Help & Support

How do I load music files?

Tap the folder icon in the top left to open the library panel. Then tap "Open Folder" to select files from your device, or load files from cloud storage apps like Files, Dropbox, or iCloud Drive.

What file formats are supported?

NotationPlayer supports MusicXML files (.xml, .mxl, .musicxml) and ABC notation files (.abc). These are the most common formats for sharing sheet music digitally.

Where can I find music files to use?

Many websites offer free MusicXML and ABC files. For ABC notation, try thesession.org for traditional folk tunes. For MusicXML, MuseScore.com and IMSLP have large collections. You can also export from notation software like MuseScore, Sibelius, or Finale.

How do I slow down the playback?

For standard playback, use the Tempo slider. For tunes in a Playlist, use the speed buttons (0.5x, 0.75x, 1x, 1.25x) in the playback controls at the bottom of the screen. These let you slow down for practice or speed up for a challenge.

Can I loop a section for practice?

Yes! Tap the loop button (🔁) in the toolbar, then select the start and end points on the notation. The playback will repeat that section until you turn off looping.

How do I select notes to cue or play a section?

You can cue playback by tapping on a note and it will turn blue. Then press play and it should start from the highlighted note. To select several notes, perhaps for looping, tap on the first note to highlight it and then long-press on the end note and the section of notes between the first and last note should turn blue. Now playback is restricted to those notes only until you click on the Clear button to the right of the loop button.

How do I use the metronome?

Tap the metronome button in the toolbar to enable click track playback. You can also enable count-in to hear beats before playback starts. You can change the 'voice' of the metronome from the standard click to some other sounds using Metronome Voice in Setttings. The Metronome Volume of the metronome relative to the other sounds can be controlled in Settings.

What's the difference between Sets and Playlists?

Sets are for organizing related tunes (like a medley or performance set) — they display together as one continuous score. Playlists are for sequential playback — any tunes and sets in the list play one after another (or shuffled if required), perfect for practice sessions or background music. Use the speed controls to play along at the pace that suits you. Multiple instruments can be selected to emulate playing along with a group for a jam or session.

How do I create a playlist?

Open the Collections panel (📚 icon), select "Playlists", then tap "New Playlist". Give it a name, then add tunes or sets by tapping the + button and selecting from your library.

How do I annotate a score?

Select Annotation from the menu shown when the Tools button is pressed. Then select a drawing tool (line, highlighter or text) and choose a colour. Then click or draw on the score surface. Each time you load the file, it will show the annotation. You can Export the score along with any annotation when you Export to a PDF file. Annotation can be removed at any time via the tool.

How does the free trial work?

When you first install NotationPlayer, you get full access to all features for 7 days. After that, premium features are locked until you purchase Full Access. Basic viewing and playback remain free.

Is this a subscription?

No! Full Access is a one-time purchase. Pay once and you own it forever — no recurring charges.

How do I restore my purchase on a new device?

After the trial expires, tap any locked feature to see the upgrade screen, then tap "Restore Purchase". Make sure you're signed into the same Apple ID or Google account you used for the original purchase.

A file won't open or displays incorrectly

Some MusicXML files use features that aren't fully supported yet. Try opening the file in MuseScore (free software) and re-exporting it as MusicXML. If the problem persists, please send us the file so we can investigate.

No sound during playback

Check that your device isn't muted and the volume is up. The first time you play a tune, there may be a short delay while the sound library loads. If playback still doesn't work, try restarting the app.