This is a free online tool to convert MIDI Type 1 (Format 1) to Type 0 (Format 0) for Disklavier and other player pianos. It allows for batch upload, and you can download the converted files individually or as a ZIP. This is useful for Yamaha Disklaviers, drum pedals, Casio keyboards, older digital pianos, and dealing with DAWs that export Type 1 by default.
Many older player pianos (and even some newer systems) play Standard MIDI Files (SMF) most reliably when they’re saved as Type 0 (Format 0). Type 1 files store the same song across multiple tracks, which can cause some instruments to play only part of the performance. There are many high-quality MIDI files available for free, and many other MIDI files available for purchase, but these sometimes require conversion.
This tool converts SMF Type 1 to SMF Type 0 by merging tracks into a single track while retaining MIDI channel data. The notes and timing stay the same, but the file becomes easier for many player systems to interpret.
I’ve previously recommended using GNMIDI, or other common tools. Most of these either cost money or are confusing to use. Because this is a common issue for my customers, I wanted to put a simple, free tool right into their hands.
Note that Type 0 versus Type 1 is about tracks—not channels. This converter merges tracks into one track but does not change MIDI channels. If it still plays only one hand after conversion, you may need a channel-remap tool, such as GNMIDI.
This tool works for Yamaha Disklaviers, Clavinovas with MIDI playback, PianoDisc systems, and other hardware-based player pianos that require Type 0 MIDI files.
MIDI Type 1 to Type 0 Conversion Tool
Upload one or many files. Download links appear as they're ready.
All uploaded files are kept no longer than 24 hours. See Privacy Policy for more details. All uploads are scanned for viruses. This file only supports SMF (.mid) files. Conversions are limited to 10 files per minute, and no more than 20 MB at a time. Only upload files you have the legal right to use and upload.
What is a Type 0 MIDI file?
A Type 0 MIDI file is a single-track Standard MIDI File. Type 1 MIDI files use multiple tracks, often splitting the left and right “hands” of a piano piece into two tracks. This is why many people experience the symptom of a MIDI file playing only one “hand” of a piece. Many player pianos—especially Yamaha Disklaviers and similar systems—expect Type 0 format for reliable playback and accurate performance. You can read more at Sweetwater or Basic Synth.
How do I know if a file needs conversion?
If a file plays correctly on your computer but only one hand plays on the piano—or nothing at all—it’s usually because the instrument can’t interpret the multi-track structure. Converting it to Type 0 might fix that.
Some older Disklaviers can only play Type 0 files. Check my Disklavier compatibility chart to see if this applies to your system.
Can I use these converted files on any player piano?
Converted Type 0 files are widely compatible: Disklaviers, Clavinovas, PianoDisc systems, and many others expect this format for playback from USB or MIDI input.
Will the converter change the music itself?
The conversion merges a Type 1 MIDI (multiple tracks) into Type 0 (a single track) so your piano can read it. The performed music—notes, timing, velocities, and controller data—stays the same, but some non-audible metadata may be simplified (for example, redundant tempo events may be consolidated, and per-track titles may be reduced to a single title).
Is MIDI Type 0 the same as E-SEQ?
No. MIDI Type 0 is still a Standard MIDI File, just organized as a single track. Yamaha’s E-SEQ format is proprietary and used primarily on floppy-based Disklaviers. This tool converts between MIDI formats only—it does not create E-SEQ files.
What about Type 2 MIDI files?
Type 2 (Format 2) MIDI files are uncommon, and this converter doesn’t support them. If you run into one, you’ll need to convert it to a standard song format first (Type 0 or Type 1) using a desktop tool. GNMIDI Professional includes options to convert/reshape Type 2 files.
Citations
Sweetwater. “What’s the Difference between MIDI Type 0 and MIDI Type 1 Files?” Sweetwater Knowledge Base, updated 22 June 2017, https://www.sweetwater.com/sweetcare/articles/what-difference-between-midi-type-0-midi-type-1. Accessed 4 Jan. 2026.
“Standard MIDI Files.” BasicSynth, https://www.basicsynth.com/index.php?page=SMF. Accessed 4 Jan. 2026.
Piano and sheet music, Public Domain (PublicDomainPictures.net) — Photo via https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/pictures/180000/velka/piano-1467284727BBP.jpg
