10.6

766Logic Pro User Guide
Import MusicXML files to a Logic Pro project
MusicXML is an XML-based music notation file format, supported by many notation and
music OCR apps and some music production apps. MusicXML files contain MIDI data, as
well as additional notation data that is mapped to Logic Pro notation features including
score symbols, staff styles, and more. You can import a MusicXML file to a new or existing
project, play the resulting regions in the project, and view the regions as music notation.
When you import a MusicXML file, new tracks are created below any existing tracks in
the Tracks area, with MIDI regions containing the contents of the MusicXML file. Regions
are added starting from the playhead position. The tracks (instruments) of the MusicXML
file are assigned to tracks (instruments) with the same name, if such tracks (instruments)
exist in the project. If no tracks (instruments) with the same name exist, a new software
instrument track and channel strip are created for each track (instrument) of the imported
MusicXML file.
Import a MusicXML file
Choose File > Import > MusicXML, then choose the file in the Import dialog.
Position items (graphically) in the Logic Pro Score Editor
You can position items graphically to improve the readability of your score (creating space
for a grace note, for example). There are three ways to position items:
• Using the Layout tool: The Layout tool is used to graphically move events in the Score
Editor, in order to optimize the display without altering the timing of MIDI events.
• Using the Event inspector: You can change the graphical position of Score Editor
symbols and text in the Event inspector by editing the Vertical Position and Horizontal
Position parameters.
• Using key commands: You can use key commands to move any score symbol that
can be positioned independently of notes or staffs, as well as text events and chord
symbols. These functions don’t alter the bar position of the affected symbols and text
events. They alter the Horizontal Position and Vertical Position parameters by ±1.
Position items using the Layout tool
Select the Layout tool, then drag notes, symbols, text, or other items.
• When you move symbol or text objects with the Layout tool, the bar position is
retained. The Horizontal Position and Vertical Position parameters, however, are
changed (as indicated in the help tag during the process).
• You can only edit the horizontal position of a note in relation to its bar position
using the Layout tool, not its vertical position. Dragging the note to the right or left
changes the displayed distance from the adjacent notes or rests. The bar position
(and playback) is unaltered.
Note: The bar position determines playback timing, as this is the actual MIDI event
position. Remember that the Score Editor is primarily designed to deliver notation, and
that most (but not all) editing functions are graphical, rather than physical, in nature.