Nubium

What Nubium is

Nubium is open-source music notation software that runs in a browser or as a desktop application. Its editor supports four independent voices in each measure, multiple ways to enter notes, guitar tablature, and MIDI input. Nubium works with MusicXML and can copy or paste LilyPond and ABC notation. Scores can be exported as print-ready PDF files or WAV audio. Playback uses SoundFont instruments and follows repeats, D.S., D.C., codas, and volta brackets.

For natural-language score edits, Nubium’s AI Chat connects to Anthropic Claude, OpenAI, or Google Gemini using an API key you provide. You can install community plugins or write your own, as well as configure keybindings, settings, and layout. Automatic crash-recovery snapshots can restore a score after an unexpected app close. The public source repository identifies the software as AGPL-3.0 licensed. Nubium is free, requires no account, and is described by its maker as being in beta with features being added quickly. Its repository says anonymous launch pings include the version, operating system, and platform, but not the IP address or user ID. The maker points users to GitHub for source code and issues, and Discord for questions and sharing work.

Who it suits

Nubium suits musicians who want notation software available in a browser or on Linux, macOS, and Windows, including those working with tablature or MIDI input. Its open-source license, plugin support, and configurable controls may also suit users who want to inspect or extend their notation tools.

Getting started

1. Visit nubium.rocks.
2. Choose the browser version or a desktop version for Linux, macOS, or Windows.
3. Create or open a score using the notation editor.
4. Optionally provide an API key to use AI Chat with Anthropic Claude, OpenAI, or Google Gemini.
5. Export a finished score as print-ready PDF or WAV audio.

Verdict

Choose Nubium if you want free, open-source notation software with desktop and browser availability, tablature, MIDI input, and PDF or WAV export. It also offers plugins and crash recovery without requiring an account. Look elsewhere if you need software outside its beta status or want AI editing without supplying your own API key.