Best Music Notation Software for Windows in 2026

The ranking

1. 1
   S

   Sibelius

   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

   WindowsmacOSiPadOS, iOSChromeOS·Subscription

   92.0of 100

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2. 2
   

   Dorico

   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

   WindowsmacOSiPadOS·Free plan, paid upgrades

   91.0of 100

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3. 3
   

   MuseScore

   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

   WindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroid·Free and open source·Open source

   90.5of 100

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4. 4
   

   Flat

   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

   macOSWindowsWebiOSAndroid·Free plan, paid upgrades

   85.5of 100

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5. 5
   

   StaffPad

   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

   iPadOSWindows·Free plan, paid upgrades

   83.0of 100

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6. 6
   L

   LilyPond

   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

   LinuxWindows·Free and open source·Open source

   78.5of 100

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7. 7
   

   capella

   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

   WindowsmacOS·Paid

   76.0of 100

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8. 8
   

   Guitar Pro

   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

   WindowsmacOSiOSAndroid·Paid

   75.5of 100

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9. 9
   

   TablEdit

   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

   WindowsmacOSiOSAndroid·Paid

   74.0of 100

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