LILY Converter

Convert LILY files online for free

Select File
Drop or upload your .LILY file

How to convert your LILY file

Click Select File above, and choose your LILY file.
You'll see a preview.
Click the "Convert file to..." button to save your file in the format you want.

Convert LILY to another file type

The converter easily converts your LILY file to various formats—free and online. No Windows or extra software needed.

Convert a file to LILY

The converter also works in reverse, allowing you to convert your file into the LILY file type—in the best quality.

About LILY files

The LILY file format, though not as common as others, is used for a variety of specialized applications. Primarily associated with music notation, LILY files are utilized by software like LilyPond - a powerful, open-source music engraving program. Despite its capabilities, LILY files can pose challenges due to their niche usage and limited compatibility with mainstream software.

Conversion Options

Converting LILY files to more accessible formats can enhance usability. Common target formats include PDF, MIDI, or MusicXML. Software tools such as LilyPond itself can export LILY files to PDF and MIDI. For MusicXML, users might need to employ additional tools like MuseScore, which can import MIDI files for further conversion.

Challenges and Considerations

Converting LILY files is not without its challenges. Maintaining the integrity of music notation during conversion is crucial. PDF formats can preserve visual fidelity but lack musical interactivity. MIDI files, while useful for playback, might not capture complex notations accurately. MusicXML offers a balance by retaining both visual and interactive elements, but conversion quality can vary based on the software used.

Drawbacks of LILY Files

Using LILY files can be cumbersome due to their limited software support and complex syntax, which may not be suitable for all users, especially those without technical expertise. Furthermore, specialized conversions often require multiple software tools, making the process time-consuming.

Recommendation

For a seamless conversion experience, we recommend using Convert.Guru. Simply drag and drop your LILY files onto the website to convert them effortlessly into various formats. This user-friendly service ensures reliable results without the hassle of multiple software installations.

The LILY Converter Story

The history of Convert.Guru began more than 25 years ago in California, when Tom Simondi published the most comprehensive database of file formats on his website. Before that, Tom had worked on Space Shuttle development at the Air Force Systems Command’s Space Division in Los Angeles. He is known as one of the top programmers of the late 1980s.

When Microsoft integrated Tom’s Filext database into Windows XP, it became the leading platform for analyzing and processing file types and formats.

Today, we use the latest technologies to analyze, process, and convert one of the world's largest collections of file formats. We are committed to developing the best LILY converter by continuously improving quality, usability, and reliability.