Songtrix makes use of, and creates a variety of different file types.

Some of these are native file formats specifically developed for the use of Songtrix and other ChordWizard products, while others are existing file types already used by other music software.

Song Files (CWS)

The most important file type you will work with is the ChordWizard Song.  This is the native format used by Songtrix to store and later reload every detail of the song that you have created in the workspace.

Songs are typically stored in the designated Songs folder, but you can place them anywhere you like.

Songs can be packaged with protection features, and published on the ChordWizard Network.

Style Files (CWY)

Very similar to the song file is the ChordWizard Style.  It is a variation on the song file format, with some special markers that are used to indicate the source areas of defined substyles.

Styles must be stored in the designated Styles folder to make them available for use in songs.

Styles can be packaged with protection features, and published on the ChordWizard Network.

Template Files (CWT)

When printing reports in Songtrix you can use a ChordWizard Template file to store the collection of printing options you have selected for a report.

This is particularly helpful with song report types, where it allows you to create a consistent layout theme that can be used for all songs.

Templates must be stored in the designated Templates folder to make them available for use.

Definition Files (INS)

The properties of different Midi devices can vary widely, particularly in the allocation of sounds to the various voice banks, voice numbers and drum sets.

Instrument Definition files provide the customized details of your particular Midi device for display within the workspace.  They are compatible with the similar files used by Cakewalk products.

They must be stored in the designated Definition Files folder to make their content available for use.

Songtrix contains basic definitions for the three major standards - General MIDI, Roland GS and Yamaha XG - in the supplied file Master.ins.

However you can add definitions for other devices, simply by copying additional INS files to the designated folder.  You should be able to locate an INS file for your device with a quick search of the internet.

Midi Files (MID)

The Standard Midi File (SMF) format is part of the Midi Specification and describes exactly how the Midi events and timing information need to be organized within the file.

It has already been described in some detail.

Wave Files (WAV)

The Wave file format is the standard Windows format for storing uncompressed wave audio.

It is the format generally used for created audio CDs, and has already been described in some detail.

MP3 Files (MP3)

The MP3 file format is a very popular compressed audio format, which typically can shrink the data to one-tenth of the uncompressed size, with only slight loss of quality.

It is the format generally used for portable players, and has already been described in some detail.