“Finale has a function to convert MusicXML files in bulk, but can't you do the same thing with PDF?” We have received several inquiries asking this question.
The setup is a bit tedious and the operation is a bit unstable, but it is possible to do this by using FinaleScript. In this article, We will introduce the setup method and usage precautions while looking at actual script examples.
[Table of Contents]
2. How to convert to PDF in bulk
3. Precautions when converting to PDF in bulk with FinaleScript
(1) Mac version
(2) Windows version
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1. Why is it necessary to save in PDF?
The end of development of Finale means that new products such as v28 will no longer be provided, and that the final version, v27, will no longer be compatible with future OS updates.
The final version Finale v27 seems to work without any major issues on macOS 15 Sequoia, which is not considered to be compatible with the Mac version.
Since Windows does not get updated as frequently as macOS, and Windows version of Finale's operation tends not to be affected by Windows OS updates, We suspect that even if the next version of Windows is released, probably Finale still may be able to work properly.
A more important issue than OS compatibility is that it is unclear how long the license authorization service will be available.
MakeMusic, the developer of Finale, announced in the Finale Sunset FAQ on August 28, 2024 that “Finale authorization will remain active for the foreseeable future”, but there is no guarantee that this “active for the foreseeable future” will last.
If the license authorization service ends, it will not have an impact on the licensed Finale currently in use by users, but if you purchased a new computer and newly installed Finale on it, for example, you will not be able to authorize the license, and after 30 days you will not be able to print, export images, save, or perform any other export functions.
Therefore, as a Finale user, you will need to continue using Finale without upgrading your OS, deactivating your license, or making any other changes to the current situation.
However, no matter how carefully you use your computer, it will eventually break down, so you will need to create backups of your important files in MusicXML files so that you can transfer them to other music notation software before it happens.
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, there is a function called “Translate Folder to MusicXML”. The method is explained in the video below.
However, as we have explained in previous articles, the reproducibility of MusicXML is often insufficient, so in order to preserve the current notation of the Finale file as it is, you should save the same file as a PDF as well.
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2. How to convert to PDF in bulk
(1) Download the script
Finale does not have a direct function for converting multiple files placed in a folder into PDF files at once, such as “Translate Folder to MusicXML” However, by using an automated processing function called FinaleScript, it is possible to create a script that will automatically convert multiple Finale files to PDF at once.
In fact, MakeMusic published an FAQ article on October 23, 2024 that introduces how to do this.
▼Batch PDF export via Finale Script
To have Finale perform this process, the user needs to write the script themselves, but writing a script requires a certain level of expertise, so this article provides a free download of the script file created by MakeMusic.
However, the scripts provided on this site are for the English version of Finale, and when we tried them, they did not work properly with the Japanese version of Finale.
So, using this as a reference, we created a script that would achieve the same results with the Japanese version of Finale. We are providing this free of charge from the link below, so please give it a try.
[Note] We do not guarantee the operation of this script, and cannot provide support. This is only a hint, and if it does not work, we recommend that you try to find a solution yourself by changing the description based on the User Manual.
(2) How to install the script
When you unzip this zip file, you will find the following four files.
フォルダからpdfファイルへ一括変換（サブ）mac.xml
フォルダからpdfファイルへ一括変換（メイン）mac.xml
フォルダからpdfファイルへ一括変換サブwin.xml
フォルダからpdfファイルへ一括変換メインwin.xml
The one with mac at the end is for Mac, and the one with win is for Windows. Also, “メイン” is a script that converts only .musx files placed at the top level of the folder to PDF, and “サブ” is a script that converts the contents of the subfolders below it to PDF. (However, all export destinations will be in the top-level folder.)
With Finale closed, copy each file to the location shown in this screenshot, then launch Finale and check the operation.
[Mac version location]
/Users/(user name)/Library/Application Support/MakeMusic/Finale 27/FinaleScript/一括処理
[Windows version location]
C:\Users\(user name)\AppData\Roaming\MakeMusic\Finale 27\FinaleScript\バッチ処理\
If all goes well, it should work like this.
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3. Precautions when converting to PDF in bulk with FinaleScript
FinaleScript is inherently unstable, and even if applied to the same folder, it may or may not work properly. So we think maybe it's best to think of it as “I’m lucky if it works properly”.
We have confirmed that it works properly in our environment, but there have been cases where the process stopped midway. In this case, you can restart the process by manually clicking the necessary button at the appropriate time.
This script automates the PDF export from Finale's graphic tools, but this method can only export the music score that is currently displayed. For parts, you will need to create a separate file or manually create a PDF without using this script.
The following are precautions for use depending on the OS.
(1) Mac version
According to an article on MakeMusic, in order to run this type of script, you need to open macOS System Preferences and set the following two items.
・Turn off “Desktop and Dock > Desktop and Stage Manager > Stage Manager”
・Turn on “Privacy and Security > Accessibility > Finale”
In the Mac version of Finale, there have been many cases in the past where FinaleScript did not work properly (or existing scripts stopped working after updating macOS), probably due to a conflict with the macOS security features.
It is likely that this script will no longer work with future macOS updates. If you want to create PDF files using this method, we recommend that you avoid making any changes to your current macOS until you have finished the work, even if it is a minor version upgrade.
(2) Windows version
In the Windows version of Finale, when using FinaleScript, the file save destination is specified as the location of the file saved in the previous work. Therefore, before running the script, you need to open any file and save it to the desired location.
For now, create a folder named something like “Finale Batch PDF” in an easy-to-find location such as the desktop, save the default new file opened from the launch window there, and then run this script.
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Due to the business necessity of continuing to provide technical support and lessons for Finale as long as there is demand, we plan to maintain the operating environment of Finale for both Mac & Windows.
However, personally, I have already switched to another music notation software, so this may be the last article I will write mainly about Finale.
I would like to end my writing with a deep gratitude to all the people involved who have developed, provided, and supported this wonderful product over the past 36 years.
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