File extension .ABC
| Full Name | Developer | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Musical Notation Language Format | N/A | Audio Files |
The ABC ( .abc) file extension was introduced by Thomas Gebala (1985) as a way to store musical scores created with ABC Music Notation. It is designed to make the music notation more accessible and easier to manipulate. The ABC file format was created to be further developed by other software, such as MIDI Notator, Easy ABC, MusEdit, and ABC Notation Player. The general structure of an ABC file is composed of meta information, followed by the main body, which consists of the music directives, and finally the body of the music notation.
File Structure
The meta-information section of an ABC file allows for flexibility and control over how the file is read by other software. This information includes key identification (R), title name (T), composer's name (C), information on arrangement (M), and length of each measure (L). It also consists of more specific items, such as address (A), rhythm (Q), user's comments (Z), and user-defined digits to scale the layout of the music notation. For instance, symbols such as ' sharp (#) ' or ' flat ( b) ' are used to indicate notes one semitone higher or lower, respectively. Some of the associated file extensions for ABC include .abp, abcx, .amf, .obj, and .mt9.
Body Elements
The body elements in an ABC file refer to items that control the actual content of the music score present in an ABC file. The core components included in this section are voice parts (V), tempo (Q), chord intervals (H), tuning factors (MIDI pitch mapping0, and time signature. The lyrics mentioned in this section are based on syllables rather than lines, and each syllable is enclosed between two parentheses. For example, if a chord is mentioned in the key of G, it will be represented as 'G-.' Similarly, if a chord requires going two steps below G, it will be represented as 'G--'. Such elements help provide information about how to play a particular note or scale.
Programs for MAC system
Programs for LINUX system
After installing the required software, the operating system will usually automatically associate an unknown file type (in this case .ABC) with the new application. If this does not happen, we can help the system a bit by selecting the software for it, which it should always use to open files with the .ABC extension.
When choosing the software we can select the system to use this software every time.
Remember!
Using it for the first time it is good to check whether the .ABC file opened in the application can be read by us and opens in a way that allows us to use it. If everything is in order, select this option the next time you open a file with the .ABC extension. However, if the file has not opened correctly, we have to look for a different software, with which we can open files with the .ABC extension. Select a different software from our list and install it on your computer. After the software is installed, repeat inspection openings of a .ABC file. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.
Other instructions
If none of the programs listed by us to work with the .ABC file has not meet your expectations, you can try searching other websites. But remember to avoid downloading programs "that can open any file". These applications not only have very limited functionality, but may also expose you to expense tens of dollars when purchasing a license.
In the vast majority of cases you will find the program dedicated to support the .ABC file, or any other file format. In addition, there is a chance that it will be a free program, and its functionality (concerning the .ABC file) will be extended to the maximum.
It is also good to check
- if the .ABC file has no errors
- or if it has been copied (or downloaded by the browser) thoroughly
Author’s guidelines
Mr B. Adam
Author of the guidelines / Founder of FileExtension.info
New technologies enthusiast, helping to solve problems with the files.
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