What is an IT file?
Originating in the mid-1990s from developer Jeffrey Lim, the IT file format is the native module file format for the influential Impulse Tracker music software. These versatile files function as comprehensive digital containers, housing not just audio but the entire musical blueprint—including intricate musical patterns, detailed sample data, custom instrument settings, and essential sequencing information. This unique structure empowers composers to create rich, layered compositions within a single, highly efficient IT file.
The IT file format is a binary format, known for its flexibility and efficiency in representing complex musical compositions. It supports up to 64 channels permitting various effects such as panning, volume slides, vibrato and more, supporting multiple sample formats, both digital samples and synthesized waveforms. IT files were widely used in the demoscene and tracker music community, particularly during late 1990s and early 2000s.
Key Characteristics of IT Files
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Compact and Efficient | By reusing a small set of samples across an entire song, IT files achieve complex musical arrangements with a fraction of the file size of a rendered WAV file. |
| Hardware Independent | Since all necessary samples are contained within the file, the music sounds identical on any system that can play it, eliminating the dependency on specific sound card hardware (like the era’s AdLib or Sound Blaster cards). |
| Interactive and Editable | An IT file is a project file, not a final mix. This means anyone with a compatible tracker can open it, see exactly how it was made, and remix or edit every single note and effect. |
| Niche but Enduring | While never a mainstream commercial format, it fostered a massive demoscene and chiptune community where artists pushed the limits of digital audio creativity. |
| Platform Legacy | Though born on DOS, the format is supported by a wide range of modern cross-platform tracker software and players, ensuring its survival for decades. |
How to open IT file?
Impulse Tracker (Windows) can be used to open an IT file, however, since the software is no longer actively developed, there is a possibility that it may not be compatible with your operating system version and might not run as expected.
Here are few other options that can open IT file.
- OpenMPT for Windows
- Nullsoft Winamp for Windows
- Schism Tracker
- Audacity with third-party plugin
How to convert an IT file?
OpenMPT and Schism Tracker are examples of programs that offer the capability to convert IT files into different file formats. e.g.
- MP3 - MP3 Audio File
- OPUS - Opus Audio File
- MID - MIDI File
- WAV - WAVE Audio File
- OGG - Ogg Vorbis Audio File
- FLAC - Free Lossless Audio Codec File
FAQ
Q1: What program do I need to open an .it file?
A: You can open and play .it files using modern tracker software like OpenMPT, Schism Tracker, or dedicated audio players like VLC Media Player.
Q2: Can I convert an IT file to an MP3?
A: Yes, most tracker programs and some audio converters allow you to “render” or “export” the IT module as a standard audio file like MP3 or WAV.
Q3: Is the IT format only for “chiptune” or retro game music?
A: While it excels at that style, the format is capable of producing a wide range of music, from orchestral scores to electronic dance music, depending on the samples used.
Q4: What is the difference between an IT file and a MIDI file?
A: A MIDI file contains only note commands and relies on an external synthesizer for sound, while an IT file contains both the note commands and the actual audio samples, ensuring consistent playback.
Q5: Is the IT file format still used today?
A: Absolutely. It remains a vibrant and active format within the tracker and chiptune music communities, with new music still being composed and released in the .it format.
