The Best Free Music Notation Software in 2025
Composers, students, and educators in 2025 have a wealth of free music notation software to compose and arrange music without breaking the bank. High-quality notation programs are no longer exclusively paid products—many open source music notation software tools and free versions of commercial programs provide robust features for creating sheet music. Even if you need a sheet music maker online, there are browser-based options that make writing music convenient and collaborative. This article highlights the best free music notation tools available in 2025, covering their features, ease of use, compatibility, and limitations.
Whether you are scoring an orchestral piece, writing a simple song, or preparing music for a class, the following free notation software options will help you bring your musical ideas to life. We’ll also compare their key features and limitations in a handy table for quick reference, and provide pros and cons for each to guide you in choosing the right tool for your needs.
Open Source Music Notation Software
Open source notation programs are community-developed, free to use, and often surprisingly powerful. They allow anyone to contribute improvements and are ideal for users who want full control without licensing costs.
MuseScore 4 – Feature-Packed and Community Driven
MuseScore (techcommuters.com) stands out as one of the most popular free notation programs. It is a free, open source music notation software that runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. MuseScore offers a comprehensive set of features for composing, editing, and printing sheet music. Users can input notes by clicking on a virtual staff, using keyboard shortcuts, or even via MIDI keyboard. The software supports unlimited staves, a wide range of musical symbols, dynamic markings, lyrics, and playback with a large library of instrument sounds.
MuseScore’s ease of use is notable: its interface is friendly for beginners, with simple note entry and an extensive online community sharing tutorials and sheet music. At the same time, it packs advanced capabilities like custom layouts, MusicXML import/export, and support for VST instruments (introduced in MuseScore 4) for realistic playback. Composers can print professional-looking scores or export to PDF, MIDI, and MusicXML formats easily. MuseScore also connects with an online score-sharing platform (MuseScore.com) where you can publish your work or discover pieces by others.
Pros:
Completely free and open source with no feature restrictions
Full suite of notation tools suitable for simple songs to complex orchestral scores
Cross-platform compatibility and active community support (forums, extensions)
Cons:
The interface can feel a bit overwhelming at first due to the abundance of features
Playback sound quality is serviceable but not as premium as some commercial software (can be improved with soundfont or plugin add-ons)
LilyPond – Code-Based Engraving for Perfectionists
LilyPond is a unique open source notation software focused on producing the highest-quality engraved sheet music. Rather than a graphical editor, LilyPond uses a text-based input: you write music in a text file using LilyPond’s scripting language, and the program compiles it into beautifully engraved sheet music PDF or MIDI output. This approach is similar to how LaTeX works for document typesetting, giving you extremely fine control over the output and ensuring consistent, publisher-grade results.
LilyPond is free and cross-platform (available for Windows, Mac, and Linux). It excels in engraving quality—scores generated by LilyPond often rival those from expensive notation programs in terms of layout, spacing, and notation rules. It’s an excellent choice for composers and engravers who want to tweak every aspect of the notation, or for those who prefer a lightweight tool that can run via command line. Additionally, because the files are text, they integrate well with version control and allow easy collaboration by exchanging code.
However, LilyPond’s strength is also its main drawback for many users: it has no visual editing interface by default. Beginners or those unfamiliar with coding may find it intimidating to describe music with text commands. To ease this, there are front-end applications like Frescobaldi (a dedicated LilyPond text editor) that provide some user-friendly features like previews and MIDI playback. Still, using LilyPond effectively requires learning its notation syntax and spending time to perfect the input text.
Pros:
Completely free and open source with professional engraving output
Precise control over notation details (ideal for complex or custom notational needs)
Lightweight and scriptable; great for archival and versioning due to text-based files
Cons:
Steep learning curve, especially for users not comfortable with coding or text editing
No real-time graphical interface – feedback comes only after compiling the score
Primarily suited for engraving and publishing; less convenient for quick composition or playback without additional tools
Free Versions of Professional Software
Several major commercial notation software packages offer free editions with slightly reduced features. These versions are excellent for students or composers who want to experience a professional-grade environment on a smaller scale. They maintain the look-and-feel of their full versions, ensuring compatibility and an easy upgrade path if needed.
Dorico SE 5 – Advanced Notation on a Smaller Scale
Dorico SE is the free tier of Steinberg’s Dorico, a professional notation software known for its modern design and superb engraving quality. Dorico SE (as of version 5 in 2025) includes almost all core features of Dorico’s scoring engine but limits the size of the ensemble you can write for. It allows you to create scores for up to eight players (increased from the previous two-player limit, which greatly expands its usefulness). This means you can write anything from solo pieces and quartets up to small chamber ensembles for free. The software runs on Windows and Mac, and there’s also a Dorico app for iPad which similarly offers a free tier with the same limitations.
Dorico’s interface and workflow are designed to streamline the composition process. It features separate modes for Setup, Writing, Engraving, Playback, and Printing, which may take some time to learn, but ultimately help keep complex tasks organized. The engraving quality is top-notch out of the box—Dorico handles spacing, beaming, and layout decisions automatically in a very musicologically sound way, reducing the manual tweaking needed. Composers will appreciate advanced features even in SE, such as support for flows (multiple pieces in one project), chord symbols, drum notation, guitar tablature, and more. Dorico SE also supports playback with high-quality sounds and allows VST instrument use, giving realistic audio feedback.
Because Dorico SE is a scaled-down version, it does have limitations to be aware of. The cap of 8 instruments means it’s not suitable for large ensemble or orchestral scores (those would require an upgrade to Dorico Elements or Pro). Additionally, some advanced notation features (like complex engraving adjustments, custom playback templates, certain library options) are only in the paid editions. The UI, while clean, is different from older notation programs, so new users or those coming from other software might experience a learning curve. Nonetheless, Dorico SE is an excellent free tool for composition and arranging, especially for those who value output quality – and it provides a smooth transition to the full Dorico if you choose to upgrade later.
Pros:
Professional-grade notation and engraving quality, for free
Includes many powerful features (e.g., advanced notation for chords, percussion, etc.) up to 8 instruments
Modern interface and workflow, with frequent updates and an active user forum
Cons:
Limited to 8 players/instruments per score (not for full orchestra)
Some advanced features and content libraries are locked to paid versions
Learning the workflow may take time, especially if switching from a different notation program
Sibelius First – A Scaled-Down Industry Standard
Sibelius First is the free version of Avid’s Sibelius, one of the long-standing leaders in music notation software. It provides a beginner-friendly introduction to Sibelius’s interface and capabilities, making it ideal for students and casual composers. Sibelius First runs on Windows and Mac, and Avid also offers a mobile app for iPad that syncs with the desktop version — allowing you to compose on the go. The interface in Sibelius First is essentially the same as the full Sibelius, so you get the familiar ribbon-style toolbar and intuitive note entry methods (computer keyboard, mouse, or MIDI keyboard input).
Despite being free, Sibelius First includes many useful features: you can write music notation and hear it played back with basic instrument sounds, add lyrics, chord symbols, and even limited tablature. It has enough tools for small ensemble pieces or simple arrangements. Notably, Sibelius First supports up to 4 instrument parts (staves) per score, which is enough for string quartets, lead sheet with piano and melody, or SATB choral arrangements, but not for larger works. It also integrates with Avid’s cloud service, allowing you to save up to 10 scores online and share them for collaboration or for viewing on the mobile app.
The primary limitations of Sibelius First are the restricted number of staves and the omission of many advanced features that professional engravers or composers might need. For example, you won’t get the full set of orchestral instrument sounds, advanced layout controls, or certain plugins and batch processing capabilities present in Sibelius Ultimate (the paid flagship version). Additionally, some notational elements like complex ossia staves, cross-staff notation, or detailed engraving rules customization are not available in the free tier. Still, for learning notation or doing small-scale projects, Sibelius First is more than capable and has the advantage of a very user-friendly environment. If a user outgrows its limitations, moving up to the paid Sibelius versions is straightforward, as your skills and scores from First carry over.
Pros:
Familiar, user-friendly interface that’s great for beginners and those learning notation
Solid set of basic notation features (lyrics, chords, tablature, etc.) for small ensemble writing
Integration with cloud sharing and an iPad app, enabling some mobility and collaboration
Cons:
Allows only 4 instruments per score; not usable for anything beyond small ensembles
Lacks many advanced engraving options and fine-tunings of the full Sibelius
Some features require an internet connection (for cloud save) and an Avid account sign-in
Free Online Sheet Music Makers
Not everyone wants to install software to write music. If you prefer working in a web browser or need easy sharing and collaboration, sheet music maker online tools are the way to go. These online notation programs typically offer free basic accounts that let you compose, save, and share music all through a web interface. They’re especially popular in educational settings and for musicians who use multiple devices, since your work is stored in the cloud.
Noteflight – Compose in Your Browser with Ease
Noteflight is a popular online music notation platform that runs entirely in your web browser. With Noteflight, you can create and edit scores on any device (PC, Mac, Chromebook, tablet) without installing anything. This makes it incredibly convenient for classroom use and collaboration—teachers often use Noteflight to assign composition projects, and students can complete them online. The interface is clean and simple: clicking on the staff allows you to enter notes, and there are tool palettes for adding markings, dynamics, and other symbols. You can also connect a MIDI keyboard for note input. Playback is built-in, using digital instrument sounds to hear your composition.
As a sheet music maker online, Noteflight’s strength lies in sharing and community. You can easily share a score via a link, embed it in a webpage, or even allow others to collaborate on it (with permission settings). There’s a public community where users share compositions, plus a marketplace for selling and purchasing sheet music (though these features are more active with a paid plan). For educators, Noteflight Learn is an integrated platform (paid upgrade) that offers a private environment for students and extra teacher tools.
Noteflight offers a free tier that is quite functional but does have some limitations. With a free account (Noteflight Basic), you can create up to 10 scores. The range of instruments and sounds is somewhat limited compared to the premium version – the free version gives you basic MIDI sounds, whereas Noteflight Premium provides over 85 high-quality instrument sounds and more advanced features like audio recording. Editing features in the free version cover standard notation entry and basic markings, but some advanced notations (like detailed text formatting, certain musical symbols, or part formatting) might be restricted. Also, since it’s web-based, you’ll need an internet connection to use Noteflight and to access your scores (though there is an option to export files like MusicXML or PDF for offline use).
Pros:
Extremely convenient – runs on any device with a web browser, no installation needed
Intuitive interface, suitable for beginners and students
Easy sharing and embedding of scores; great for collaboration and showcasing music online
Cons:
Free plan limits you to 10 saved scores and fewer instrument choices
Some advanced notation and audio features require a paid subscription
Performance can be dependent on internet speed and browser capabilities (complex scores might lag in the browser)
Flat – Collaborative Online Notation with Real-Time Editing
Flat (available at Flat.io) is another powerful browser-based music notation software that has gained popularity, especially for its collaborative features. Like Noteflight, Flat lets you create, edit, and playback sheet music directly online without any installation. Its interface is modern and user-friendly, with a dark theme and smooth drag-and-drop feel. Flat supports standard notation and guitar tablature, and offers a library of over 100 instruments for playback. One of Flat’s standout features is real-time collaboration: multiple people can work on the same score simultaneously, seeing each other’s changes in real time (think Google Docs for music). This is fantastic for group composition projects or teacher-student interactions.
Flat is also well-integrated with educational tools. It offers Google Classroom integration, making it easy for teachers to distribute assignments and for students to submit compositions. Additionally, Flat has an intuitive version history system, so you can see revisions or revert to earlier versions of a score if needed. For sharing, Flat allows you to embed scores on websites and share links, similar to other online platforms.
As with other free online notation tools, Flat has a free tier with limitations. Free users can create and save up to 15 scores on their account. While you can use a wide range of instruments and basic notation features, some advanced features (like premium soundfonts, advanced layout options, or unlimited online storage) are reserved for paid subscribers (Flat Power or Flat for Education plans). Also, collaborative editing is available to free users but might be limited in the number of collaborators or scores that can be shared concurrently. Being an online service, working in Flat requires an internet connection, and there may be occasional latency when inputting notes in real-time collaboration (though it’s generally very responsive for most uses).
Pros:
Real-time collaboration on scores, enabling group work and instant feedback
Accessible from anywhere via web browser; no installation hassles
Integration with classroom tools and a clean, modern interface that appeals to young composers
Cons:
Free plan restricts the number of scores (up to 15) you can save
Certain features (expanded sound libraries, unlimited scores, offline editing) require a paid plan
Dependent on internet access, and heavy scores might tax browser performance
Other Notable Free Notation Tools
In addition to the mainstream options above, there are a few other free tools that cater to specific needs or offer unique features in music notation. Depending on your focus, these might be worth exploring:
ScoreCloud – From Performance to Score Instantly
ScoreCloud is a notation software with a special twist: it can listen to you play or sing and turn it into written music. Aimed at composers and songwriters who come up with ideas by playing an instrument, ScoreCloud offers instant transcription – you can connect a MIDI keyboard or even use your device’s microphone, perform your music, and ScoreCloud will generate the corresponding notation. This feature can be a huge time-saver when you want to jot down musical ideas quickly without manually entering every note. ScoreCloud runs on Windows and Mac for its desktop version (called ScoreCloud Studio), and also has a mobile app (ScoreCloud Express) for capturing melodies on the go.
Beyond the transcription feature, ScoreCloud functions as a basic notation editor. You can edit the transcribed music, add lyrics, change arrangements, and playback your compositions. All your scores are synced to the cloud under your account, which means you can access them from different devices. The interface is straightforward, though not as full-featured as something like MuseScore or Sibelius – it focuses on simplicity and the unique ability to create sheet music from audio input.
ScoreCloud’s base service is free, but with limitations. As a free user, you can have up to 10 scores saved in your cloud account. The transcription feature (audio-to-score) is available, but you might need an internet connection for the analysis process, as some processing is done on their servers. Additionally, certain outputs like exporting to PDF, MIDI, or MusicXML might be limited or watermark your scores in the free version (their pricing tiers unlock more export and printing capabilities). This means while you can view and work on your music in ScoreCloud for free, sharing it as a polished PDF or in other formats could require an upgrade. Also, automatic transcription, while impressive, is not 100% perfect – you’ll likely need to clean up rhythms or notes, especially from microphone input.
Pros:
Unique audio/MIDI to notation transcription – great for quickly capturing musical ideas
Simple interface and editing, ideal for songwriters who don’t want to input notation manually
Cloud synchronization of scores allows access from multiple devices (desktop or mobile)
Cons:
Free version limits you to 10 saved scores and may restrict exporting options
Transcription accuracy can vary; complex pieces may not transcribe cleanly and need manual correction
Not as feature-rich for notation editing/engraving as dedicated notation programs (best used in tandem with another editor for final touch-ups)
Impro-Visor – Jazz and Improv Notation Learning Tool
Impro-Visor (short for “Improvisation Advisor”) is a free, open-source tool tailored for jazz musicians and students learning improvisation. It is a bit different from other notation software in that it focuses on helping you create and understand jazz solos and lead sheets. In Impro-Visor, you typically work with lead sheets: melody on a staff with chord symbols above. The software can generate jazz improvised solos over chord changes, hence acting as a practice tool to study how solos are constructed. It’s also useful for composing your own solos or walking bass lines, with real-time feedback on the relationship between the notes and underlying chords.
Impro-Visor is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux (it’s Java-based). It includes features like a library of jazz lexicon phrases, chord-scale outlines, and the ability to input custom licks. You can input your own chord progression (or choose common standards), and ask Impro-Visor to create a solo – the generated solos can provide inspiration or a basis to build upon. For educators, it’s a helpful way to demonstrate theory: the program can highlight chord tones vs. passing tones, and analyze the harmony of a piece. Impro-Visor also allows you to export solos or leadsheets as MIDI or MusicXML, so you could import them into a more full-featured notation program for further arrangement if needed.
When it comes to limitations, Impro-Visor is a niche tool and doesn’t serve well as a general-purpose notation editor for complex scores. Its interface is utilitarian and somewhat outdated in appearance, focusing on function over form. The notation output (while fine for lead sheets) is not as polished as what you’d get from MuseScore, Dorico, or LilyPond, especially for classical or large ensemble notation. It’s also geared toward single-staff leadsheets; while you can add a simple piano accompaniment or bass staff, you wouldn’t use Impro-Visor to write a symphony. Another limitation is that the learning curve can be moderate if you want to use the more advanced features like custom solo generation rules. However, for its intended purpose—jazz improvisation practice and lead sheet creation—it’s an invaluable free tool.
Pros:
Excellent for jazz students and musicians to practice improvisation and study solos
Generates notation for solos over chord changes, providing learning material and ideas
Free and open-source, with cross-platform availability
Cons:
Not suitable for general notation of multi-part scores or detailed engraving
Interface is a bit old-school and can be confusing until you get used to it
Very specialized in focus (jazz and improvisation), so it’s not needed unless you work in that idiom
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Free Notation Tool
In 2025, the landscape of free music notation software is rich and varied. The "best" choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and workflow:
If you need a comprehensive, full-featured notation program for composing, arranging, and engraving, MuseScore 4 is an outstanding choice with no cost or restrictions. It’s ideal for composers on a budget and educators who want an all-purpose tool for students.
If you desire professional-quality engraving and are writing for smaller ensembles, consider Dorico SE 5. Its modern approach and polished output make it great for serious composition projects within its 8-player limit. Similarly, Sibelius First is perfect for beginners or those accustomed to the Sibelius interface, as long as your scores are small in scope.
For those who prefer the convenience of a browser and easy sharing, a sheet music maker online like Noteflight or Flat will be most appealing. They allow you to work anywhere and collaborate readily—great for classroom settings and group projects. Just be mindful of their online requirements and free-tier limitations.
If you are an engraving perfectionist or don’t mind a coding approach, LilyPond offers unparalleled control over notation output, albeit with a steep learning curve. On the other hand, if you’re a guitarist or jazz musician with specialized needs, tools like Impro-Visor (for jazz improv) or others like TuxGuitar (for tablature, not detailed above) cater to those niches. And for quickly transcribing ideas, ScoreCloud provides a unique solution to bridge performance and notation.
All these options being free means you can try them out and even use multiple tools in tandem (for example, transcribe in ScoreCloud then edit in MuseScore, or draft online in Noteflight then polish in Dorico SE). The lack of a price barrier opens up opportunities for anyone to start writing music. By taking advantage of these programs, composers and students can focus on creativity and learning, rather than worrying about cost.
Ultimately, the best free notation software is the one that fits your musical needs and inspires you to keep composing. Each of the tools listed here has something to offer, so explore them and enjoy the process of bringing your musical ideas to life on the page. Happy composing!
Resources
MuseScore Official Website: musescore.org – Free download of MuseScore and community forums
Dorico SE (Steinberg) Download: steinberg.net/dorico-se – Official Dorico SE product page and download information
Avid Sibelius First: avid.com/sibelius-first – Information and download for Sibelius | First (free tier of Sibelius)
Noteflight: noteflight.com – Online notation software (sign up for free Basic account)
Flat: flat.io – Web-based collaborative music notation editor (free and paid plans)
LilyPond Documentation: lilypond.org – Official LilyPond site (download, manuals, and tutorials)
ScoreCloud: scorecloud.com – ScoreCloud Studio download and features (free and premium plans)
Impro-Visor: impro-visor.com – Impro-Visor download, documentation, and jazz resources