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The Standard MIDI File ( SMF ) is a file format that provides a standardized way for sequences to be saved, transported, and opened in other systems.

The compact size of these files has led to their widespread use in early computers, mobile phone ringtones, webpage authoring and greeting cards.

They are intended for universal use, and include such information as note values, timing and track names.

Lyrics may be included as metadata, and can be displayed by karaoke machines.

The SMF specification was developed and is maintained by the MMA.

SMFs are created as an export format of software sequencers or hardware workstations.

They organize MIDI messages into one or more parallel tracks, and timestamp the events so that they can be played back in sequence.

A header contains the arrangement's setup data, which may include such things as tempo and instrumentation, and information such as the song's composer.

The header also specifies which of three SMF formats the file is in.

A type 0 file contains the entire performance, merged onto a single track, while type 1 files may contain any number of tracks.

Type 2 files are rarely used.