A MIDI file, short for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, is a standard file format used to store music performance data. Unlike audio files, which contain actual sound recordings, MIDI files contain instructions that tell electronic instruments how to play notes, including pitch, duration, and intensity. This allows for smaller file sizes and easy editing. MIDI files can be played back on various devices, such as synthesizers, computers, and digital audio workstations. They are widely used in music production, allowing musicians to create and manipulate compositions without needing to record live instruments. Popular software like Ableton Live and GarageBand supports MIDI file playback and editing.