{
    "slug": "music-notation-software",
    "name": "Music notation software",
    "title": "Best Music Notation Software in 2026",
    "category": "design-creative",
    "filter": null,
    "available_filters": [
        "free",
        "windows",
        "macos",
        "ios",
        "android"
    ],
    "page": "https://listme.name/best/music-notation-software",
    "json": "https://listme.name/api/v1/lists/music-notation-software.json",
    "updated": "2026-10-10",
    "intro": "Music notation software differs on engraving depth, input method, price and platform. MuseScore is the free, open-source choice for desktop and mobile. Sibelius is the professional subscription tool with a perpetual option. Flat and Noteflight work in the browser, StaffPad is built for handwriting on pen-enabled devices, and LilyPond writes scores as text.",
    "criteria": [
        "Engraving and layout quality",
        "Input methods",
        "Sharing and collaboration",
        "Platform coverage",
        "Price and license"
    ],
    "specs": [
        {
            "key": "platforms",
            "label": "Platforms",
            "type": "text"
        },
        {
            "key": "open_source",
            "label": "Open source",
            "type": "bool"
        },
        {
            "key": "cost",
            "label": "Cost",
            "type": "text"
        }
    ],
    "how_to_choose": [
        {
            "point": "Engraving",
            "detail": "Sibelius and LilyPond are the strongest for printed layout; MuseScore is capable but has fewer engraving tools than Sibelius."
        },
        {
            "point": "Input method",
            "detail": "StaffPad takes pen and touch input, and MuseScore accepts MIDI keyboard input."
        },
        {
            "point": "Cost",
            "detail": "MuseScore and LilyPond are free; Flat and Noteflight are free to start; Sibelius is a subscription or a perpetual bundle."
        },
        {
            "point": "Platform",
            "detail": "Sibelius runs on Mac, PC, iPad, iPhone and Chromebook, while LilyPond is listed for Linux and Windows."
        }
    ],
    "faq": [
        {
            "q": "What is the best free music notation software?",
            "a": "MuseScore Studio is the strongest free option, open source under GPL-3.0 with no limitations described on its site. Flat's desktop app is also free to download."
        },
        {
            "q": "Which notation software suits professional engraving?",
            "a": "Sibelius and Dorico Pro are built for professional engraving. Dorico Pro adds the publishing options that publishers need, and Sibelius includes part generation on its Ultimate tier. LilyPond is also a strong option for printed layout, but it is text-based."
        },
        {
            "q": "Can I write music on an iPad with a pen?",
            "a": "StaffPad converts handwritten notation on iPad and Windows 10 devices. Sibelius, Dorico, Flat and MuseScore also have iPad or iPhone apps."
        },
        {
            "q": "Which notation tools work in a browser?",
            "a": "Flat and Noteflight both run in a browser. Noteflight is browser-only, and Flat also has desktop and mobile apps that share scores online."
        }
    ],
    "entries": [
        {
            "rank": 1,
            "score": 92,
            "verdict": "Professional notation with complete engraving, automatic part generation and video sync on its Ultimate tier. It is paid by yearly subscription or a perpetual bundle, and the Artist tier limits staves.",
            "best_for": "Professional engraving and part extraction",
            "spec": {
                "platforms": "Mac, PC, iPad, iPhone, Chromebook",
                "open_source": false,
                "cost": "Subscription from $99 a year"
            },
            "product": {
                "slug": "sibelius",
                "name": "Sibelius",
                "kind": "app",
                "website": "https://www.avid.com/sibelius",
                "page": "https://listme.name/software/sibelius",
                "tagline": "Notation software for composers, arrangers and engravers",
                "summary": "Sibelius is professional music notation software from Avid for composing, arranging and engraving scores. It runs on Mac, PC, iPad, iPhone and Chromebook and is sold as yearly subscriptions in Artist and Ultimate tiers, or as a perpetual bundle.",
                "developer": "Avid",
                "platforms": [
                    "windows",
                    "macos",
                    "ipados",
                    "ios",
                    "chromeos"
                ],
                "pricing": "subscription",
                "price_note": "Artist $99 a year; Ultimate $199 a year; Ultimate perpetual bundle $899",
                "free_to_use": false,
                "open_source": false,
                "strengths": [
                    "Strong score layout and part generation",
                    "Runs on Mac, PC, iPad and iPhone"
                ],
                "limits": [
                    "Yearly subscription for most tiers",
                    "Artist tier limits staves and cloud scores"
                ],
                "checked": "2026-10-10",
                "connected_to_publisher": false
            }
        },
        {
            "rank": 2,
            "score": 91,
            "verdict": "A composition-first notation program for Windows and macOS, with a free edition for scores up to eight players and a free iPad app. The Pro edition has the publishing options engravers need, at several times the price of Elements.",
            "best_for": "Composing and arranging, with a free starter edition",
            "spec": {
                "platforms": "Windows, macOS, iPad",
                "open_source": false,
                "cost": "Free SE; Elements and Pro paid"
            },
            "product": {
                "slug": "dorico",
                "name": "Dorico",
                "kind": "app",
                "website": "https://www.steinberg.net/dorico/",
                "page": "https://listme.name/software/dorico",
                "tagline": "Music notation software from Steinberg for Windows, macOS and iPad",
                "summary": "Dorico is music notation software from Steinberg for composing, arranging and publishing scores. It runs on Windows and macOS, and there is a free iPad app. The free Dorico SE edition writes scores for up to eight players, and Elements and Pro are paid editions.",
                "developer": "Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH",
                "platforms": [
                    "windows",
                    "macos",
                    "ipados"
                ],
                "pricing": "freemium",
                "price_note": "Free Dorico SE for up to eight players; Elements and Pro are paid",
                "free_to_use": true,
                "open_source": false,
                "strengths": [
                    "Free Dorico SE for scores up to eight players",
                    "Tools to move and reduce music between instruments",
                    "Projects move between desktop and iPad"
                ],
                "limits": [
                    "Pro costs several times the price of Elements",
                    "Features are split across three editions"
                ],
                "checked": "2026-10-10",
                "connected_to_publisher": false
            }
        },
        {
            "rank": 3,
            "score": 90.5,
            "verdict": "Free, open-source notation software for Windows, macOS, Linux, iPhone, iPad and Android, with MIDI input and no limitations described. Its engraving tools are less complete than Sibelius's.",
            "best_for": "Free notation for students and hobbyists",
            "spec": {
                "platforms": "Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android",
                "open_source": true,
                "cost": "Free"
            },
            "product": {
                "slug": "musescore",
                "name": "MuseScore",
                "kind": "app",
                "website": "https://musescore.org/en",
                "page": "https://listme.name/software/musescore",
                "tagline": "Free, open-source music notation software for desktop and mobile",
                "summary": "MuseScore Studio is free, open-source music notation software for composing, arranging and printing scores on Windows, macOS and Linux. It is released under GPL-3.0, and mobile apps for iPhone, iPad and Android are also available.",
                "developer": "MuseScore Ltd",
                "platforms": [
                    "windows",
                    "macos",
                    "linux",
                    "ios",
                    "android"
                ],
                "pricing": "open-source",
                "price_note": "Free and open source under GPL-3.0; no limitations described by the site",
                "free_to_use": true,
                "open_source": true,
                "license": "GPL-3.0",
                "source": "https://github.com/musescore/MuseScore",
                "strengths": [
                    "Free with no limitations",
                    "Open source under GPL-3.0"
                ],
                "limits": [
                    "Fewer professional engraving tools than Sibelius"
                ],
                "checked": "2026-10-10",
                "connected_to_publisher": false
            }
        },
        {
            "rank": 4,
            "score": 85.5,
            "verdict": "Browser-based notation with real-time sharing, a free desktop app for Mac and Windows, and web and mobile apps. Advanced features sit behind a subscription, and its engraving controls are lighter than Sibelius's.",
            "best_for": "Shared scores in the browser",
            "spec": {
                "platforms": "Web, Mac, Windows, iOS, Android",
                "open_source": false,
                "cost": "Free to start; subscription"
            },
            "product": {
                "slug": "flat",
                "name": "Flat",
                "kind": "app",
                "website": "https://flat.io/",
                "page": "https://listme.name/software/flat",
                "tagline": "Browser-based music notation with desktop and mobile apps",
                "summary": "Flat is music notation software for web, Mac, Windows, iOS and Android, with real-time sharing and collaboration on scores. The desktop app is free to download, and the service offers a free start with subscriptions for more features.",
                "platforms": [
                    "macos",
                    "windows",
                    "web",
                    "ios",
                    "android"
                ],
                "pricing": "freemium",
                "price_note": "Free to start and free desktop download; subscriptions add features",
                "free_to_use": true,
                "open_source": false,
                "strengths": [
                    "Free to start and free desktop app",
                    "Real-time sharing and collaboration"
                ],
                "limits": [
                    "Advanced features need a subscription",
                    "Fewer engraving controls than Sibelius"
                ],
                "checked": "2026-10-10",
                "connected_to_publisher": false
            }
        },
        {
            "rank": 5,
            "score": 83,
            "verdict": "Handwriting recognition turns pen notes into typeset scores on iPad and Windows 10, with audio import and tempo mapping. It needs a pen-enabled device, and Go Pro unlocks more features.",
            "best_for": "Handwritten composition on iPad",
            "spec": {
                "platforms": "iPad, Windows 10",
                "open_source": false,
                "cost": "Free Reader; Go Pro upgrade"
            },
            "product": {
                "slug": "staffpad",
                "name": "StaffPad",
                "kind": "app",
                "website": "https://www.staffpad.net/",
                "page": "https://listme.name/software/staffpad",
                "tagline": "Handwriting-based music notation app for iPad and Windows",
                "summary": "StaffPad is a music notation app from StaffPad Ltd that turns handwritten notes made with a pen and touch into typeset scores on iPad and Windows 10. It has a Go Pro upgrade, and StaffPad Reader is a free app that shows individual parts during rehearsal.",
                "developer": "StaffPad Ltd",
                "platforms": [
                    "ipados",
                    "windows"
                ],
                "pricing": "freemium",
                "price_note": "Go Pro unlocks more features; StaffPad Reader is free",
                "free_to_use": true,
                "open_source": false,
                "strengths": [
                    "Handwriting recognition turns notes into notation",
                    "Free Reader app for musicians"
                ],
                "limits": [
                    "Needs a pen-enabled iPad or Windows device",
                    "Advanced features need Go Pro"
                ],
                "checked": "2026-10-10",
                "connected_to_publisher": false
            }
        },
        {
            "rank": 6,
            "score": 80,
            "verdict": "An online notation editor with a free start, cloud sharing and a sheet music library in its Premium plan. Scores live in the cloud, and the free tier is less capable than paid desktop notation.",
            "best_for": "Browser notation with a sheet music library",
            "spec": {
                "platforms": "Web browser",
                "open_source": false,
                "cost": "Free to start; Premium"
            },
            "product": {
                "slug": "noteflight",
                "name": "Noteflight",
                "kind": "web",
                "website": "https://www.noteflight.com/",
                "page": "https://listme.name/software/noteflight",
                "tagline": "Online music notation editor for composing and sharing scores",
                "summary": "Noteflight is an online music notation editor for composing, sharing and playing scores in a browser. It has a free start and a Noteflight Premium upgrade that adds a large catalog of digital sheet music.",
                "platforms": [
                    "web"
                ],
                "pricing": "freemium",
                "price_note": "Free to start; Noteflight Premium adds the sheet music library",
                "free_to_use": true,
                "open_source": false,
                "strengths": [
                    "Works in any browser with no install",
                    "Free start to get going"
                ],
                "limits": [
                    "Scores live in the cloud",
                    "Premium features need a paid upgrade"
                ],
                "checked": "2026-10-10",
                "connected_to_publisher": false
            }
        },
        {
            "rank": 7,
            "score": 78.5,
            "verdict": "Free GPLv3 text-based engraving that produces printed scores with exact control. It has a steep learning curve, and its download page lists Linux and Windows builds only.",
            "best_for": "Exact typeset scores from text files",
            "spec": {
                "platforms": "Linux, Windows",
                "open_source": true,
                "cost": "Free, GPLv3"
            },
            "product": {
                "slug": "lilypond",
                "name": "LilyPond",
                "kind": "app",
                "website": "https://lilypond.org/",
                "page": "https://listme.name/software/lilypond",
                "tagline": "Text-based music engraving program for printed scores",
                "summary": "LilyPond is a free, text-based music engraving program that turns plain-text input into printed scores. It is released under GPLv3 and its download page lists builds for GNU/Linux and Windows.",
                "developer": "LilyPond project",
                "platforms": [
                    "linux",
                    "windows"
                ],
                "pricing": "open-source",
                "price_note": "Free and open source under GPLv3",
                "free_to_use": true,
                "open_source": true,
                "license": "GPL-3.0",
                "source": "https://gitlab.com/lilypond/lilypond",
                "strengths": [
                    "Engraving quality for printed scores",
                    "Plain-text files for version control"
                ],
                "limits": [
                    "Steep learning curve",
                    "Downloads listed for Linux and Windows only"
                ],
                "checked": "2026-10-10",
                "connected_to_publisher": false
            }
        },
        {
            "rank": 8,
            "score": 76,
            "verdict": "A full notation program for Windows and Mac with three entry modes, sold as a licence or a subscription. It has no free plan beyond the 15-day trial, so MuseScore and LilyPond in this list are the choices for anyone who needs a free tool.",
            "best_for": "Composing with typed, clicked or direct note entry",
            "spec": {
                "platforms": "Windows, macOS",
                "open_source": false,
                "cost": "Licence or subscription"
            },
            "product": {
                "slug": "capella",
                "name": "capella",
                "kind": "app",
                "website": "https://www.capella-software.com/us/",
                "page": "https://listme.name/software/capella",
                "tagline": "Music notation software for Windows and macOS, bought or subscribed",
                "summary": "capella is music notation software from capella-software AG for Windows and macOS. Notes are entered by typing, with a mouse piano or directly in the score, and the score plays back and prints. It is sold as a licensed purchase or by subscription, with a 15-day trial.",
                "developer": "capella-software AG",
                "platforms": [
                    "windows",
                    "macos"
                ],
                "pricing": "paid",
                "price_note": "Licensed purchase or subscription; 15-day trial",
                "free_to_use": false,
                "open_source": false,
                "strengths": [
                    "Typing, mouse piano and direct note entry",
                    "Free capella score reader app for Android and iOS",
                    "Same functions on Windows and macOS"
                ],
                "limits": [
                    "No free plan; the 15-day trial is time limited",
                    "The licensed purchase gets maintenance updates only"
                ],
                "checked": "2026-10-10",
                "connected_to_publisher": false
            }
        },
        {
            "rank": 9,
            "score": 75.5,
            "verdict": "Tab and sheet music editor for guitar, bass, drums and piano, on Windows, macOS, iOS and Android, sold as a paid desktop licence. It is tablature-first, so Sibelius and MuseScore suit full orchestral scores better.",
            "best_for": "Guitar and bass tablature on desktop and mobile",
            "spec": {
                "platforms": "Windows, macOS, iOS, Android",
                "open_source": false,
                "cost": "Paid desktop licence"
            },
            "product": {
                "slug": "guitar-pro",
                "name": "Guitar Pro",
                "kind": "app",
                "website": "https://www.guitar-pro.com/",
                "page": "https://listme.name/software/guitar-pro",
                "tagline": "Tab and sheet music editor for guitar, bass, drums and piano",
                "summary": "Guitar Pro is a tab and sheet music editor for guitar, bass, drums and piano. Its desktop release, Guitar Pro 8, runs on Windows and macOS, with separate iOS and Android apps. The vendor also sells music scores, including by subscription.",
                "platforms": [
                    "windows",
                    "macos",
                    "ios",
                    "android"
                ],
                "pricing": "paid",
                "price_note": "Desktop licence sold with a Buy Now button; scores on a subscription",
                "free_to_use": false,
                "open_source": false,
                "strengths": [
                    "Tablature for guitar and bass",
                    "Desktop and mobile apps",
                    "Score library with subscription access"
                ],
                "limits": [
                    "Paid desktop purchase",
                    "Less suited to full orchestral notation than Sibelius"
                ],
                "checked": "2026-10-10",
                "connected_to_publisher": false
            }
        },
        {
            "rank": 10,
            "score": 74,
            "verdict": "Tablature and standard notation for fretted instruments on Windows and macOS, with a free demo before buying. It is built around guitar tabs, so for full orchestral scores Dorico and Sibelius are the broader programs.",
            "best_for": "Guitar and fretted-instrument tablature",
            "spec": {
                "platforms": "Windows, macOS, iOS, Android",
                "open_source": false,
                "cost": "Paid after free demo"
            },
            "product": {
                "slug": "tabledit",
                "name": "TablEdit",
                "kind": "app",
                "website": "https://tabledit.com/",
                "page": "https://listme.name/software/tabledit",
                "tagline": "Tablature and sheet music editor for guitar and other fretted instruments",
                "summary": "TablEdit is a program for creating, editing, printing and listening to tablature and standard notation for guitar and other fretted instruments. It runs on Windows and macOS, and a lite app called TEFpad is available for iOS and Android. A free demo can be downloaded before buying.",
                "platforms": [
                    "windows",
                    "macos",
                    "ios",
                    "android"
                ],
                "pricing": "paid",
                "price_note": "Paid after a free demo; TEFpad lite app for iOS and Android",
                "free_to_use": false,
                "open_source": false,
                "strengths": [
                    "Tablature and standard notation in one file",
                    "Converts between tablature and staff notation",
                    "Free demo before buying"
                ],
                "limits": [
                    "Built around fretted instruments rather than full orchestral scores",
                    "No free plan; the demo is a trial"
                ],
                "checked": "2026-10-10",
                "connected_to_publisher": false
            }
        }
    ],
    "notes": [
        "Scores are editorial, 0 to 100. Entries with product.connected_to_publisher true are made by or connected to the publisher and receive a disclosed ranking lift: https://listme.name/methodology"
    ],
    "source": "https://listme.name",
    "license": "Free to read and cite with attribution to listme.name.",
    "docs": "https://listme.name/developers"
}