Data Files

This is the list of files you can currently upload to Octavian when creating a new tune. Note that only 4 files are required, other files are optional.

#	File Type	File Name Ends With	Required	Example	Comment
1	SVG	.svg	yes	a_thin_rowan_tree.svg	Used to extract note x-offsets (used by the player).
2	PNG	.png	yes	a_thin_rowan_tree.png	Moving sheet music loaded into the player.
3	MID	_left.mid	yes	a_thin_rowan_tree_left.mid	Used to extract notes for the left hand.
4	MID	_right.mid	yes	a_thin_rowan_tree_right.mid	Used to extract notes for the right hand.
5	PNG	_cover.png	no	a_thin_rowan_tree_cover.png	250x250 image displayed in the catalogue.
6	PDF	.pdf	no	a_thin_rowan_tree.pdf	Downloadable sheet music of the tune.
7	SIB	.sib	no	a_thin_rowan_tree.sib	The original Sibelius file used for editing.
8	SIB	_panorama.sib	no	a_thin_rowan_tree_panorama.sib	Modified Sibelius file to present the score as panorama for the player.
9	XML	.xml	no		The original score in MusicXML format.
10	XML	_panorama.xml	no		The original score represented as panorama sheet in MusicXML format.
11	TXT	<layout>.txt	no	b_griff_bajan.txt	Layout fingering.

Process

1. You should probably start creating the tune in a music notation program such as Sibelius. You can upload the original sib file as #7 in the list above. This file is optional and is uploaded only for sharing with other people and your own reference. If you choose a different program such Finale or MuseScore then you should export your score to MusicXML format and upload it as #9.

2. When your score is ready you can export it to PDF and upload it as #6. This is the file that users will be able to download.

3. You should now create a panorama version of your score. It shouldn't contain repetitions because that's how the Octavian player works: simple and straightforward. I recommend creating a new file in your program and using copy and paste to move parts of the original score. Upload original panorama files as #8 and #10.

4. At this point you should be able to export your panorama score to SVG and PNG formats. I recommend exporting the score first to SVG and then using Inkscape you can modify it and further export it to PNG. The problem with Sibelius SVG export is that it adds unnecessary artifacts and the resulting SVG canvas is huge. Here is a separate page describing the process in detail: Export panorama score to SVG and PNG

5. #1 and #2 should be identical in size and notation. Use Inkscape to export your SVG file to PNG. PNG file is necessary because of the performance issues. Ideal height of the PNG file is 300 px.

6. Temporarily remove left-hand / right-hand part from the panorama score and export the hands separately as midi files. These midi files are used to extract notes.