How to import a MIDI file into your DAW

A MIDI file holds notes, not sound, so it can be played by any instrument in your DAW. In every DAW the quickest way in is the same: drag the .mid file into the project. Here are the details for Ableton Live, FL Studio and Logic Pro.

Ableton Live

  1. Create a MIDI track and load an instrument on it (a Serum 2 preset, Wavetable, Operator).
  2. Drag the .mid file from Explorer or Finder into a clip slot (Session view) or onto the track in Arrangement view.
  3. Press play. A MIDI file with several tracks becomes one clip per track when you drag it into empty space.
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FL Studio

  1. Drag the .mid file from Explorer or Finder onto the Channel rack or into the Playlist.
  2. Depending on where you drop it, FL Studio may ask how to import it: into the current pattern, or as new channels for each track in the file.
  3. Swap the instrument on each new channel for the one you want, and open the piano roll to edit the notes.

You can also import from the File menu under Import, then MIDI file.

Logic Pro

  1. Drag the .mid file into the Tracks area. Logic creates a software instrument track for it.
  2. Or choose File, then Import, then MIDI File.
  3. Pick the instrument you want from the library on the left.

If it plays at the wrong tempo

Some MIDI files carry a tempo. When you drag one into an existing project, most DAWs keep the project tempo and the notes stay on the grid. If you open the file as a new project instead, the file's tempo can take over. Check the project tempo after importing and set it back if it changed.

Making it sound good

  • Chords: try a pad or a soft key sound first, then a pluck for a more rhythmic feel.
  • Bass: put the bass part on its own track with a mono bass sound.
  • Move it: shift a few notes off the grid or lower the velocity on the offbeats for a more human feel.
  • Change the key: transpose the whole clip up or down. Every note moves together, so it stays in key.
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Questions

How do I import MIDI into Ableton?

Drag the .mid file onto a MIDI track or into a clip slot, then load an instrument on the track.

How do I import MIDI into FL Studio?

Drag the file onto the Channel rack or the Playlist, or use File, Import, MIDI file.

How do I import MIDI into Logic?

Drag the file into the Tracks area, or choose File, Import, MIDI File.

Why is my MIDI file silent?

MIDI is only notes. Put an instrument on the track and it will play.

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