What is MMD?

MMD is a XML-based format for describing music. The format was created in particular for adding all kinds of meta information to production music, but can also be used on data for general music definitions.

The idea for developing the format was born of the growing complexity of music meta data. As this data often needs to be exchanged between different parties, eg from one software to another, from a publishing library to a distributing library or to a rights society, etc., there was a need for a specific format which could be easily exchanged, that would be human readable, and easy to transform to other formats. Thus the MMD format was created at the beginning of 2010 by Michael Ettl.

Why should you use MMD?

MMD is extensible, human readable, can be transformed easily to a number of formats
including Excel/HTML/CSV/XML and others. By 2020 we have about 35 different converters to other formats, including standard Excel, TuneSat, the BBC’s “I Like Music” system, Soundminer,  Soundmouse, Orchard, iMaestro, Musicdirector, GVL, Kontor New Media, MPN, BMAT, Adrev etc.(see MMD users and converters). Some companies also can work with data in MMD format – BMAT, Harvest Media, iNumerica.

The MMD format also makes it possible to store very extensive information, making it simple to supply data for differing requirements. If you define your data as recommended you can supply data to other libraries, to performing, mechanical and phonographic collection societies, to cue-sheet systems, and many others.

Legal notice

The MMD structure format is licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL).