efficient.
Cons:
- Interface and documentation are less polished for English speakers.
- Windows-only.
Best for: Windows users who want detailed control over MIDI event data.
Online Tools
Online splitters are convenient when you don’t want to install software or when you need a quick one-off task. Be mindful of privacy — uploading MIDI files to web services may not be suitable for sensitive or proprietary content.
1) Online MIDI Tools — MIDI Splitter (various web apps)
There are several generic “Online MIDI Tools” sites that include splitting or track extraction features. Functionality varies: some allow you to upload a MIDI file and export individual tracks as separate MIDIs, while others provide simple trimming by time.
Pros:
- No install required; works in-browser.
- Fast for single-file quick edits.
Cons:
- Feature sets vary widely; many lack advanced options.
- Uploading files to third-party servers may raise privacy concerns.
Best for: Casual users needing a fast, no-install split.
2) Bear File Converter (MIDI tools section)
Bear File Converter and similar multi-format converter sites sometimes provide a simple “split by track” option for MIDI files.
Pros:
- Extremely simple UI; often supports drag-and-drop.
- Good for non-technical users.
Cons:
- Limited options; may not preserve metadata or complex tempo maps.
- Uploading MIDI files to an online conversion service has privacy implications.
Best for: Simple, single-track extraction for non-sensitive files.
3) Browser-based DAW/MIDI Editors (e.g., Soundation, BandLab online)
Full online DAWs can import MIDI files and provide track isolation and export. BandLab (online) is free and has a MIDI import function; Soundation and others offer similar features.
Pros:
- Integrated production features; can edit and export multiple tracks.
- No local install; some services offer cloud storage and collaboration.
Cons:
- Requires account sign-up for full features.
- Not focused solely on fast splitting; export workflows may be slower.
Best for: Users who might also mix or edit the MIDI after splitting.
Feature Comparison
| Tool / Category | Platform | Split Methods | Batch Processing | Privacy Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aria Maestosa | Win/mac/Linux | By track (manual export) | No | Local app — good privacy |
| MIDIEditor | Win/mac/Linux | By track/time selection | No | Local app — good privacy |
| Cakewalk by BandLab | Windows | By region/track/time | Indirect via DAW workflows | Local app after install |
| Sekaiju | Windows | By track/channel/events | No | Local app — good privacy |
| Online MIDI Tools | Web | Track/time (varies) | Usually single-file | Upload to third-party servers — privacy risk |
| Browser DAWs (BandLab) | Web | Track/time/region | Some support | Cloud storage — check TOS |
Practical tips for splitting MIDI files
- Decide whether you need Type 0 (single track) or Type 1 (multiple tracks) MIDI output. Type 1 preserves separate tracks; Type 0 combines them.
- If splitting by instrument, check whether parts are separated by track or by MIDI channel. Many multi-instrument files use channels inside a single track.
- Preserve tempo/map: if the destination tool requires consistent tempo/map, ensure it’s exported with tempo/meta messages.
- Use a DAW for batch or complex splits (regions, tempo changes); use lightweight editors for quick trims.
- Keep backups of originals before doing batch operations.
Recommended choices by use-case
- Quick single-track extraction without installs: try a reputable online MIDI splitter (avoid sensitive files).
- Detailed event/channel splitting on Windows: Sekaiju.
- Cross-platform visual editing and per-track export: Aria Maestosa or MIDIEditor.
- Professional, large-scale splitting and export: Cakewalk by BandLab (Windows) or use a DAW on macOS (Logic Pro, Reaper — paid/free trials).
Conclusion
Free tools for splitting MIDI files range from single-function online utilities to full-featured DAWs. For privacy and accuracy, desktop apps (Aria Maestosa, Sekaiju, Cakewalk) are preferable; for convenience, online splitters and browser DAWs work well for quick jobs. Match your choice to whether you need batch processing, channel-level control, or simple track extraction.
If you want, I can: extract a sample MIDI’s tracks and show step-by-step exports in one of these free tools — tell me your OS and whether the MIDI separates instruments by track or by channel.
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