Side by side
Frescobaldi vs iWriteMusic
Both stand on music notation software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1
Choose Frescobaldi if you want a free LilyPond text editor with score preview, MIDI tools, and score-editing functions. Look elsewhere if you need an editor that does not depend on separately installing LilyPond on macOS or Windows.
Visit Frescobaldi Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac
Choose iWriteMusic if you need notation, parts management, playback, and several export formats across its listed platforms. The free SE edition has significant saving and export restrictions, and the available plans differ by device and features.
Visit iWriteMusicThe facts
| Frescobaldi | iWriteMusic | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Web, Windows | Android, iPhone, Mac |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | iWriteMusic Pro (US App Store): $12.99, paid once |
| Plans published | 1 | 5 |
| Maker | Not published | iWriteMusic |
| Website | frescobaldi.org | iwritemusicapp.com |
| On music notation software | #15 of 38 | #19 of 38 |
Frescobaldi: what it does well
- Free Software under the GNU General Public License.
- Syntax highlighting and automatic completion for score text.
- Point & Click links the music view and text source.
- Imports MusicXML, MIDI, and ABC.
- Includes transposition, rhythm, and lyric editing functions.
What to know first
- macOS and Windows users are instructed to install LilyPond.
- The listed deployment is desktop, despite web being among the platforms.
iWriteMusic: what it does well
- Offers separate OneFlick and Traditional note-entry methods.
- Supports multiple tracks, voices, percussion, lyrics, and chord symbols.
- Includes parts creation and score-and-parts management.
- Playback mixer provides solo, mute, and voice selection.
- Exports PDF, JPG, and Standard MIDI files.
What to know first
- The free SE edition adds a watermark to page views and printouts.
- Free SE saving is limited to five files.
- Free SE cannot export Standard MIDI or import iWriteMusic data files.
- MusicXML support is unavailable.
Alternatives to Frescobaldi Alternatives to iWriteMusic The whole list