Files : general points

What kind of files can be read or written by the program?

First, the software can read and write music scores in any file format specific to Myriad. These file formats enable to save your documents and to reload them while keeping any setting you could have defined.
Here is the list of these "native" file formats:

Standard file format	.myr, .mus	The file format in which documents are usually stored. In the software preference panel, you can define whether these files will be packed (lossless) or not
Stand-alone	.mux	All digital instruments are stored in the file as custom user instruments, for a same rendering on any sound base..
Standard, with packed digital data	.mu3	Digital data within the file (digital tracks and custom instruments) are packed in MP3 or OGG (selectable) in order to save space. Be careful, these two kinds of packing schemes are destructive (lossy)

Moreover, the software can import or export files in various formats from third-party software. Harmony Assistant is one of the score notation program that supports the biggest variety of file kinds. The complete list of supported file formats is available on our Web site, in the page explaining the differences between Harmony and Melody Assistant.

How can I export my tune to be used in another program?

It depends on the kind of your "other software".

1- If it is a music notation software:

If you own Harmony Assistant and the target software imports XML files, export in this format.
Otherwise, export your tune in MIDI1 format. It is the most commonly used.
Tip : When you save a Midi file, all that is saved is the information you hear when you play the tune. So be careful about the tune playing mode, the position of the start bar,etc.

2- If it us an audio editor, a jukebox or an audio CD burning software, then export in WAV, AIFF, MP3 or OGG format

I need to use my tune in a multimedia project. How can I do this?

Export your piece in MP3, WAV, AIFF or MIDI format.

I wish to make an audio CD that contains my better tunes. How can I do this?

Read the "Making an audio CD" chapter in the manual.

I just received a ".MUS" file from a friend of mine, but I cannot load it in the program. What happens?

Ensure this file has actually been created using Melody/Harmony Assistant. Even if the file extension (last characters) is .MUS, it might be not enough. Many music programs use this extension, but each file can only be read by the application that created it.
Please note however that Harmony Assistant imports directly Finale® and MusicTime® ".mus" files.

If you can't succeed in importing them and you own Harmony Assistant, ask your friend to export his score in MusicXML format if he can.
The last option will be to ask your friend to export his score in MIDI format, then import it in Melody or Harmony Assistant. Despite its weaknesses, MIDI format remain the only usable interchange format between almost all music programs.

Under Windows, I already own another application that uses the ".MUS" file extension. How to avoid an extension conflict?

When installing the program, select a custom install, and in the next panel, edit the file extensions. Deselect ".MUS" and let ".MYR" selected.
Once installed, run the program, then select "Configuration>Global settings".
In the "Save" tab, select "by default, propose the .myr extension instead of .mus".
Doing so, the program will use the ".MYR" extension only.

Some files (MIDI, MOD...) cannot be imported in the program. What happens?

First, ensure these files are not damaged, and can be played using standard tools. If they seem correct, fill in a problem report form and sent it to our technical support along with one of the offending files.

Why does Harmony/Melody create two files for each piece of music I create: a .mus file and .bak file ? What is the difference?

When you save a standard file (.mus, .myr) a backup copy (.bak) of the previous file version is done, so you will be able to go back on your work if you want.
You can have from 0 (none) to 99 last versions of your file on your hard drive.
The number of copies can be configured in Global setup>Save panel.