Rendering Music XML just got on a new level. The new 1.4.1. version is packed with cool new features like single instrument transposition, chord symbol coloring, staggering option, etc. In this post, we’ll give you a breakdown list of all key updates.
Behind the release
On the 14th of January we had a minor update release. Over the past few weeks, our focus was on small bug fixing, while that was done a lot of spicy new updates were brewing in the background.
Improved rendering of Music XML
The ongoing mission of OSMD is to make the best sheet music development tool library for the browser. Although it’s constantly updated, there’s always more to be done. In this last sprint, we tackled displaying Music XML but also took down some critical bugs.
1. Single instrument transposition
Devs can now transpose individual instruments instead of the entire sheet (all instruments)


2. Coloring for Chord Symbols
Every chord symbol on the sheet can now have its own coloring

3. Added Staggering option for same location whole notes
Whole notes that are on the same line/close together can now be staggered, and rendered correctly (e.g. two different voices sharing a staffline).



4. API Updates for OSMD devs
Now you can store TransposedPitch on Note, as well as add get SVG helper methods. The SVG helper methods basically allow developers to now get access to the specific individual sheet music elements rendered on the page. Notes, noteheads, key signatures, time signatures, etc. They can be accessed and manipulated. It was implemented mostly to be able to individually color them, but it can be used for many different purposes (hiding them, changing their position, getting their position/height, and so on). Also, the TransposedPitch is stored on each note so devs know the original pitch and the transposed pitch.

6. Setting large max width for single line rendering enabled
This is a specific use-case (we always listen to the community). A developer wanted to render a scrolling long single line of music for their app. Increasing the max-width enabled that.
7. Developer SVG update pack
This is related to d above – Now that more elements are grouped together and have classes, they can be accessed by developers and manipulated.
8. Priority bug fixing
Better rendering, fixing overlapped elements, wrong positions, etc.






Let’s stay in touch
Other than new upgrades and plugins we’re very busy with making new content and screencasts about OSMD and sheet music in general. Join our Discord channel to meet other sheet music devs or showcase your projects. You can also become a sponsor to get exclusive goodies and early releases to our builds like the audio player, or just try the OSMD demos.