MIDI Batch Load

there should be a check box in the top right part of the dialogue box about importing all tracks. Other checkboxes say how to deal with multiple imports. When you actually do the import, select just one file but synfire will import all midi files in the same folder.

You can only do batch import into a library.  Open a new library and select the import option.  Select one of the files from a folder, then you will see the option to "Import All Files in Directory".

I'm now trying to do this, and having no luck.

I created a new library, then chose File/Import/Standard MIDI file. The "Open Standard MIDI File" box popped up.

I then browsed to a folder which contains several MIDI files. I chose one, clicked Open, and the "Standard MIDI File Import" dialog box popped up.

Nothing about batch import or select all files.

I then selected the file shown in the window on the left side of the dialog box. Several of the grayed out options then became accessible, but I still saw nothing about batch import etc.

I've searched the manual for "batch import" and "import all files". Nothing.

What am I doing wrong?

Thanks.

this option is only visible when importing into a library. importing into an arrangement does not support batches. only a library has space to accommodate multiple files.

open a new library window and import from there.

I opened a new library, but I don't know how to import other than File/Import/Standard MIDI File, and I've already tried that, as described in my previous post.

Is there some other way to import SMFs?

i dont have access to synfire at the moment, but the check box should be labeled 'Import All Files In Directory' or similar. its in the top right corner of the dialog window.

I opened a new library, but I don't know how to import other than File/Import/Standard MIDI File, and I've already tried that, as described in my previous post.

In the Standard MIDI File Import window, at the top right there is a heading 'File'.  Underneath that it says 'Import All Files in Directory'. That's what you need to tick to do the batch import.

EDIT: I've just realised that's exactly what supertonic said, sorry about that!

Let's take this one step at a time.

In Synfire Pro, I choose File/Import/Standard MIDI File. A window then pops up, the name of which is "Open Standard MIDI File."

Correct so far, or am I in the wrong place? Is there some other procedure (series of mouse clicks) for for importing SMFs into a library?

I ask this because there is no "File" heading at the top right of the "Open Standard MIDI File," or anywhere in that pop-up window. I've looked very carfeully several times. So it stands to reason that you must be referring to some other procedure.

It occurs to me that the original question was referring to Synfire Express rather than Synfire Pro, and perhaps that is the cause of my problem. But that still leaves me wondering how to do a batch import in Synfire Pro.

I've searched the manual for 'Standard MIDI File Import" and "SMF Import". Nothing.

batch import only works from the file menu of a standalone library window. if you begin from there, the file section you are missing will show.

STANDALONE library. Got it, thanks.

For others who are reading this and want to avoid a lot of frustration and wasted time, here's the exact procedure:

Open Synfire, and in the upper left corner, click on File/New/Library. This will create a standalone library.

Within that library, click File/Import/Standard MIDI File. A window will pop up, called "Open Standard MIDI File."

Browse to the folder containing the SMFs you want to import. Double click on one of those files. This will open a window called "Standard MIDI File Import (Library)".

In the upper right of this new window you will see a section called "File".  Check the box called "Import All Files in Directory".

Click the button called "Start Import".

Admittedly the two import dialogs are not distinguished enough. You are not the only one looking for the batch option and wondering why it's missing. The small difference between library import and arrangement import should be labeled more clearly in the File menus.