“Midi it!” is a Macintosh utility which changes the file type and creator of a standard MIDI file so the file can be used by your sequencer. You can change selected files or all files in a folder by dragging and dropping them onto the “Midi It!” icon. If a file is not a standard MIDI file, it will not be changed.
I guess the scene “Midi It!” can participate most actively is when you import Standard MIDI Files from DOS using a tool such as Apple File Exchange, or, when you download Standard MIDI Files through computer network that were created other machines other than Macintosh.
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In those cases, the file types of the files may be set to 'TEXT' or 'BINA' and average sequencer program for Macintosh can’t read them. The file type of Standard MIDI Files is defined as 'Midi' and other types aren’t recognized even if the files' contents are correctly constructed as Standard MIDI Files format. In such cases, you may just set the types to 'Midi'.
It's a simple answer but how do you actually change the type? You’ve already had several solutions.
1) Use ResEdit, open the file using “Get File Info” menu, and set the type to 'Midi'.
2) Use general purpose type changing utilities such as File Typer.
3) Use Standard MIDI Files specific type changing utilities such as MIDI File Converter.
I haven’t been satisfied, however, with any of those ways.
1) ResEdit requires too many procedures and it is dangerous when I wrongly operate them.
2) General purpose utilities change any files to 'Midi', even though the files are totally different from Standard MIDI files.
3) That's the same on the dedicated utilities. Some of them recognize extension mark of “.MID” as 'Midi' but it doesn't allow me to name files freely and it’s not likely Macintosh style.
At last, I decided to write my own program that checks the file is really a Standard MIDI File before changing the file type.
That’s the “Midi It!”.
2. How to use it?
2.1. Drag and Drop
If you use System 7, you can use “Midi It!” by common “Drag and Drop” operation.
Just drag and drop your Standard MIDI file onto “Midi It!” icon on the Finder screen. Then “Midi It!” will read the file, checks the contents of the file and change the file type.
When it recognizes the file is Standard MIDI file format, it shows the file info and asks you to go ahead. If you hit the OK button, then it really changes the file type.
It also can catch a folder dropping. At this case, “Midi It!” checks all the file in the folder and if it finds Standard MIDI Files, change the types of them.
“Midi It!” checks the dropped file whether if it’s a Standard MIDI file beforehand. You won’t get a wrongly converted file even if you drop other type of files. (The author has tried to write “Midi It!” to do so. In case it fails, please let me know what went wrong.)
From the version 1.2, “Midi It!” applies Macintosh Drag and Drop. Try dropping files or folders directly to the “Open” button. (It requires System 7.5 or greater.)
2.2. Press “Open” button on the button window
You can select files using “Open” button. You will see a file select dialog and , using this, you can select any files or folders. When you choose a locked file, you can unlock using a checkbox below the “Open” button in the file select dialog.
2.3. Select “Open...” of the “File” menu
This operation is identical to the “Open” button.
You can also use “Command + O” shortcut. You can even abbreviate just pressing “O” key.
3. Are there any options?
3.1. English/Japanese language sets
“Midi It!” was born in Japan. It is natural that is has Japanese messages as well as English ones.
You can select one of those using “Language” menu.
However, if you haven't installed Japanese System such as KanjiTalk or Japanese Language Kit from Apple®, you can't get Japanese messages.
3.2. Options
“Midi It!” offers you five kinds of options. To choose those options, open “Preferences” window by pressing the “Prefs” button or “Open Preferences” in the “Preferences” menu. You can select options in the window using dedicated check boxes.
3.2.1. Open dialog on double-click startup
It is a switch to let “Midi It!” open the file select dialog on startup.
If it is set to on, “Midi It!” immediately shows file select dialog.
3.2.2. Show SMF Info. before changing type
If it is set to on, “Midi It!” shows Standard Midi File Info before changing file type and asks you to change it.
It may make you feel safe and comfortable to see this information before changing a file.
If you don’t want to have to hit the “OK” button each time, then turn off this function.
3.2.3. Remain after drag & drop
It sets “Midi It!” to remain after “drag and drop” operation.
If it is set to on, it stays after type-changing. Otherwise, it quits immediately.
3.2.4. Sound effects on during change
If it is set to on, “Midi It!” lets you know when it finished the changing procedure by playing a bell sound. If this is annoying, set it to off.
3.2.5. Use left cursor
You can choose right or left cursor.
Frankly speaking, I don’t have any real reason for implementing this other than personal desire.
3.3. Default Application
“Midi It!” does not change only a file type but also a file creator that represents which application has created the file. Utilizing this signature, you can launch the application you always use just by double-clicking the type-changed file.
I’ve already register two applications I purchased, Vision™ and Performer™. You can add other applications as you like up to 10 kinds.
3.3.1. Registering a new application.
Choose an empty button and double-click it or choose the “New Application...” item of “Preferences” menu.
Then the file select dialog will appear. Please select your application to register.
You will see the application icon on the button when registration is successfully done.
From the version 1.2, you can drag and drop applications directly onto the button.
3.3.2. Removing a registered application.
When you want to removed a registered application, choose the button of the application and select the “Cut” or “Clear” item of the “Edit” menu. You can also use the “Command + X” or “Delete Key” shortcuts.
3.3.3. Changing the default application
I think you don’t need further explanation. Just click an application button you want to select. The button’s color will change to green.
Next time you change the file type, the creator will also be changed as you designate.
3.3.4. Launching the registered application.
You can launch the registered application from “Midi It!”.
Double-click an icon of the registered application or select the “Launch” item of File menu.
3.3.5. Registering Netscape Navigator
You can listen to Standard MIDI Files using Netscape Navigator by installing such plug-ins as QuickTime Plugin. You cannot, however, drag and drop Standard MIDI Files onto the Navigator icon since it is not set to recognize file type: 'Midi'. You can avoid this inconvenience by registering Netscape Navigator to Midi It! and change creator of Standard MIDI Files to Netscape Navigator's.
Those are all of the options of “Midi It!”.
4. On what Macintosh does it work?
“Midi It!” works on Macintosh Plus or greater.
Up to version 1.0.1, “Midi It!” needs color QuickDraw but, from version 1.0.2, it can run on Macintosh Plus even without the color environment.
From version 1.2, “Midi It!” becomes a FAT application. Now it’s fully compatible to PowerMacintosh. Instead, it only supports System 7 or greater since it is too hard to catch up the latest technology while supporting old versions. Hence “Midi It!” no longer runs under System 6, sorry.
5. How much do I pay for it?
“Midi It!” is a freeware program. You can use it without any charge.
You can also copy it and distribute it for personal use without permission of the author.
Note that the author reserves all copyrights of “Midi It!”. Under the copyright laws, the author prohibits the following manners.
• To use “Midi It!” for commercial purposes such as selling and lending without the author’s permission.
• To modify or revise “Midi It!” without the author’s permission.
The author’s request:
If you distribute “Midi It!” through a commercial network, please inform the author either beforehand or afterwards.
If you wish to include “Midi It!” into a CD-ROM disc for selling, please contact the author beforehand. The author will basically agree with your request.
If you wish to include “Midi It!” in your software package as a help utility, the author will agree with you as far as you are responsible to any kinds of problem from the market.
Always attach this document when you distribute “Midi It!”.
The author does not require any compensations when you use “Midi It!”. However, any of returning thanks will be appreciated. E-Mails, post cards or any tiny gifts will greatly encourage the author.
6. Where to send requests or bug reports
Please send your messages to the following address via E-Mail or traditional mail.
E-Mail Address:
Internet: rokkaku@roland.co.jp
NIFTY-Serve: PXL01437@niftyserve.or.jp
Posting Address:
Fumio Rokkaku
1158-3-106, Hatsuoi-cho
Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
JAPAN Postal Code 433
Also, visit my web site and get other freeware products.
<http://www.inetc.roland.co.jp/~rokkaku/>
7. Technical information
7.1. Standard MIDI File Format and Info.
“Midi It!” recognizes Standard MIDI File Format 0 and Format 1. Regarding the “Standard MIDI Files Info” when you drop a Format 1 file, the “Midi It!” searches only within Sequence Track 1. You won’t see any info of other tracks.
7.2. Locked File
“Midi It!” will change the file type and creator of locked files. This may violate the Apple Human Interface Guideline but I have reasons to do so. Before arresting me, please give me a chance to explain why I wrote this way.
First, it doesn’t modify any contents of the file.
Second, I think it’s too annoying for the users to unlock files just to change the type; I even think it’s unreasonable.
In most cases, locked files come from commercial-based DOS format disks. These merchandise data are set to Read-Only permission because of the copyright protection. Apple File Exchange automatically sets lock bits on such files when it copies from DOS disks. Do the Read-Only permission on DOS and Lock Bit on Macintosh have exactly the same meaning?
All the user wants is to listen to the data on Macintosh. For this purpose, the user uses the Apple File Exchange, then realizes his or her sequencer doesn’t read the files, so he or she tries to change the type and is warned that “the file is locked”. Then the user selects the file and opens the Get Info window and unlock the file. Finally, the type can be changed.
I think trying to eliminate this hassle is permissible. Of cause “Midi It!” restores these files to their locked status.
I decided to ignore the lock bit because of the aforementioned reasons. I couldn’t make Finder stop its warning before passing the file over to “Midi It!”.
7.3. Development Environments
Machine: Macintosh IIvx with System 7.5.5 and Japanese Language Kit 1.2
Compiler: Metrowerks CodeWarrior 10
8. Other comments
The author works at Roland Corporation which is somewhat related to Standard MIDI Files. “Midi It!” is, however, a totally independent program from Roland Corporation.
The author wrote the program using his own private funds, equipment and time. All the copyrights and the related property rights are reserved by the author.
Please ask or request regarding “Midi It!” directly to the author. Please don’t ask to Roland Corporation instead.
9. Revision history
Version 1.2.6: November 17, 1996
Added Netscape Navigator BNDL resources to make SMFs to be accepted.
Improved menu font handling to fit with KanjiTalk.
Version 1.2.5: May 5 1996
Fixed a problem that Launch menu shows deleted application.
Fixed a problem that buttons are not shown properly under multi-screen environment.
Version 1.2.4: April 8 1996
Changed the SMF Info dialog to movable-modal.
Fix a improper button behavior in the file select dialog.
Implemented minimal balloon helps at last.
Version 1.2.3: November 27 1995
Fixed a CDEF conflict problem when registering MoviePlayer.
Fixed a problem that the only one file is accepted when several files are drag-and-dropped onto the button.
Other minor updates.
Version 1.2.2: September 24 1995
Fixed a bus error problem on Macintosh 660AV.
Version 1.2.1: July 29 1995
Fixed grow icon problem in the Preferences dialog while using Copland WDEF.
Avoided using Chicago font in the SMF Info dialog when displaying Japanese.
Corrected errors of this document.
Version 1.2: July 22, 1995
Now it's FAT Application.
Now it's Macintosh Drag & Drop applicable.
Now it can launch applications.
Changed Finder icons.
Version 1.0.3: September 20 1994
Fixed a bug occurs on Preference Window when changing language.
Quickened window redrawing under System 6.
Version 1.0.2: September 15 1994
Now Midi It! runs on Macintosh Plus or greater.
Version 1.0.1: September 3 1994
Minor revise such as update procedure while modal dialog.
Version 1.0: August 28 1994
The first release.
10. Special thanks
I would like to express my thanking to the following persons. They greatly helped me when developing and releasing “Midi It!”.
