SMF File Extension

What is SMF file?

Files with .SMF extension can hold MIDI - Musical Instrument Digital Interface files. SMF files store complete MIDI playback data for MIDI devices or software or hardware sequencers. SMF files do not contain any audio data like other audio format such as WAV or MP3. For this reason SMF files take significantly less disk space and are easier to edit. The first SMF standard specification was released in 1996 and many more revisions followed.

Contents of SMF - Standard MIDI File

SMF file, more commonly saved with MID extension, can contain instructions for audio devices to generate sound, including:

• MIDI notes,
• volume control,
• instrument tracks,
• additional effect (reverb, for example).

The format also allow additional information to be stored such as tags or copyright information. Each SMF files is divided into a header followed by one or multiple tracks.

Using SMF file to share data

The MIDI standard was designed for audio data portability between programs and devices. Midi type 0 support only one track, while type 1 supports multiple such tracks. The types differ in their internal structure but can save the same data. Not all devices and programs support both types. Currently SMF files are supported by QuickTime Player or Windows Media Player, for example, as well as such audio editing applications as Cubase, Digital Performer, or Sonar.

Programs which support SMF file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 2 operating systems that support SMF files. SMF files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 04/04/2023

How to open file with SMF extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening SMF files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Standard MIDI Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Install QuickTime Player software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening SMF files is that no program that can handle SMF files is installed on user’s system. The solution is straightforward, just download and install QuickTime Player. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. If you want to download QuickTime Player installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Apple, Inc. website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Update QuickTime Player to the latest version

You still cannot access SMF files although QuickTime Player is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. If you have an older version of QuickTime Player installed, it may not support SMF format. The latest version of QuickTime Player should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Standard MIDI Format files with QuickTime Player

If you have the latest version of QuickTime Player installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage SMF on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Right-click the SMF file and choose Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where QuickTime Player is installed, check the Always use this app to open SMF files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected SMF file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with SMF extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Check the SMF for errors

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper SMF file. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. The SMF may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

Should it happed that the SMF is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Scan the SMF file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the SMF file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Ensure the file with SMF extension is complete and error-free

If the SMF file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. When downloading the file with SMF extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Standard MIDI Format file.

4. Check whether your system can handle QuickTime Player

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support SMF files. Close all running programs and try opening the SMF file.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Standard MIDI Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with SMF files affecting older versions of given software.

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