Convert To and From ChordPro

Overview

Seamlessly import and export ChordPro files, the universal format for chord charts. Whether you're migrating from other apps, sharing with musicians who use different software, or building a portable song library, our ChordPro converter maintains perfect accuracy while adding Chordly's powerful formatting capabilities.

What is ChordPro?

ChordPro is a standard plain-text format for chord charts, used by musicians worldwide since the 90's. It uses simple bracket notation like [C] to indicate chord positions and curly braces like {title: Song Name} for metadata. Chordly takes this simple format and transforms it into beautifully formatted, interactive chord sheets.

Importing ChordPro Files

1. Click the upload button in your dashboard or drag files directly onto the page.
2. Select ChordPro files (.cho, .crd, .chordpro, .pro, .txt).
3. Chordly instantly parses the file, preserving all chords, lyrics, and metadata.
4. The song opens in the editor with proper formatting applied automatically.
5. Chords appear perfectly positioned above the correct syllables.
6. Song info like title, artist, and key are extracted and displayed.

Intelligent Import Processing

Our importer goes beyond basic conversion:

• Smart Parsing: Handles variations in ChordPro syntax automatically.
• Chord Recognition: Validates and corrects chord symbols during import.
• Structure Detection: Identifies verses, choruses, and bridges from directives.
• Metadata Extraction: Captures title, artist, key, tempo, and more.
• Formatting Preservation: Maintains comments and custom directives.

Supported ChordPro Features

We support the full ChordPro specification:

• Chord Notation: [Am], [G7], [Cmaj7] and all variants
• Directives: {title:}, {artist:}, {key:}, etc.
• Sections: {start_of_chorus}, {end_of_chorus}
• Comments: {comment: Guitar solo here} or # Note
• Formatting: {textfont:}, {textsize:}
• Custom Extensions: Preserves non-standard directives

Exporting to ChordPro

1. Open any song in your library.
2. Click the download menu and select "Export as ChordPro".
3. The file downloads instantly with a .cho extension.
4. All chords, lyrics, and structure are preserved in standard ChordPro format.
5. The exported file works in any ChordPro-compatible app.
6. Your visual formatting is converted to ChordPro directives where possible.

Export Intelligence

Our exporter creates clean, compatible ChordPro files:

• Precise Positioning: Chords are placed exactly where you positioned them.
• Clean Syntax: Generates standard-compliant ChordPro notation.
• Directive Inclusion: Exports all song information as directives.
• Structure Markers: Adds section tags for verses, choruses, etc.
• Comment Preservation: Includes any notes or comments you've added.
• Universal Compatibility: Works with OnSong, SongBook, and others.

Format Comparison

See how Chordly enhances the ChordPro experience:

• ChordPro: Plain text with brackets → Chordly: Visual chord bubbles
• ChordPro: Fixed-width fonts → Chordly: Beautiful typography
• ChordPro: Manual spacing → Chordly: Automatic alignment
• ChordPro: Text directives → Chordly: Visual formatting tools
• ChordPro: Static display → Chordly: Interactive editing
• ChordPro: Single user → Chordly: Real-time collaboration

Migration Made Easy

Switch from other apps effortlessly:

• Folder Organization: Maintain your existing song organization.
• Zero Data Loss: Every detail from your ChordPro files is preserved.
• Instant Enhancement: Songs immediately gain Chordly's customizable features.
• Backward Compatible: Export back to ChordPro anytime.

Common File Extensions

We recognize all ChordPro variants:

• .cho - Standard ChordPro extension
• .crd - Chord file format
• .chordpro - Full extension name
• .pro - Short professional format
• .chopro - Alternative spelling
• .txt - Plain text with ChordPro notation
• .chord - Generic chord file

Integration Workflows

ChordPro support enables powerful workflows:

• App Hopping: Edit in Chordly, perform in OnSong.
• Team Sharing: Export for bandmates using different apps.
• Backup Strategy: Regular ChordPro exports for archival.
• Publishing: Generate ChordPro for songbook submissions.
Pro Tip 📱 Use ChordPro export to share songs with band members who use different apps. They can import your ChordPro files into their preferred software while you keep working in Chordly.

Best Practices

Get the most from ChordPro conversion:

• Clean Source Files: Well-formatted ChordPro imports better.
• Include Metadata: Add title, artist, key for better organization.
• Maintain Libraries: Keep both Chordly and ChordPro versions.

Universal Compatibility

ChordPro support makes Chordly the hub of your music workflow. Import from anywhere, enhance with Chordly's powerful features, and export to everywhere. Whether you're consolidating songs from multiple sources or sharing with musicians worldwide, ChordPro conversion ensures your music is always accessible, portable, and beautifully formatted.