Creating and importing songs

There are two ways to add a song to a band: start a blank one from an instrument template, or import an existing file. Both start from the + New song button in the song library.

Starting a blank song

On the Blank tab, optionally give the song a title, then pick a starting instrument:

• Electric Guitar — standard 6-string, clean
• Acoustic Guitar — steel-string, standard tuning
• Electric Bass — 4-string, standard tuning
• Piano — grand staff (treble + bass)
• Drum Kit — GM percussion, digit entry
• Voice — treble clef, pitch-only entry

Click Create and Tabula opens the new song in the editor with that instrument ready to play. You’re not locked in — you can add more tracks, change tunings, and adjust the instrument afterward.

If you leave the title blank, Tabula names the song with the date so it’s easy to find and rename later.

Importing a file

On the Import file tab, choose a file. Tabula reads common formats — MusicXML (.xml, .mxl), and Tabula’s own native format (.nsf / .json). It shows a preview of the import (including a note of anything that couldn’t be represented exactly), so you can check it before committing. Confirm the title and import, and the song opens in the editor.

Where new songs land

New and imported songs are created at the top level of the band. Move them into a folder afterward if you like.

Duplicating a song

There isn’t a one-click duplicate yet. To copy a song, export it (MusicXML or NSF) and import it back as a new song — give the copy a new title during import.