Freedom251 › Guitar Tab Software
Power Tab Editor
What Power Tab Editor is
Power Tab Editor is a free, open-source guitar tablature editor and viewer for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports MIDI and playback, with a mixer interface for adjusting volume. Its tabbed layout can keep multiple files open at once, and its supported formats include .pt2, .ptb, .gp3, .gp4, .gp5, .gpx, and .gp. Guitar Pro tab imports are supported, and keyboard shortcuts can be customized. The project describes itself as a community-driven successor to the original Power Tab Editor 1.7 and lists a GPL-3.0 license. Users can report bugs or suggest features through the issue tracker, discuss ideas in the forum, or join the Discord community. Community translations are accepted through Weblate. On Linux, the Snap package notes that MIDI access is not connected automatically and gives commands for connecting ALSA and JACK interfaces. The project is intended for people who want to view and edit guitar tablature.
Who it suits
It suits people who want to view or edit guitar tablature, including users importing Guitar Pro tabs. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
What it does well
- Free, open-source tablature editor and viewer.
- Supports MIDI playback and volume adjustments.
- Imports Guitar Pro tabs.
- Opens multiple files in tabs.
- Keyboard shortcuts are customizable.
What to know first
- Linux Snap MIDI access requires manual connection.
- Its stated purpose is limited to guitar tablature.
- No free trial is listed.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Power Tab Editor | Open source guitar tablature editor and viewer · Windows, macOS, Linux | Free |
As powertab.github.io lists them, read 9 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit the Power Tab Editor website.
- Choose the version for Windows, macOS, or Linux.
- Open or import a supported tablature file, including a Guitar Pro tab.
- Use playback and the mixer to listen and adjust volumes.
- On Linux, connect MIDI access to ALSA and JACK using the commands provided with the Snap package if needed.
Verdict
Power Tab Editor focuses on guitar tablature, with broad file support, playback, and multiple open files. Linux Snap users should note that MIDI access is not connected automatically.
Questions
Is Power Tab Editor free?
Yes. The listed plan costs nothing. The project identifies its license as GPL-3.0.
Which operating systems does it support?
Power Tab Editor supports Windows, macOS, and Linux.
What file formats can it open?
It supports .pt2, .ptb, .gp3, .gp4, .gp5, .gpx, and .gp files, and it can import Guitar Pro tabs.
Does Power Tab Editor support playback and MIDI?
Yes. MIDI support and tab playback are listed. A mixer interface lets users adjust volumes during playback.
Can I open multiple tabs at once?
Yes. Its tabbed layout supports opening multiple files at the same time.
Who makes Power Tab Editor?
It is an open-source, community-driven project described as a successor to the original Power Tab Editor 1.7.
Facts from Power Tab Editor's own pages
- Community and support
- Users can report bugs or suggest features through the issue tracker, discuss ideas in the forum, or join the Discord community. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
- File formats
- It supports .pt2, .ptb, .gp3, .gp4, .gp5, .gpx, and .gp files. · powertab.github.io, 9 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · powertab.github.io, 20 Sept 2026
- Guitar Pro import
- The editor supports importing Guitar Pro tabs. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The project describes the app for people who want to view and edit guitar tablature. · powertab.github.io, 9 Oct 2026
- Keyboard shortcuts
- Keyboard shortcuts can be completely customized. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
- License
- The project repository identifies its license as GPL-3.0. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Linux MIDI setup
- The Snap package notes that MIDI access is not connected automatically and provides commands to connect ALSA and JACK interfaces. · snapcraft.io, 9 Oct 2026
- MIDI support
- Yes · powertab.github.io, 20 Sept 2026
- Multiple files
- Its tabbed layout lets users open multiple files at the same time. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Playback mixer
- A mixer interface lets users adjust volumes during playback. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Project model
- The project describes itself as an open source, community-driven successor to the original Power Tab Editor 1.7. · powertab.github.io, 9 Oct 2026
- Translations
- The project accepts community translations through Weblate. · powertab.github.io, 9 Oct 2026
- What it does
- Power Tab Editor is a cross-platform guitar tablature editor and viewer. · powertab.github.io, 9 Oct 2026
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