Automating Music Library Exports with CB2XML and Batch Scripts

How to Use CB2XML to Export Chord Charts from ChordPro

What CB2XML does

• Converts ChordPro-format song files (.cho/.pro/.crd) into XML (MusicXML or a CB2XML-specific XML) so notation apps and score editors can read chord charts and song metadata.

Install

1. Install Python 3.8+ (if required).
2. Clone or download the cb2xml repository (example):

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   git clone https://github.com/royopa/cb2xml.git
   cd cb2xml 

3. Install any dependencies listed in README (often none or minimal):

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   pip install -r requirements.txt 

Basic usage

• From the cb2xml folder run:

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  python cb2xml.py input_file.cho -o output_file.xml 

  If the tool name differs (check README), replace cb2xml.py with the actual script (e.g., cb2xml).

Common options

• -o or –output — set output XML filename.
• –format — choose target XML type (if supported, e.g., MusicXML).
• –transpose — transpose chords by N semitones (if available).
• –verbose — show processing details.

(Option names vary by implementation; run python cb2xml.py –help to list exact flags.)

Workflow tips

• Clean ChordPro files: ensure directives like {title:}, {artist:}, and chord brackets [C] are correct for best results.
• Batch convert multiple files with a shell loop or by using a filelist option if provided. Example (Linux/macOS):

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  for f in.cho; do python cb2xml.py “\(f" -o "\){f%.cho}.xml”; done 

• After conversion, open output XML in MuseScore, Finale, or other MusicXML-capable editors to check layout and make adjustments.

Troubleshooting

• If chords or lyrics misalign, check spacing/line breaks in source ChordPro file.
• Missing metadata — ensure ChordPro directives are present and correctly formatted.
• Script errors — install required Python packages or check for the correct script name/version in the repository README.

Where to find more

• Project README on the cb2xml GitHub repo contains exact usage, examples, and supported flags. Search: “cb2xml GitHub README”.