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Sample CWR file: download and walkthrough
A small, valid CWR 2.1 file: two songs, three writers and one publisher, delivered to BMI. It passes every check CWR Check runs. The writers, songs and publisher are fictional, so you can use it freely to build or test your own CWR export.
Download the sample CWR file Check this file →
Or see every check fire on a sample with problems →
What each line means
HDR
HDRPB123456789SAMPLE MUSIC PUBLISHING 01.102026093003481520260930
The header: who is sending the file (sender type, ID and name), the CWR version and when the file was created. HDR record reference
GRH
GRHNWR0000102.10
A group header: opens a batch of one transaction type, here NWR, new work registrations. GRH record reference
NWR
NWR0000000000000000SAMPLE SONG 1 SMP000001 T1234567894 POP N ORI
A new work registration: the title, your own work number, the ISWC if there is one, and the work's attributes. NWR record reference
SPU
SPU000000000000000101PUB001 SAMPLE MUSIC PUBLISHING E 05000 10000 10000
A publisher on the work, with its ownership and collection shares for performing, mechanical and synchronisation rights. SPU record reference
SPT
SPT0000000000000002PUB001 050001000010000I2136 001
Where that publisher collects, and its shares there. I2136 is the TIS territory code for the world. SPT record reference
SWR
SWR0000000000000003W1 RIVERA ALEX CA 98765000111 02500 00000 00000
A writer on the work: name, IPI name number, role (CA, composer and author) and shares. SWR record reference
SWT
SWT0000000000000004W1 025000000000000I2136 001
Where that writer's shares apply, again by TIS territory code. SWT record reference
PWR
PWR0000000000000005PUB001 SAMPLE MUSIC PUBLISHING W1
Links the writer to the publisher that represents them: the chain of title. PWR record reference
GRT
GRT000010000000200000017
The group trailer: closes the batch and counts its registrations and lines. GRT record reference
TRL
TRL000010000000200000019
The file trailer: counts the batches, registrations and lines in the whole file. If these do not match the contents, a society rejects the file. TRL record reference
Two ways to try the checker
Check this file to see a clean result, then run the sample with problems: a wrong record count, an ISWC whose check digit fails, a duplicate work number and shares that don't add up, with its writers cross-checked against registration data.
Download the sample CWR file Check this file →
Or see every check fire on a sample with problems →
Questions
Is this a valid CWR file?
Yes. It is a CWR 2.1 file that passes every check CWR Check runs: structure, control totals, sequence numbers, required fields, check digits and shares.
Can I use it to test my own software?
Yes. The writers, songs and publisher are fictional, and the IPI name numbers belong to nobody. Use it freely as a reference or a test fixture.
Which CWR version is it?
CWR 2.1, the version most societies accept. CWR 2.2 adds fields to existing records rather than changing the layout.
Two free checks for your CWR file. Is the file correct? Every record, share and control total against the spec, each problem on its exact line. Do its writers match their registrations? Every writer cross-checked against public registration data, including works registered under another spelling or IPI. Nothing stored: check a file at cwrcheck.com.