What is a MIDI file used for?

A MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) file is specifically used for creating and storing information about musical performance data. Unlike audio files, which encapsulate sound waves and recordings, MIDI files are more about the digital representation of music performance. They contain instructions on how music is to be produced, such as which notes to play, how loud they should be, what instruments should be used, and the timing of those notes.

This capability allows musicians and producers to use software instruments to compose, edit, and arrange music digitally. MIDI files can easily be manipulated in various digital audio workstations (DAWs) and are essential tools for electronic music production and composition. They don't carry any audio data themselves but rather trigger synthesis and sampling devices to produce sound.

In contrast to other options, MIDI files do not store video or audio in a traditional sense, nor do they display images. Their primary function revolves around music creation through virtual instruments, making them vital in modern music production workflows.