How to convert a .KAR file online
Three steps, all tab.
Open your file
Drop your .KAR file and every video, audio and subtitle track inside is listed with its codec, resolution, frame rate and language.
Preview
See frames from across your .KAR file before you convert, even when your browser can't play the codec inside.
Convert
Pick MP4, WEBM or MP3, or repack to MKV without re-encoding. Play the result right here, then download it.
What is a .KAR file?
Everything worth knowing about Karaoke MIDI File.
A KAR file is a Standard MIDI File with the song lyrics embedded and time-synced to the melody, so a karaoke player can show the words while the music plays. On Windows, open it with the free Van Basco's Karaoke Player to get synchronized lyrics; VLC plays the music but will not display the words. To convert to MP3, render it through MuseScore or TiMidity++ with a soundfont.
Programs that open .KAR files
- Windows
- VLC media player, MuseScore, Karafun Player, Van Basco's Karaoke Player
- macOS
- VLC media player, Apple Logic Pro, MuseScore
- Linux
- MuseScore, TiMidity++
- Android
- VLC media player for Android
| Full name | Karaoke MIDI File |
|---|---|
| Developer | Tune 1000 / community convention (built on the MIDI Manufacturers Association Standard MIDI File) |
| First released | Mid-1990s (the .kar lyric convention popularised by Tune 1000 / the MIDIOKE scene) |
| Category | Audio & Video |
| MIME type | audio/midi |
| Signature | 4D 54 68 64 ("MThd" - MIDI header chunk (identical to a .mid file)) |
Related viewers
Other free tools to open and preview your files.
Is my .KAR file uploaded to a server?
No. Your .KAR file is converted for you. The converted file is created in memory,.
Why is conversion slower than desktop software?
Browsers give web pages a single CPU core for this kind of work and no hardware video encoder. Short clips convert in seconds; for long 4K films a desktop app like HandBrake is faster. Use Start and Length to convert just the part you need.
Which output format should I pick?
MP4 plays on every phone, TV and browser. WEBM is an open format that's great for the web. MP3 keeps only the sound. MKV (no re-encode) is instant and lossless, but only changes the container.
Can I keep all audio tracks and subtitles?
The MKV (no re-encode) option copies every track as-is. MP4 and WEBM keep the first video and audio track, which is what most players use.
Why can't some files be converted?
Files protected with DRM (for example purchased iTunes .m4p songs or some .wmv rentals) are encrypted. We can show what's inside, but nobody can convert them without the key.
Was this tool helpful?
Your rating helps us decide which tools to improve next.