A MIDIVisualizer alternative: Piano: Soloist

MIDIVisualizer is a free, open-source (MIT) desktop program for Windows, macOS and Ubuntu that renders MIDI files as falling-notes images and videos. It is a viewer only and does not play audio. If you want the piano sound in the same video, the sheet music on screen and score files beyond MIDI, right in your browser, Piano: Soloist does that.

Open it in your browserBrowse 400+ pieces

What you get

One-time Pro, no subscription
No account needed. Pro is a single one-time purchase, and its trial needs no card.
Score and falling notes together
The sheet music is highlighted as it plays while notes fall onto the keyboard.
Many file types
MusicXML/MXL, MIDI, printed PDF scores and piano recordings.
2D, 2.5D and 3D with themes
Space and Classic themes, Christmas and Neon with Pro, plus your own background.
Video recording
Landscape videos and vertical 9:16 renders for Shorts and Reels.

How to use it

  1. Open the app and drop in your MIDI file (or a MusicXML / PDF score).
  2. Check the auto-generated two-hand score and pick a view and theme.
  3. Record → Render with the size and frame rate you want.
  4. Save the MP4 — the piano sound is already in it.

Comparison: Piano: Soloist · MIDIVisualizer

Piano: SoloistMIDIVisualizer
Where it runsBrowserDesktop program (Windows, macOS, Ubuntu)
SoundGrand piano sound, included in the MP4No audio playback (add the sound separately)
Sheet musicHighlighted score on screenFalling notes and keyboard
FilesMusicXML, MIDI, PDF, recordingsMIDI
PricePartly free, Pro is a one-time purchaseFree and open source (MIT)

Comparison as we understand each product today; features and prices change, so check MIDIVisualizer's own site for its current details.

Which one fits you

You want a completely free tool and will add the audio yourself
MIDIVisualizer is free, open source and highly configurable.
You want one finished video with sound and sheet music
Piano: Soloist renders the picture and the piano sound together, with the score on screen.

Basic vs Pro

Partly free: the basic features need no payment or account, and a one-time Pro purchase adds the following.

Basic (Free)Pro
PriceNo paymentOne-time lifetime purchase: $19.99 launch price until 2026-12-27 (regular $29.99). No subscription
Files you can openMusicXML (.musicxml, .xml, .mxl), MIDI (.mid), PDF scores, piano recordings and videos (MP3, WAV, M4A, MP4…)Same
ViewsFalling notes + highlighted score, 2D / 2.5D / 3D, themes (Space, Classic)+ Pro themes (Christmas, Neon)
PracticeSpeed 0.5–1.5×, one-hand view, jump to bar / loop, MIDI keyboardSame
Wait mode (waits for the right key)1 piece a dayUnlimited
High-quality piano (16 velocity layers)1 piece a dayUnlimited
Video recording / render (MP4)720p, 30 fps, watermark, 2D/2.5D, vertical 9:16 available1080p and 4K, 60 fps, no watermark, 3D
PDF to score3 a month (up to 10 pages)10 a day (up to 30 pages)
Recording to score3 a day (up to 8 min)20 a day (up to 8 min)
Fast recording conversion (GPU)1 a day10 a day, priority when busy
Medley (play several pieces in a row)—Yes
Saved scoresLatest 5Unlimited
AccountNot neededNot needed (activate with the key from your receipt)
Devices—Up to 3 per key
Trial and refunds—3-day trial (no card), refunds within 14 days

Only need more score conversions? Pro-Lite ($3.99, one-time): PDF to score 3 a day (up to 20 pages), recording to score 5 a day (3 fast), unlimited saved scores and no ads. Everything else is the same as Basic.

FAQ

Does the video include sound?
Yes. Recordings and renders are MP4 files with the piano sound included.
Can I use my own background image?
Yes. Pick one of the photos or upload your own, and it appears behind the falling notes.
Is it free?
Partly free. The core features and the free pieces are free to use. A few extras, such as the high-quality piano and medley mode, come with Pro — see "Basic vs Pro" above for every difference.

Try a ready-made piece