Frequently Asked Questions

Is Magic Chords free?

Yes. Magic Chords is 100% free to use for chord detection, transcription, and exports.

How long does analysis take?

Typical processing can take a few minutes depending on song length and server load.

What can I export?

You can export chord sheet TXT, PDF, iReal Pro, guitar tabs, bass tabs, or MusicXML. MIDI export is unlocked when you analyze with Accurate + Stems mode.

Do you store uploaded audio files?

Uploaded files are processed temporarily and then removed.

Can I transpose audio key online?

Yes. You can transpose by up to ±12 semitones and keep chord labels synchronized.

What is the difference between Quick Analyze, Accurate Analyze, and Accurate + Stems?

Quick Analyze uses browser-side assistance and cache for faster startup. Accurate Analyze runs full server-side analysis for best reliability. Accurate + Stems adds AI stem separation for the most precise chords and unlocks MIDI export.

Which file formats and upload sizes are supported?

Magic Chords supports common audio and video formats. The current max upload size is shown directly in the Transcriber UI.

Why does URL analysis sometimes fail?

Some URLs require authentication, geo permissions, or have unavailable media. You can try Cookie Auth or upload a local file instead.

Where are my saved songs and setlists stored?

Library data is stored in folders you choose on your machine, so you control persistence and can sync with cloud drives if desired.

What if transcription returns no words?

If a track is instrumental or has unclear vocals, transcription may return no speech. Try a cleaner source and correct language selection.

How can I improve chord detection accuracy?

Use a high-quality source, reduce background noise, verify timing with slower playback, and use Accurate Analyze for best results.

Does Magic Chords track users or sell data?

No. Magic Chords does not use ads or analytics trackers, and uploaded audio is processed temporarily then removed.

What is the Stems page, and why can stem confidence vary?

The /stems page runs standalone AI source separation so you can isolate drums, bass, instruments, and vocals without doing a full chord analysis. It usually takes about 30-60 seconds. On dense, noisy, or lo-fi mixes, some bleed between stems is normal, so melody or tempo details may be marked estimated or low confidence.