File extension/icon
Description
How to make one
How to open one
.MUSX*
Finale notation file
This is a standard Finale (notation) document file.
Choose Save As from the File menu.
Double-click, or choose File > Open. Or, drag the file onto Finale.
.MID
MIDI file
This is a standard MIDI sequencer file. It can be read by most sequencer programs.
Choose Export > MIDI File from the File menu. Name the file and click
From the File menu, choose Open. From the File Type dropdown, select MIDI File. Double-click on the file.
.FTMX*
Finale template file
This is a file that can be used as a template for creating Finale documents.
From the File menu, choose Save As.
From the File menu, choose Open or New > Document from Template.
.LSN
Lesson file
This file contains a grouping of exercises and an ensemble of instruments.
From the File menu, choose New > Exercise Wizard.
From the File menu, choose Open. From the File Type dropdown, select Lesson File. Double-click on the file.
.XML
MusicXML file
This is a notation document in XML format, used for sharing your document with other music software.
From the File menu, choose Export > MusicXML.
From the File menu, choose Import > MusicXML. Or, drag the MusicXML file onto Finale.
.MXL
Compressed MusicXML file
This is a compressed version of a MusicXML document.
From the File menu, choose Export > MusicXML.
From the File menu, choose Import > MusicXML. Or, drag the MusicXML file onto Finale.
.SMPX*
SmartMusic accompaniment file
This is a file created in Finale for use in SmartMusic.
When you are ready to save a SmartMusic Accompaniment, from the File menu, choose Export to SmartMusic®.
In SmartMusic, from the File menu, choose Open SmartMusic Accompaniment. Choose Finale Family Generated Files. Navigate to the .SMPX file and double-click it.
.BAKX*
Backup file
This is a backup of a standard notation document file.
These files are created when Make Backups When Saving Files is selected in the Preferences dialog box.
In Finale, choose File, then Open. From the File Type dropdown, select All Files. Double-click on the file.
.ASVX*
Auto-save file
This is an automatically saved backup of a standard notation document file.
These files are created when Auto Save Files Every X Minutes is selected in the Preferences dialog box.
From the File menu, choose Open. From the File Type dropdown, select All Files. Double-click on the file.
.FXT
Plug-in application
This is a plug-in, which is an extension that runs only in Finale to allow you to enhance Finale’s abilities.
Finale comes with a number of plug-ins already installed in your Finale folder. If you are interested in making your own plug-ins, please visit our website for details.
FXT files cannot be opened separately. Finale loads all the plug-ins available each time the program is started.
.LIB
Finale library
A Finale library may contain a set of symbols (such as Chords or Articulations), markings (such as Text Expressions), or settings (such as Document settings or Spacing Widths
Choose Save Library from the File menu.
From the File menu, choose Load Library.
.FAN
Finale font annotation file
This is a file used by Finale to display the correct spacing of individual characters in music fonts.
FAN files are automatically created by Finale. They can also be created and edited in the Font Annotation dialog box.
In the Font Annotation dialog box, click Open.
.TMP
Finale temporary file
This is one of Finale’s temporary files; under normal circumstances, you never see them.
The temporary file exists only while your working in Finale (or after the computer is turned off without quitting Finale properly).
These files cannot be opened.
.CLP
Clip file
This file contains a motif, passage, or section of music you’ve copied from a Finale document.
Click the Selection tool; select a region of measures.
While pressing
Click the Selection tool; select a region of measures.
While pressing
.TRK
Track/staff mapping file
This file contains sequencer track/channel-to-Finale staff information for use when you open a MIDI sequencer file with Finale.
Choose Open from the File menu;
From the File menu, choose Open;
