.MID File Extension

MID files exist as 3 different types. Please find information about each of them below.

Type 1: MIDI File

A file having .MID or .MIDI file extension is the Musical Instrument Digital Interface file. The content includes the notes played, their timing, duration, and desired loudness for each note. The firs...

General Information

Title MIDI File Extension
Extension .mid
Full Form Musical Instrument Digital Interface File
File Type Audio File
Developer MIDI Manufacturers Association
MIME Type audio/midi, audio/x-midi

File Function

Primary Function Store music data
Additional Functions Playback control, Instrument instruction
Features Non-audio, Sequential

File Characteristics

Quality Dependent on synthesizer
Supports Layers Yes
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable Yes

Use Cases

Music Production Yes
Live Performances Yes
Educational Tools Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Low risk
Best Practices Regular updates, Trusted sources

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 1983
Latest Standard MIDI 2.0 (2020)

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .midi, .kar

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Apple GarageBand Free Mac, iOS
Ableton Live Paid Windows, Mac
FL Studio Paid Windows, Mac

Type 2: MapInfo Data File

General Information

Title MID File Extension
Extension .mid
Full Form MapInfo Data File
File Type GIS Data File
Developer Pitney Bowes Software
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Store geospatial data
Additional Functions Visualization, Analysis
Features Spatial data, Attribute data

File Characteristics

Quality High precision
Supports Layers Yes
Supports Transparency No
Editable Yes

Use Cases

Urban Planning Yes
Environmental Analysis Yes
Asset Management Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Data leakage
Best Practices Regular updates, Access control

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release Early 1990s
Latest Version MapInfo Pro v2019 (as of 2023)

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .tab, .dat, .wor

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
MapInfo Professional Paid Windows
QGIS Free Windows, Mac, Linux

Type 3: Guitar Rhythm Data File

MID files contain attributes of music data to enable playing sounds - their order, volume, length and type. They are a standard format for software programs and devices compliant with the Music Instru...

General Information

Title MID File Extension
Extension .mid
Full Form Musical Instrument Digital Interface File
File Type Guitar Rhythm Data File
Developer Various
MIME Type audio/midi, audio/x-midi

File Function

Primary Function Store musical notes
Additional Functions Store timing information, Store instrument data
Features Multitrack, Time division

File Characteristics

Quality Not audio
Supports Layers Yes
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable Yes

Use Cases

Music Production Yes
Live Performances Yes
Ringtone Creation Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Low
Best Practices Regular updates, Trusted sources

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 1983
Latest Standard MIDI 2.0 (2020)

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .midi, .kar, .rmi

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Ableton Live Paid Windows, Mac
GarageBand Free Mac, iOS
FL Studio Paid Windows, Mac