---
name: "midi2ly"
section: "1"
platform: "linux"
package: "lilypond"
version: "1:2.26.0-1"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/midi2ly"
---

# midi2ly(1)

manual page for midi2ly (LilyPond) 2.26.0

## NAME

midi2ly - manual page for midi2ly (LilyPond) 2.26.0

## SYNOPSIS

**midi2ly** \[*OPTION*\]... *FILE*

## DESCRIPTION

Convert MIDI to LilyPond input.

## OPTIONS

- **-a**, **--absolute-pitches**

  print absolute pitches

- **-d**, **--duration-quant**=*DUR*

  quantise note durations on DUR

- **-D**, **--debug**

  debug printing

- **-e**, **--explicit-durations**

  print explicit durations

- **-h**, **--help**

  show this help and exit

- **-i**, **--include-header**=*FILE*

  prepend FILE to output

- **-k**, **--key**=*ALT\[*:MINOR\]

  set key: ALT=+sharps\|-flats; MINOR=1

- **-o**, **--output**=*FILE*

  write output to FILE

- **-p**, **--preview**

  preview of first 4 bars

- **-q**, **--quiet**

  suppress progress messages and warnings about excess voices

- **-s**, **--start-quant**=*DUR*

  quantise note starts on DUR

- **-S**, **--skip**

  use s instead of r for rests

- **-t**, **--allow-tuplet**=*DUR*\*NUM/DEN

  allow tuplet durations DUR\*NUM/DEN

- **-V**, **--verbose**

  be verbose

- **--version**

  show version number and exit

- **-w**, **--warranty**

  show warranty and copyright

- **-x**, **--text-lyrics**

  treat every text as a lyric

## EXAMPLES

-

  `$ midi2ly --key=-2:1 --duration-quant=32 --allow-tuplet=4*2/3 --allow-tuplet=2*4/3 foo.midi`

## REPORTING BUGS

Report bugs via bug-lilypond@gnu.org

## SEE ALSO

The full documentation for **midi2ly** is maintained as a Texinfo manual.  If the **info** and **midi2ly** programs are properly installed at your site, the command

-

  **info midi2ly**

should give you access to the complete manual.