Three kinds of free notation software
The free options fall into three groups, and the right one depends on how you like to enter notes:
| Kind | Examples | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open source desktop programs | MuseScore Studio, TuxGuitar, Denemo, Rosegarden, Impro-Visor | Full scores and tabs with no score limit; files stay on your computer | Installation and updates are on you; Rosegarden is Linux only |
| Text-based engraving | LilyPond with Frescobaldi or Denemo as the editor, abcjs for ABC notation | Publication-quality output from a text file you can version and script | You write music as text; there is no point-and-click entry in LilyPond itself |
| Free plans of web apps and free editions | Flat, Soundslice, ScoreCloud, Musink Lite, Crescendo free version, Forte Free | Starting in the browser, sharing a link, collaborating | Score caps (Flat 15, ScoreCloud 10), export or printing behind the paid plan, watermarks |
MuseScore Studio is the usual first choice: the project page calls it completely free with no limitations, it is GNU GPL licensed, and the handbook lists PDF, PNG, SVG, MusicXML, MIDI, MP3, WAV, FLAC, OGG and Braille export plus a range of common tablature types. If you mainly write guitar tabs and want to open Guitar Pro files, TuxGuitar is the open source choice.
What to check on a free plan
- Score limit. Flat Basic is limited to 15 scores, ScoreCloud Studio can be used for free up to 10 saved songs. Open source programs have no cap.
- Export. This is where free plans usually stop. On Flat, MusicXML and MIDI import are in the free plan but export is listed under the paid plans; on Soundslice, printing or exporting your slices is a Plus feature. If you need to move a score to another program later, check for MusicXML export before you start.
- Watermarks and printing. ScoreCloud lists "No print watermark" as a paid feature. Musink Lite prints a PDF with one button.
- Commercial use. Crescendo's free version is for non-commercial use at home; the other entries do not restrict use of your own scores in the pages we read.
- Playback. Flat's free version includes playback, with advanced playback (part volumes, reverb) paid. Musink Lite plays through MIDI without setup; Frescobaldi includes a MIDI player for LilyPond output.
Before you record or rehearse from a score, tune with the online tuner and set the tempo on the metronome; the tone generator gives a reference pitch when no instrument is at hand.
Tablature and guitar
Tab support differs a lot. TuxGuitar is built as an editor and player for multi-track guitar tablature and opens Guitar Pro, Power Tab Editor, TablEdit and MIDI files (tuxguitar.app). Soundslice's free plan includes its web-based notation and tab editor and imports MusicXML and Guitar Pro files (plans). Flat mentions guitar tabs in its interface, MuseScore Studio supports tablature staves. LilyPond, Denemo and the ABC tools are built for standard notation first.
If you transpose a part for a capo or a different key, our guide transposing chords and the capo walks through it, and the circle of fifths explains the key signatures you will see in the score.
Privacy and files
Desktop programs keep your scores on your machine; browser apps store them on the vendor's server under your account. Flat's free plan includes offline composing and access on all devices, Soundslice says there is no limit on how much music you can have on the free plan. If you want to leave later, export MusicXML while you still can, or choose a text format: LilyPond and ABC files are plain text and open in any editor. Our free music production software list covers recording and sequencing once the score is written.
Frequently asked questions
Which free notation software has no limits at all?
MuseScore Studio describes itself as completely free with no limitations and is GPL licensed. LilyPond, Denemo, Frescobaldi, TuxGuitar, Rosegarden and Impro-Visor are free software under the GPL or LGPL as well. The free plans of Flat and ScoreCloud cap the number of scores, and Musink Lite, Crescendo's free version and Forte Free are limited editions.
Can I export MusicXML or PDF for free?
MuseScore Studio exports PDF, MusicXML, MIDI and audio formats according to its handbook. LilyPond writes PDF, PNG or SVG from the command line, and Impro-Visor exports MIDI and MusicXML. On Flat, export of MusicXML and MIDI is listed under the paid plans, and on Soundslice printing or exporting is a Plus feature.
Which free program is best for guitar tabs?
TuxGuitar is an open source multi-track tablature editor and player that opens Guitar Pro, Power Tab Editor, TablEdit and MIDI files and runs on Linux, Windows, macOS, FreeBSD and Android. Soundslice offers a free web-based notation and tab editor, and MuseScore Studio provides common tablature types.
Is there a free notation app that runs in the browser?
Flat's free plan includes essential notation tools, playback and real-time collaboration for up to 15 scores, with apps for iOS, Android, Mac and Windows. Soundslice's editor is free for basic usage with no limit on the amount of music. abcjs renders ABC notation in the browser and powers the Draw The Dots editor.
Can I use the free versions commercially?
Crescendo's free version is for non-commercial use, so published or sold scores need the paid version. The open source programs do not restrict what you do with your own scores. The web apps' free plans do not state a commercial restriction on the pages we read; check their terms if you sell sheet music.