NCM2 File

What are NCM2 files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a NCM2 file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your NCM2 files.

What is a NCM2 file?

A .NCM2 file is a NI MASCHINE MK2 Template file.

NI MASCHINE MK2 Template (.ncm2) is a configuration file used by Native Instruments Controller Editor software to define custom MIDI mappings for the MASCHINE MK2 hardware. It stores how buttons, pads, knobs, encoders and other controls on the device send MIDI messages, allowing users to switch between different templates depending on which software or external hardware they want to control. Templates enable tailored setups for live performance, studio work, or integrating with third-party applications.

The Controller Editor writes and reads .ncm2 files. When you create or modify a template in the Controller Editor - choosing what each control on MASCHINE MK2 does, setting up pad layouts, mapping knob pages, selecting MIDI outputs, etc. - you can save that as a .ncm2 template. Later you can load it back into Controller Editor, or select it from the MASCHINE MK2 itself if the device supports choosing among saved templates.

Internally the .ncm2 file is an XML document that begins with an XML declaration, includes tags like ni-controller-midi-map, and fields such as MIDI-MAP NAME, DISPLAY TYPE, BEHAVIOR ONIFDOWN, VELOCITYCURVE, UNIT COLOR-MODE, GROUP COLOR, PAD MODE and many others. These define what controls do, how they behave, how they're displayed on the device LED screens, and how the device's internal state tracks what template is in use.

How to open NCM2 files

We have identified one NCM2 opener that is compatible with this specific type of NCM2 file.

Programs that open NI MASCHINE MK2 Template files

Last updated: August 10, 2026

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