--- title: "Best Drum Notation Apps and Software, by What You Write" description: "Drum notation apps and desktop software compared on what decides the pick: a real drum staff, playback, PDF, MIDI and MusicXML export, stickings, AI transcription, MIDI input from an e-kit. Sourced, dated." author: "Raul Rodrigues" publishedAt: 2026-10-07 checkedOn: 2026-10-07 canonical: https://upbeat.studio/compare/drum-notation-apps/ --- # The best drum notation app or software, by what you write Writing drums down is a different job from writing a melody, and most notation software treats it as an afterthought. A drummer jotting a groove on a phone, a teacher making worksheets, a band leader charting a set and a transcriber turning a record into a part each need a different tool. This page puts the apps, the desktop programs and the browser tools in one table, with the features that decide each of those picks, read from their store listings and makers' pages on the day we checked. > Upbeat Studio makes one of the apps in this table, Drum Notes. It is not ranked anywhere on this page: it sits in the table with the same columns and the same criticism as every other row, and the picker never shortlists it. Where it does not fit, the page says so. Checked on 2026-10-07. 21 tools. No prices on purpose: price models only, because prices change monthly. ## What you need, and what decides the pick - **Quick grooves.** I want to write a groove or a fill in a minute, on my phone, and hear it. What decides it: a drum staff you tap into, instant playback, and nothing to set up. - **Songs and charts.** I need a full chart with repeats, sections and a readable layout. What decides it: repeat and navigation marks, a real drum staff, PDF export and a layout that fits a page. - **Teaching.** I make exercises and worksheets for students every week. What decides it: fast entry, clean PDF export, and a way to share or assign. - **Band and pro scores.** I write for an ensemble or deliver parts to other musicians. What decides it: full notation vocabulary, parts from a score, MusicXML, and the percussion maps publishers expect. - **Transcribe audio.** I want the drum part of a recording as notation without writing it by hand. What decides it: AI transcription that reads drums specifically, an editor to fix it, and honest expectations about accuracy. - **MIDI from an e-kit.** I want to play it on my electronic kit and see it written. What decides it: MIDI input, a percussion map for your module, and quantization you can control. - **Actually free.** I do not want a subscription, a watermark or a note limit. What decides it: what the free tier really allows: saving, exporting, sharing, and how many scores. - **Read and play along.** I mostly read charts other people wrote and play along. What decides it: a library, synced playback, slow-down and loop. ## The table | Tool | Maker | Kind | Platforms | Price model | Dedicated drum or percussion staff with a kit map | Plays the part back | PDF export or print | MIDI export | MusicXML import or export | Stickings under the notes | Audio to notation automatically | Records from an e-kit or MIDI pad | Share or browse a library of scores | Works offline | Worksheets, assignments, classroom | How notes go in | App Store | Google Play | Best for | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | MuseScore Studio 4 | MuseScore | desktop | macOS, Windows, Linux | free | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | unknown | yes | yes | yes | unknown | Percussion panel drum pads, mouse on the staff, a keyboard shortcut per pad, or a MIDI keyboard or controller | not on this store | not on this store | Actually free, Songs and charts, Band and pro scores, MIDI from an e-kit | | MuseScore mobile app | MuseScore BVBA on iOS, Musescore Limited on Android | app | iOS, Android | freemium | unknown | yes | yes | yes | unknown | no | no | no | yes | yes | unknown | None: a score viewer and player with no note entry | 4.6 (79k) | 3.8 (162k) | Read and play along | | Drum Notes: Beats & Notation (ours) | Upbeat Studio | app | iOS, Android | freemium | yes | yes | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | yes | unknown | yes | A drum-sequencer style score editor, per the listings; the exact input gestures are not described | 4.6 (206) | 4.6 (4k) | Quick grooves | | Drum Notation by Beat Note | Kick Snare Hat Apps, LLC | app | iOS | subscription | yes | yes | yes | no | no | yes | unknown | no | yes | yes | yes | Tap and swipe on a sequencer grid | 4.6 (87) | not on this store | Quick grooves, Teaching | | Flat | Tutteo Limited | web | Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows | freemium | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | unknown | unknown | yes | yes | yes | yes | Mouse on the staff, an on-screen drums-pad, keyboard shortcuts per drum, or a MIDI device | 4.6 (7k) | 4.2 (5k) | Songs and charts, Quick grooves, Teaching | | Guitar Pro 8 | Arobas Music | desktop | macOS, Windows | one-time | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | unknown | no | yes | yes | unknown | unknown | Numeric keypad and mouse on the staff, a Drum View kit panel, drum tab by MIDI number, or MIDI capture beat by beat | not on this store | not on this store | Songs and charts, Transcribe audio, Read and play along | | Dorico (Pro, Elements, SE and Dorico for iPad) | Steinberg | desktop | macOS, Windows, iOS | freemium | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | via lyrics | unknown | yes | unknown | yes | unknown | Mouse, computer keyboard shortcuts or a MIDI keyboard or kit using the General MIDI percussion map; multi-touch drum pads on iPad | 4.6 (2k) | not on this store | Band and pro scores, Songs and charts, Actually free, MIDI from an e-kit | | Sibelius (First, Artist, Ultimate and Sibelius for mobile) | Avid | desktop | macOS, Windows, iOS, Android | freemium | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | unknown | unknown | yes | yes | unknown | yes | Mouse, computer keyboard, on-screen Keypad, or MIDI keyboard step entry and real-time Flexi-time; touch and stylus on mobile | 4.2 (2k) | 3.0 (522) | Band and pro scores, Teaching, Songs and charts | | Finale | MakeMusic | desktop | macOS, Windows | one-time | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | unknown | yes | unknown | unknown | yes | mouse or computer keyboard on the staff, plus MIDI keyboard step and real-time entry | not on this store | not on this store | Band and pro scores | | Fender Notion | Fender (formerly PreSonus) | app | iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux | freemium | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | unknown | unknown | yes | unknown | yes | unknown | tap notes on the staff, on-screen drum pads, MIDI instrument step or real-time entry, or handwriting | 3.1 (71) | 3.6 (1k) | Songs and charts, Quick grooves, Actually free | | Noteflight | Noteflight LLC | web | Web | freemium | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | unknown | unknown | yes | yes | unknown | yes | mouse and computer keyboard on the staff, plus a MIDI controller in Chrome | not on this store | not on this store | Teaching, Songs and charts | | Soundslice | Soundslice | web | Web | freemium | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | yes | yes | unknown | yes | computer keyboard and mouse on the staff, plus a MIDI keyboard on paid plans | not on this store | not on this store | Transcribe audio, Read and play along, Songs and charts | | Groove Scribe | Lou Montulli and Mike Johnston (open source) | web | Web | free | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | yes | unknown | unknown | yes | unknown | unknown | click or tap a grid of drum rows | not on this store | not on this store | Quick grooves, Actually free | | Beam | Ross Farley | web | Web | freemium | yes | yes | yes | no | no | yes | unknown | unknown | yes | yes | yes | tap a step grid | not on this store | not on this store | Quick grooves, Teaching | | Aered | Aerodrums | desktop | Windows, macOS | freemium | yes | yes | yes | no | no | yes | unknown | unknown | yes | unknown | unknown | click on the staff with keyboard shortcuts | not on this store | not on this store | Songs and charts | | Musink | Musink Limited | desktop | Windows | freemium | yes | yes | yes | yes | unknown | yes | unknown | yes | unknown | yes | yes | mouse clicks on guide notes on the staff with a few keyboard shortcuts; Musink Pro adds MIDI step entry and real-time recording from a keyboard or electronic kit | not on this store | not on this store | Teaching, Songs and charts, MIDI from an e-kit | | DrumToolz | Jared Simon | app | iOS | free | yes | yes | yes | unknown | yes | yes | unknown | unknown | yes | unknown | unknown | manual note input on an editable score, from whole notes to 32nds and tuplets, plus generated variations of what you enter | 4.3 (310) | not on this store | Quick grooves, Actually free | | DrumScore - Drum Sheet Music | DrumScoreStudio | app | iOS, Android | freemium | yes | yes | yes | yes | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | tap grid blocks for each kit piece and drag to move notes; the maker site also mentions real-time recording | 5.0 (1) | no rating yet | Quick grooves | | Sakudoka - drum score editor | Tomoko Sugimoto | app | Android | free | yes | unknown | no | no | no | no | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | tap positions on a one-measure staff, zoom in for toms and cymbals, long press a note for marks | not on this store | no rating yet | Quick grooves, Actually free | | Drum Charter | Ralf Brauchler | app | iOS, macOS | free | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | type text symbols such as x, o and Q into a three-line grid per bar, helped by a context-aware symbol palette | no rating yet | not on this store | Songs and charts, Read and play along, Actually free | | Drum2Notes | Klangio GmbH | app | iOS, Android, Web | freemium | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | unknown | yes | unknown | yes | no | unknown | audio in: record, upload an MP3 or paste a YouTube link, then correct notes in Edit Mode on paid transcriptions | 4.8 (4) | 1.9 (46) | Transcribe audio | Legend: yes = the store listing or the maker says so; no = not there; unknown = neither says. ## One by one ### MuseScore Studio 4 MuseScore. desktop, macOS, Windows, Linux, free. Free tier: Everything: the full editor, playback and PDF, MIDI and MusicXML export are free and open source, with no trial or limited version. MuseScore Studio gives a drummer a full desktop editor with ready-made drum kits, a drum-pad percussion panel, a dedicated Sticking text for R and L, MIDI keyboard or pad input and PDF, MIDI and MusicXML export, all free. Know before choosing: it runs only on Mac, Windows and Linux, and MuseScore says it has no plans for a mobile editor, so grooves you sketch away from the computer have to start in another app. - Best for: Actually free, Songs and charts, Band and pro scores, MIDI from an e-kit - Not for: Drummers who want to write or edit notation on a phone or tablet. - Someone does it better: Flat lets you edit the same drum chart in a browser, on a phone and with bandmates in real time, which MuseScore Studio cannot do. - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://musescore.org - Sources: - Latest stable version: "The latest stable version is 4.7.5" (https://musescore.org/en/download) - Native Linux build alongside Windows and Mac downloads: "Suitable for recent Linux distributions" (https://musescore.org/en/download) - Free and open source: "MuseScore Studio is a GNU GPL licensed open-source program." (https://musescore.org/en/download) - No paid or limited edition: "There is no demo, trial or limited version of the open source MuseScore software." (https://musescore.org/en/faq) - Drum kits are preconfigured with the right staff lines and noteheads: "MuseScore Studio takes care of the number of stave lines for the kit" (https://handbook.musescore.org/idiomatic-notation/percussion/inputting-percussion-notation) - Drum kit instruments included: "Drum kits (common, minimal, large)" (https://handbook.musescore.org/idiomatic-notation/percussion/inputting-percussion-notation) - Playback of drum kits: "the correct sound is automatically assigned in playback for MS Basic and MuseSounds libraries" (https://handbook.musescore.org/idiomatic-notation/percussion/inputting-percussion-notation) - Drum pad input panel: "The percussion panel in MuseScore Studio uses a drum pad style layout" (https://handbook.musescore.org/idiomatic-notation/percussion/inputting-percussion-notation) - MIDI input onto a percussion staff: "Press a key on your MIDI keyboard to input a note" (https://handbook.musescore.org/idiomatic-notation/percussion/inputting-percussion-notation) - Dedicated sticking text: "To enter sticking symbols (R, L):" (https://handbook.musescore.org/idiomatic-notation/percussion/other-percussion-notation) - PDF export: "Use this format when you want to generate music scores for other musicians to read." (https://handbook.musescore.org/file-management/file-export) - MIDI export: "When exporting to MIDI, the following options are available:" (https://handbook.musescore.org/file-management/file-export) - MusicXML import and export: "When exporting a score to MusicXML, you can choose from a compressed (the default option) or uncompressed format" (https://handbook.musescore.org/file-management/working-with-musicxml-files) - Publish and share scores on MuseScore.com: "you also have the option of whether to keep them private or allow them to be shared" (https://handbook.musescore.org/file-management/publish-to-musescore.com) - Even cloud-saved scores keep local copies that work without an internet connection: "so you can work on them even without an active internet connection" (https://handbook.musescore.org/file-management/publish-to-musescore.com) - No mobile editor planned: "Currently, there are no plans for a MuseScore editor on mobile platforms." (https://musescore.org/en/faq) ### MuseScore mobile app MuseScore BVBA on iOS, Musescore Limited on Android. app, iOS, Android, freemium. Free tier: Browse and play the free community score catalogue with the interactive player; offline Songbook, PDF, MIDI and MP3 export and other practice tools sit behind MuseScore PRO. The MuseScore app lets a drummer find community drum and percussion scores in a very large catalogue and play them back with tempo control and looping. Know before choosing: it cannot write or edit anything, and offline use plus PDF and MIDI export need the PRO subscription. - Best for: Read and play along - Not for: Anyone who wants to write or edit drum notation on a phone. - Someone does it better: Flat's mobile app actually writes drum parts with a drums-pad and exports PDF, MIDI and MusicXML, while the MuseScore app only views and plays scores. - App Store: 4.6 (79k) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/musescore-sheet-music-chords/id835731296) - Google Play: 3.8 (162k) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.musescore.playerlite&hl=en&gl=us) - Maker: https://musescore.com - Sources: - Play scores online and offline: "View and play your favorite sheet music online and offline." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/musescore-sheet-music-chords/id835731296) - Offline Songbook needs PRO: "With MuseScore PRO, you can use Songbook to download and keep your favorite scores offline." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/musescore-sheet-music-chords/id835731296) - Interactive playback: "Play immediately with the interactive player." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/musescore-sheet-music-chords/id835731296) - Export listed under the PRO features: "Export sheet music to PDF, MIDI, and MP3." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/musescore-sheet-music-chords/id835731296) - Percussion scores in the catalogue: "Browse the catalog by instrument: piano, trumpet, violin, percussion, flute, etc." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/musescore-sheet-music-chords/id835731296) - Sharing: "Share your favorite sheet music." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/musescore-sheet-music-chords/id835731296) - Offline practice on Android needs PRO: "Download sheet music for offline practice with MuseScore PRO" (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.musescore.playerlite&hl=en&gl=us) - No mobile editor: "Currently, there are no plans for a MuseScore editor on mobile platforms." (https://musescore.org/en/faq) - Mobile app is a player: "Instead, we focus much of our resources on developing the optimal experience for desktop and the MuseScore Player for mobile." (https://musescore.org/en/faq) ### Drum Notes: Beats & Notation (made by Upbeat Studio, disclosed) Upbeat Studio. app, iOS, Android, freemium. Free tier: Free with ads on both stores; both listings say Premium unlocks unlimited compositions and private groups, with percussion instruments per score also named on the App Store and advanced editor features on Google Play. Drum Notes is a phone and tablet score editor for drum set and world percussion such as samba, marching, Cuban and capoeira instruments, with playback, a metronome, a public library of community beats and student-teacher groups. Know before choosing: both listings show ads and a Premium subscription for unlimited compositions, and they mention audio and image export but not PDF, MIDI or MusicXML. - Best for: Quick grooves - Not for: Drummers who need PDF, MIDI or MusicXML files, since neither store listing mentions those exports. - Someone does it better: Beat Note's listing documents sticking annotations and PDF export, neither of which the Drum Notes listings mention. - App Store: 4.6 (206) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-notes-beats-notation/id1493160348) - Google Play: 4.6 (4k) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.drumap.android&hl=en&gl=us) - Maker: https://upbeat.studio - Sources: - Score editor for drum set and percussion: "Intuitive Music Score Editor: Effortlessly create percussive sheet music with a user-friendly music writing editor, for drum set or any percussion instrument." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-notes-beats-notation/id1493160348) - Sequencer-style editing with real scores: "Like a drum machine or drum sequencer with real drum scores." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-notes-beats-notation/id1493160348) - Playback: "Playback Tool: Use Drum Notes to playback loops and samples for various instruments." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-notes-beats-notation/id1493160348) - Export is audio or image: "Arrange and Share: Organize complex patterns and rhythms, and export them in audio or image formats." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-notes-beats-notation/id1493160348) - Teacher groups: "Student-Teacher Groups: Maintain shared spaces for class materials and track progress." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-notes-beats-notation/id1493160348) - What Premium unlocks: "Unlock unlimited compositions, percussive instruments per score, and private groups." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-notes-beats-notation/id1493160348) - iOS listing shows ads: "Contains Advertising" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-notes-beats-notation/id1493160348) - Android listing shows ads: "Contains ads" (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.drumap.android&hl=en&gl=us) - Community beat library: "Discover thousands of drum beats, drum grooves, and drum patterns shared by our community" (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.drumap.android&hl=en&gl=us) - Drum notation editor on Android: "Intuitive Drum Score Editor: Effortlessly create drum sheet music with a user-friendly drum notation editor, designed for drum set and percussion score creation." (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.drumap.android&hl=en&gl=us) - Latest release note: "New traditional notation view" (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.drumap.android&hl=en&gl=us) ### Drum Notation by Beat Note Kick Snare Hat Apps, LLC. app, iOS, subscription. Free tier: Free to download with a free trial; the listing says a premium subscription is required for full access and does not say what stays free. Beat Note turns taps on a sequencer grid into clean drum notation with R and L stickings, plays it back with a click and count-in, and exports PDF, audio and animated notation video, with worksheet layouts for teachers. Know before choosing: it is iPhone and iPad only, full access needs a subscription, and MIDI and MusicXML export are still open requests on the developer's roadmap. - Best for: Quick grooves, Teaching - Not for: Android users, and anyone who needs to move a groove into a DAW or another notation program as MIDI or MusicXML. - Someone does it better: Flat runs on Android, the web and desktop and exports MIDI and MusicXML, where Beat Note is iOS only with neither export. - App Store: 4.6 (87) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-notation-by-beat-note/id1539132475) - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://www.beat-note.app/ - Sources: - Grid entry turns into notation: "Tap the sequencer grid to build beats." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-notation-by-beat-note/id1539132475) - Playback: "Hit play and hear exactly what you wrote" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-notation-by-beat-note/id1539132475) - Stickings: "Sticking annotations (R, L)" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-notation-by-beat-note/id1539132475) - Export formats: "PDF, PNG, WAV or AAC audio, shareable link, and animated MP4" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-notation-by-beat-note/id1539132475) - Curated beat library: "Discover tab: curated educational beats for all skill levels" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-notation-by-beat-note/id1539132475) - Subscription model: "Premium subscription required for full access. Educator and Creator tiers available. Free trial included." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-notation-by-beat-note/id1539132475) - Mac runs the iPad build: "Designed for iPad. Not verified for macOS." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-notation-by-beat-note/id1539132475) - Worksheets for teachers: "Custom Worksheets in Minutes" (https://www.beat-note.app/) - No Android version yet: "committed to bringing Drum Notation by Beat Note to Android in the future" (https://www.beat-note.app/help/faq/android-support/) - MIDI export not built yet, per the developer: "intend to implement it in the future, it's just a matter of when." (https://roadmap.beat-note.app/feature-requests/p/export-to-midi) - MusicXML export not built yet, per the developer (2026-01-28): "I don't have an estimated release date for this feature." (https://roadmap.beat-note.app/feature-requests/p/export-beats-to-musicxml) - MIDI input is an open request (2026-08-03): "An enhancement request exists for this already so I will move your vote here" (https://roadmap.beat-note.app/feature-requests/p/midi-in) - E-kit input is still an open request, posted by the developer: "I want to be able to play my electronic drumset and for Beat Note to produce the music notation for what I am playing." (https://roadmap.beat-note.app/feature-requests/p/create-transcribe-music-notation-by-recording-what-i-play-on-an-electronic-drums) - Beats can be edited offline (5.7 release notes): "Beats sync more reliably, especially after editing while offline." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-notation-by-beat-note/id1539132475) ### Flat Tutteo Limited. web, Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, freemium. Free tier: Flat Basic is free for up to 15 scores with drum pads, offline composing and MusicXML and MIDI import, and its exports and prints carry the Flat logo. Flat gives drummers a real drum-set staff with a drums-pad and per-drum keyboard shortcuts in the browser, on phones and in the Mac and Windows apps, with PDF, MIDI and MusicXML export and real-time co-editing of a chart. Know before choosing: the free Basic plan stops at 15 scores and puts the Flat logo on exports, the pricing page lists MIDI and MusicXML export under the paid Flat Power plan, and no Flat page we found documents a sticking tool. - Best for: Songs and charts, Quick grooves, Teaching - Not for: Drummers who want an unlimited free tool, since Flat Basic caps the number of scores. - Someone does it better: MuseScore Studio is free with no score limit and documents a dedicated sticking tool. - App Store: 4.6 (7k) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/flat-sheet-music-maker-tabs/id1177592149) - Google Play: 4.2 (5k) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tutteo.flat&hl=en&gl=us) - Maker: https://flat.io/ - Sources: - Native apps on every platform: "Native apps are available for iOS, Android, Mac & Windows." (https://flat.io/) - Drum set staff mapping: "In a percussion part like a drum set, each instrument is associated with a line/notehead combination." (https://help.flat.io/en/music-notation-software/drums/) - Drums-pad entry: "the piano keyboard will be replaced by a drums-pad, that will show all the instruments available in the edited part." (https://help.flat.io/en/music-notation-software/drums/) - PDF, MIDI and MusicXML export: "Open the score, click Export, and choose PDF. MIDI and MusicXML are also available" (https://blog.flat.io/drum-sheet-music-maker/) - Free plan limit: "Limited to 15 scores" (https://flat.io/pricing) - Free plan exports carry a logo: "Export and print with the Flat logo" (https://flat.io/pricing) - MIDI input: "Transcribe with your MIDI devices" (https://flat.io/pricing) - Education plan with classroom features: "This offer includes all our premium features plus dedicated education features: classes, assignments" (https://flat.io/pricing) - Works offline: "Whether you are offline or on a weak connection, you can keep composing without a glitch." (https://flat.io/offline-mode) - Desktop app works offline: "The desktop editor works offline and stores scores on your computer." (https://www.scoringnotes.com/news/flat-sharpens-a-natural-approach-to-platform-agnostic-music-notation-software/) - Community score library: "Explore hundreds of thousands of original scores from composers worldwide" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/flat-sheet-music-maker-tabs/id1177592149) - Android export formats: "Export or share sheet music in PDF, MIDI, MusicXML, MP3, and WAV" (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tutteo.flat&hl=en&gl=us) ### Guitar Pro 8 Arobas Music. desktop, macOS, Windows, one-time. Free tier: A free demo for 7 days; there is no permanent free tier. Guitar Pro 8 writes drum parts in standard notation or drum tab inside a full band arrangement, with a Drum View kit panel, an imported audio track to transcribe against by ear, and PDF, MIDI and MusicXML export. Know before choosing: it is desktop only, Arobas says it does not transcribe audio automatically, and its separate mobile app cannot edit drum tracks. - Best for: Songs and charts, Transcribe audio, Read and play along - Not for: Drummers who want to write on a phone or tablet, since the Guitar Pro mobile app cannot edit drum tracks. - Someone does it better: MuseScore Studio does the same desktop drum notation job for free and adds a dedicated sticking tool. - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Retail: Thomann 142 ratings, 4.7 - Maker: https://www.guitar-pro.com/ - Sources: - Drum notation follows a standard kit layout: "You’ll find 27 drum sounds that respect traditional Agostini notation" (https://www.guitar-pro.com/pages/p/49778-lp-drum-notation-software) - Audio track to transcribe against: "You can import an audio file containing a drum track or other instruments to support your writing process." (https://www.guitar-pro.com/pages/p/49778-lp-drum-notation-software) - No automatic audio transcription: "No, this feature is not available at the moment." (https://www.guitar-pro.com/pages/p/49778-lp-drum-notation-software) - Free demo: "Download the free demo for 7 days" (https://www.guitar-pro.com/pages/p/49778-lp-drum-notation-software) - Drum View panel: "provides a visual interface for composing your drum parts." (https://www.guitar-pro.com/docs/gp8/score/drums) - MIDI capture: "enter your score note by note by connecting a MIDI instrument such as a keyboard, MIDI guitar, or controller" (https://www.guitar-pro.com/docs/gp8/tools/midi-capture) - MIDI and MusicXML import and export: "Import and export of ASCII and MIDI files as well as MusicXML" (https://www.thomann.de/intl/arobas_music_guitar_pro_8.htm) - PDF export: "Export of PDF and PNG as well as MP3, WAV, FLAC and Ogg files" (https://www.thomann.de/intl/arobas_music_guitar_pro_8.htm) - Note input methods: "Note input via numeric keypad, mouse or MIDI" (https://www.thomann.de/intl/arobas_music_guitar_pro_8.htm) - Desktop platforms: "Windows 8 or later / macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or later" (https://www.guitar-pro.com/docs/gp8/basics/installation/requirements) - Internet needed to install and activate: "Internet Connection for Installation and Activation" (https://www.thomann.de/intl/arobas_music_guitar_pro_8.htm) - Licence has no time limit: "allowing you to access all features of the software with no time limit" (https://www.guitar-pro.com/docs/gp8/basics/installation/activation) - mySongBook tab library: "Download songs online or access thousands of high-quality full instruments tabs made by our team on mySongBook." (https://www.guitar-pro.com/) - Mobile app cannot edit drums: "Editing a drum track is not available with the NotePad tool." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/guitar-pro/id400666114) ### Dorico (Pro, Elements, SE and Dorico for iPad) Steinberg. desktop, macOS, Windows, iOS, freemium. Free tier: Dorico SE on Mac and Windows is free forever for up to eight players, and Dorico for iPad is free for up to four players, or eight after free registration. Dorico treats a drum set as a real kit with its own staff positions, takes input from a MIDI keyboard or e-kit through the General MIDI percussion map, offers drum pads on iPad, and its SE edition is free for up to eight players. Know before choosing: Steinberg's own manual says there is no dedicated sticking feature yet, so R and L go in as lyrics. - Best for: Band and pro scores, Songs and charts, Actually free, MIDI from an e-kit - Not for: Drummers who want to sketch grooves on a phone or an Android device, since Dorico runs only on Mac, Windows and iPad. - Someone does it better: MuseScore Studio has a dedicated sticking tool and also runs on Linux, at no cost. - App Store: 4.6 (2k) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dorico-compose-music/id1556625090) - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://www.steinberg.net/dorico/ - Sources: - SE is free: "Free to use, forever" (https://www.steinberg.net/dorico/se/) - SE player limit: "the perfect starting point for producing beautiful scores for up to eight players." (https://www.steinberg.net/dorico/se/) - Drum set notation in SE: "Explore advanced notations, including drum set percussion, guitar tablature, chord symbols" (https://www.steinberg.net/dorico/se/) - Input methods and playback: "Input with the mouse, your computer keyboard, or a MIDI keyboard, and hear it all played back beautifully through HALion Sonic." (https://www.steinberg.net/dorico/se/) - PDF export in SE: "Share your music as PDFs and MP3s" (https://www.steinberg.net/dorico/se/) - Editions and platforms: "Dorico is available for iPad, and for macOS and Windows in three editions" (https://www.steinberg.net/dorico/compare-editions/) - MIDI and MusicXML: "Dorico can import MIDI and MusicXML, and export MIDI, MusicXML, audio, and graphics." (https://www.steinberg.net/dorico/) - Kit staff positions: "on a drum set, the bass drum is normally positioned in the bottom space of the staff" (https://www.steinberg.help/r/dorico-pro/6.2/en/dorico/topics/write_mode/write_mode_note_input/write_mode_note_input_unpitched_percussion_kits_setting_up_c.html) - MIDI input for drum kits: "in General MIDI percussion, C2 (note 36) produces bass drum, and D2 (note 38) produces snare drum" (https://www.steinberg.help/r/dorico-pro/6.2/en/dorico/topics/write_mode/write_mode_note_input/write_mode_note_input_unpitched_percussion_kits_setting_up_c.html) - Stickings only as lyrics (Dorico Pro 6.2 manual): "does not yet have a dedicated feature for percussion stickings. However, you can use lyrics to represent percussion stickings" (https://www.steinberg.help/r/dorico-pro/6.2/en/dorico/topics/notation_reference/notation_reference_unpitched_percussion/notation_reference_unpitched_percussion_kits_notations_c.html) - iPad free tier: "Dorico is free to use, allowing you to write for ensembles of up to four players." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dorico-compose-music/id1556625090) - iPad drum notation: "Sophisticated chord symbols, unpitched percussion and drum set notation" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dorico-compose-music/id1556625090) - iPad drum pads: "Input music for drum set and other unpitched percussion using multi-touch drum pads" (https://www.steinberg.net/dorico/ipad/) - Licences work on offline computers: "permanently install and activate licenses on an offline computer." (https://helpcenter.steinberg.de/hc/en-us/articles/6593785878290-Steinberg-Licensing-Offline-Activation) - Finale to Dorico crossgrade left the Finale eStore on 2026-07-23 and is now bought from the Dorico website: "Effective July 23, 2026, the Finale to Dorico crossgrade is no longer available from the Finale eStore." (https://www.finalemusic.com/) ### Sibelius (First, Artist, Ultimate and Sibelius for mobile) Avid. desktop, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, freemium. Free tier: Sibelius First is free and, per the mobile app's 2025.7 release notes, writes scores of up to 8 staves. Sibelius puts drum parts on a drum staff driven by each instrument's drum map, takes MIDI keyboard input including real-time Flexi-time, and the Ultimate tier adds worksheets and a classroom control window for drum teachers. Know before choosing: the free First tier is capped at 8 staves, and the Android app is rated 3.0 from 522 reviews against 4.2 on iOS. - Best for: Band and pro scores, Teaching, Songs and charts - Not for: Drummers who need more than 8 staves without paying, since only Sibelius First is free. - Someone does it better: MuseScore Studio offers a full desktop editor with a dedicated sticking tool for free, with no staff limit. - App Store: 4.2 (2k) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sibelius/id1503221259) - Google Play: 3.0 (522) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avid.sibelius.android&hl=en&gl=us) - Retail: Thomann: Sibelius Ultimate Perpetual 16 ratings, 4.4; Sibelius Artist Perpetual 39 ratings, 3.9 - Maker: https://www.avid.com/sibelius - Sources: - Free First tier and paid tiers: "From the introductory (and free) Sibelius First to the industry-standard Sibelius Ultimate" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sibelius/id1503221259) - First staff limit (2025.7 notes): "Sibelius First now supports up to 8 staves, and includes Alto and Tenor clefs" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sibelius/id1503221259) - Real-time MIDI input on mobile: "Record music using a MIDI keyboard in real-time using Flexi-time" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sibelius/id1503221259) - MusicXML import: "Huge improvements in score layout when opening MusicXML files from other music applications" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sibelius/id1503221259) - Playback: "Sibelius includes a high-quality sample library" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sibelius/id1503221259) - Android and Chromebook app: "Sibelius brings professional music notation to Android phones, tablets, and Chromebooks" (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avid.sibelius.android&hl=en&gl=us) - Drum staff and drum map: "onto the drum staff you’re pasting onto, including the correct noteheads" (https://www.scoringnotes.com/news/sibelius-2024-3/) - Drum map per instrument: "a pitch that isn’t defined in the instrument’s drum map" (https://www.scoringnotes.com/news/sibelius-2024-3/) - PDF export: "This is most useful when exporting parts to PDF" (https://www.scoringnotes.com/news/sibelius-2025-12/) - MusicXML and MIDI export (2026.8): "Exporting to MusicXML, MIDI, or Previous Versions now remembers the last-used save folder" (https://www.scoringnotes.com/news/sibelius-2026-8/) - Current release and platforms: "for macOS and Windows on the desktop, along with iOS, iPadOS, and Android on mobile." (https://www.scoringnotes.com/news/sibelius-2026-9/) - Worksheets for teachers (Ultimate): "Over 1700 pre-made teaching materials, such as worksheets, projects and exercises" (https://www.thomann.de/intl/avid_sibelius_ultimate_download.htm) - Classroom control (Ultimate): "Classroom control window to track student progress" (https://www.thomann.de/intl/avid_sibelius_ultimate_download.htm) - Cloud sharing: "About Sibelius | Cloud sharing: unlimited sharing scores with other users" (https://www.thomann.de/intl/avid_sibelius_ultimate_download.htm) - MIDI note entry: "Enter notes with mouse, keyboard or via MIDI" (https://www.thomann.de/intl/avid_sibelius_ultimate_download.htm) - Perpetual licence also sold: "License validity: perpetual" (https://www.thomann.de/intl/avid_sibelius_ultimate_download.htm) - Audio input is monophonic only: "AudioScore Lite enables monophonic sheet music input via microphone" (https://www.thomann.de/intl/avid_sibelius_ultimate_download.htm) ### Finale MakeMusic. desktop, macOS, Windows, one-time. Free tier: Nothing new: Finale is no longer sold and has no trial, though people who bought it can still re-download their purchased version from their account. Finale still writes full drum set parts on a percussion staff with playback, MIDI keyboard entry, stickings typed with the Lyrics tool, and PDF, MIDI and MusicXML export. Know before choosing it that MakeMusic ended development in August 2024, stopped selling it, ended technical support in August 2025 and says macOS Sequoia is not compatible, so it only makes sense if you already own a license and want to finish or export old charts. - Best for: Band and pro scores - Not for: Anyone without an existing license, since Finale can no longer be bought and gets no updates or support. - Someone does it better: Dorico, which MakeMusic itself recommends to Finale users, still gets development, product updates and long-term support, while Finale gets none. - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://www.finalemusic.com/ - Sources: - Development ended and no new updates: "There will be no further updates to Finale, or any of its associated tools (PrintMusic, Notepad, Songwriter)" (https://www.finalemusic.com/blog/end-of-finale-new-journey-dorico-letter-from-president/) - Existing owners can still authorize new devices: "Authorization of Finale on new devices will continue indefinitely." (https://www.finalemusic.com/blog/end-of-finale-new-journey-dorico-letter-from-president/) - Owners can still download what they bought: "the Finale installer for any previously purchased version can still be downloaded from your eStore account" (https://www.finalemusic.com/blog/end-of-finale-new-journey-dorico-letter-from-president/) - MusicXML export: "you will be able to export your Finale files using MusicXML 4.0" (https://www.finalemusic.com/blog/end-of-finale-new-journey-dorico-letter-from-president/) - Dorico crossgrade now only from Steinberg: "Effective July 23, 2026, the Finale to Dorico crossgrade is no longer available from the Finale eStore." (https://www.finalemusic.com/) - Technical support ended: "MakeMusic will continue providing technical support for Finale v27.4.1 on supported operating systems through August 25th, 2025." (https://www.finalemusic.com/blog/macos-sequoia-incompatible-with-finale-v27/) - macOS Sequoia not supported: "this operating system does not meet the system requirements for Finale and is not compatible" (https://www.finalemusic.com/blog/macos-sequoia-incompatible-with-finale-v27/) - Drum set percussion staves with playback: "creating music for drum set, orchestral percussion, or a drum line, you can easily create, notate, and play percussion parts" (https://usermanuals.finalemusic.com/FinaleMac/Content/Finale/Percussion.htm) - Mouse, keyboard or MIDI keyboard entry on percussion staves: "configured for intuitive entry whether you are using a mouse, computer keyboard, or MIDI keyboard" (https://usermanuals.finalemusic.com/FinaleMac/Content/Finale/Percussion.htm) - Stickings via the Lyrics tool: "The easiest method of including stickings is to use Finale’s Lyrics tool." (https://www.finalemusic.com/blog/tips-for-creating-a-cleaner-marching-percussion-score/) - In-app sharing: "Without leaving the app, you can upload and share privately or publicly." (https://www.finalemusic.com/products/finale/whats-new) - PDF export: "a new Space Systems feature, PDF export, expanded file-sharing capabilities, and more" (https://www.finalemusic.com/products/finale/whats-new) - MIDI export: "this time focused on exporting Finale notation as MIDI data" (https://www.finalemusic.com/blog/finale-for-drummers-3-exporting-finale-notation-to-midi/) - Teacher worksheets: "Finale includes hundreds of ready-made, educator-approved, music education worksheets." (https://usermanuals.finalemusic.com/FinaleMac/Content/Finale/Worksheets.htm) ### Fender Notion Fender (formerly PreSonus). app, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux, freemium. Free tier: Unlimited staves, all editing features, core sounds including a drum set, and export to MIDI, PDF, MusicXML and audio, with MusicXML on Android needing a free sign-in; handwriting and extra sounds are a paid bundle. Fender Notion, the former PreSonus Notion, gives a drummer a five-line drumset staff, 12 on-screen drum pads, MIDI instrument entry and sampled drum playback, with PDF, MIDI and MusicXML export in the free version. Know before choosing it that it is now one free app across phones, tablets and computers, and its store ratings are low at 3.1 on the App Store and 3.6 on Google Play. - Best for: Songs and charts, Quick grooves, Actually free - Not for: Drummers who want a dedicated sticking tool, since the user guide documents none. - Someone does it better: Soundslice has a dedicated R, L and B sticking tool, while Notion's user guide documents no sticking tool. - App Store: 3.1 (71) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/notion-music-notation-tab/id475820434) - Google Play: 3.6 (1k) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.presonus.notionmobile) - Maker: https://www.fender.com/pages/fender-notion - Sources: - Works offline across devices: "As a native cross-platform app, you can work offline and sync across devices via your preferred cloud" (https://www.fender.com/pages/fender-notion) - Windows build via Microsoft Store: "Windows Devices: Microsoft Store" (https://fendernotionmanual.fender.com/en/Content/Topics/02-Installation%20and%20Activation.htm) - Native Linux build: "Linux: Download ARM64 installer or AMD64 installer" (https://fendernotionmanual.fender.com/en/Content/Topics/02-Installation%20and%20Activation.htm) - Drumset staff type: "a five-line staff with percussion clef" (https://fendernotionmanual.fender.com/en/Content/Topics/04-Score%20Setup.htm) - Drum labels on the drumset staff: "If you are entering drum notes on a drumset staff, the drum label will also appear under your finger" (https://fendernotionmanual.fender.com/en/Content/Topics/07-Entering%20Notes.htm) - On-screen drum pads: "A set of 12 colour-coded Drum Pads are available when a drum instrument is selected." (https://fendernotionmanual.fender.com/en/Content/Topics/07-Entering%20Notes.htm) - MIDI instrument entry: "Connect a wired or Bluetooth MIDI instrument for use in Step/Real Time entry" (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QhvX2e_Nf1G6AgC-N_7uH2xHvUw4f1I1/view) - Free exports on iOS: "Export as MusicXML, Compressed MusicXML, MIDI, PDF, wav, mp3" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/notion-music-notation-tab/id475820434) - Free core features and sounds: "Notion includes unlimited staves, comprehensive editing features and core orchestral and rhythm section Soundsets" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/notion-music-notation-tab/id475820434) - Sharing is the device share menu on mobile: "On mobile devices only, this brings up the standard device Share menu provided by the operating system." (https://fendernotionmanual.fender.com/en/Content/Topics/11-Save%20Export%20and%20Print%20Scores.htm) ### Noteflight Noteflight LLC. web, Web, freemium. Free tier: A free Basic account gives the basic browser editor with a small cap on saved scores; Premium and the classroom product Learn are paid subscriptions. Noteflight's Drum Kit instrument writes on a 5-line percussion staff with fixed drum assignments, plays it back, and exports PDF, MIDI and MusicXML from a browser, with MIDI controller entry in Chrome. Know before choosing it that the free Basic account stops at 10 scores, so regular use means a Premium or Learn subscription, and the user guide documents no dedicated sticking tool. - Best for: Teaching, Songs and charts - Not for: Drummers who want a free home for a growing library of charts, since Basic is capped at 10 saved scores. - Someone does it better: Soundslice has native R, L and B sticking entry, which Noteflight's user guide does not document. - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://www.noteflight.com/ - Sources: - Drum Kit on a percussion staff: "The "Drum Kit" instrument uses a 5-line percussion staff with a fixed set of assignments from staff lines to drum sounds." (https://www.noteflight.com/guide) - PDF export: "Scores may be exported as PDF files." (https://www.noteflight.com/guide) - MusicXML support: "Because Noteflight supports MusicXML, you can easily move scores between Noteflight and another" (https://www.noteflight.com/guide) - MIDI input browser limits: "In the HTML5 version of Noteflight, MIDI currently works only with Google Chrome on Windows, Mac OS and Linux (iOS is not supported)." (https://www.noteflight.com/guide) - Export formats: "Export to PDF, MIDI, WAV, MP3 and more" (https://support.noteflight.com/hc/en-us/articles/360021512951-Importing-and-Exporting-Music) - MIDI controller entry: "You can use any MIDI controller/keyboard that connects to a computer via USB with Noteflight." (https://support.noteflight.com/hc/en-us/articles/5885462668820-Using-a-MIDI-Controller-with-Noteflight) - Free Basic tier cap: "sign up for a free Noteflight Basic account and gain access to our basic editor, create up to 10 scores" (https://support.noteflight.com/hc/en-us/articles/360023099311-Can-I-Try-Noteflight-for-free) - Classroom assignments in Noteflight Learn: "Sync classes and assignments with Google Classroom and other learning management systems" (https://www.noteflight.com/) - Sharing with groups and the community: "Easily share scores with individuals, groups, or the entire Noteflight community, all while staying in control of your work." (https://www.noteflight.com/premium) - Playback: "Create, play, and share your music compositions with Noteflight’s easy-to-learn online music notation editor." (https://www.noteflight.com/) ### Soundslice Soundslice. web, Web, freemium. Free tier: The full notation and tab editor with unlimited slices, playback, MusicXML and Guitar Pro import, YouTube syncing and a small monthly allowance of scanned pages; exports, MIDI keyboard entry and secret-link sharing need a paid plan. Soundslice gives a drummer a five-line or one-line drum kit staff with custom percussion maps, native R, L and B stickings, and notation synced to a YouTube video or recording, which makes it strong for transcribing a song by ear and then practicing along with it. Know before choosing it that it does not transcribe audio automatically, and syncing to your own uploaded recordings, PDF, MIDI and MusicXML export and MIDI keyboard entry need a paid plan. - Best for: Transcribe audio, Read and play along, Songs and charts - Not for: Anyone who wants audio turned into drum notation automatically, since Soundslice says plainly that it does not do that. - Someone does it better: Groove Scribe prints and downloads MIDI for free, while Soundslice puts PDF, MIDI and MusicXML export behind its paid plan. - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://www.soundslice.com/ - Sources: - Five-line and one-line percussion staves: "We support both five-line and single-line percussion, along with the common percussion noteheads." (https://www.soundslice.com/notation-editor/) - Native drum sticking: "Sticking instructions tell a percussionist which hand to use when performing a given note." (https://www.soundslice.com/help/en/creating/notations/279/drum-sticking/) - No automatic transcription: "Does Soundslice transcribe automatically? No." (https://www.soundslice.com/transcribe/) - MIDI keyboard entry: "If you connect a MIDI keyboard to your computer, you can use that keyboard to enter notes via our editor." (https://www.soundslice.com/help/en/creating/basics/308/midi-entry/) - MIDI entry is paid: "This feature is limited to people in a paid plan" (https://www.soundslice.com/help/en/creating/basics/308/midi-entry/) - MIDI export (paid column only): "Export your created slices as MIDI" (https://www.soundslice.com/plans/) - PDF export (paid column only): "Export your created slices as PDF (for printing)" (https://www.soundslice.com/plans/) - MusicXML import: "Import music from other programs (MusicXML, Guitar Pro, etc.)" (https://www.soundslice.com/) - Teacher private courses: "system lets you bundle multiple lessons together and grant access to specific students." (https://www.soundslice.com/teachers/) - Playback: "hear synth playback" (https://www.soundslice.com/teachers/) - Share slices by secret link (paid plans): "Share slices via secret link" (https://www.soundslice.com/plans/) ### Groove Scribe Lou Montulli and Mike Johnston (open source). web, Web, free. Free tier: Everything: the grid editor, playback with metronome, stickings, printing, MIDI and image downloads, and share links, open source under GPL v2. Groove Scribe lets a drummer click notes into a row per drum, hear the groove with a metronome, count-in and auto speed-up, show R and L stickings, then print it, download MIDI or share it as a link, all free in the browser. Know before choosing it that it is built for grooves and short exercises rather than full multi-instrument charts, and it exports no MusicXML. - Best for: Quick grooves, Actually free - Not for: Anyone who needs MusicXML to move parts into other notation software, since its export menu offers only a link, print, images and MIDI. - Someone does it better: Beam uses the same tap-a-grid idea but adds worksheet layouts, setlists and student folders for teachers. - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://www.mikeslessons.com/gscribe/ - Sources: - Point and click drum notation and practice tool: "Groove Scribe is a point and click authoring system to create drum sheet music as well as a practice tool" (https://github.com/montulli/GrooveScribe) - Create, listen, share, print: "GrooveScribe allows drummers to easily create grooves, listen, share, print sheet music, and more." (https://montulli.github.io/GrooveScribe/) - MIDI download: "Download MIDI file" (https://montulli.github.io/GrooveScribe/) - Stickings: "Reverse stickings R/L" (https://montulli.github.io/GrooveScribe/) - Share by URL: "Sharing is simple with a URL, and the recipient can view the groove in any web browser." (https://montulli.github.io/GrooveScribe/gscribe_about.html) - Playback with metronome: "MIDI playback with tempo and a metronome makes it easy to hear and practice difficult grooves." (https://montulli.github.io/GrooveScribe/gscribe_about.html) - Open source license: "GrooveScribe is open source and is licensed under the GPL v2.0" (https://montulli.github.io/GrooveScribe/gscribe_about.html) ### Beam Ross Farley. web, Web, freemium. Free tier: The complete step-grid editor with sampled playback, the rhythm generator, live and snapshot share links, PNG export and sync, limited to a capped number of charts; PDF export, setlists and teacher tools are paid. Beam is a browser drum notation tool where you tap a step grid per drum and it engraves real notation with ghost notes, flams, R and L stickings, worksheet layouts and sampled drum playback, and it can be installed to a home screen and opened offline. Know before choosing it that the free plan is capped at 10 charts with PDF export reserved for Pro, and it documents no MIDI or MusicXML export. - Best for: Quick grooves, Teaching - Not for: Anyone who needs to move charts into a DAW or other notation software, since it documents no MIDI or MusicXML export. - Someone does it better: Groove Scribe is completely free with no chart cap and downloads MIDI files, which Beam does not document. - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://beamdrums.com/ - Sources: - Step-grid drum notation: "Write drum notation as fast as you can tap it." (https://beamdrums.com/) - Browser only, any device: "Phone, tablet and desktop, right in the browser. Nothing to download." (https://beamdrums.com/) - PDF export on Pro: "Export a whole chart as a print-ready PDF." (https://beamdrums.com/) - Share links: "Send a live link that updates as you edit, or a snapshot that keeps working even if you change or delete the original." (https://beamdrums.com/) - Playback with real samples: "Hear any chart played back with real sampled drums, with a metronome, tempo control, bar-range looping" (https://beamdrums.com/) - Stickings: "Tap Stickings above the bar, then tap a note to label it R, L or B (right hand, left hand or both)." (https://app.beamdrums.com/help/step-grid) - Offline once installed: "charts that open even when you're offline" (https://app.beamdrums.com/help/installing) - Teacher worksheets: "Build worksheets where each exercise runs two or four bars, not just one." (https://app.beamdrums.com/help/beam-teacher) - Outputs listed in help are links, PDF and PNG: "Folders, tags, setlists, search, students, links, PDF and PNG." (https://app.beamdrums.com/help/) ### Aered Aerodrums. desktop, Windows, macOS, freemium. Free tier: The full editor with playback and PDF export, but each printed page carries grey text at the top right until you buy a registration code. Aered is a drums-only desktop editor for Windows and Mac where you click notes onto the staff with a live preview, label right and left sticking with keyboard shortcuts, hear playback with swappable drum samples, and export PDF or WAV. Know before choosing it that its pages were last updated in 2022 and 2023, its listed Mac requirement is Mac OS X 10.6 or later, and it exports no MIDI or MusicXML, so try the free version on your machine first. - Best for: Songs and charts - Not for: Anyone who needs MIDI or MusicXML export, since Aered exports only PDF and WAV audio. - Someone does it better: Beam runs in any browser on phone, tablet or desktop and shares charts by live link, while Aered is a desktop program whose product and manual pages were last updated in 2022 and 2023. - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://aerodrums.com/aered/ - Sources: - Drum-only notation editor: "Aered is a sheet music editor specifically designed for drummers." (https://aerodrums.com/aered/) - Windows and Mac: "Aered is available for Windows and Mac." (https://aerodrums.com/aered/) - Click entry: "You can therefore place notes with single clicks" (https://aerodrums.com/aered/) - Playback: "High quality audio playback" (https://aerodrums.com/aered/) - Pay what you want: "You can get Aered for free or purchase it for a price of your choice." (https://aerodrums.com/get-aered/) - System requirements: "Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10 or 11; or Mac OS X 10.6 or later." (https://aerodrums.com/get-aered/) - Stickings: "press U to label it as a right stick hit and Y for a left stick hit" (https://aerodrums.com/aered/aered-manual/) - PDF export: "exports the current document to a pdf file suitable for printing" (https://aerodrums.com/aered/aered-manual/) - Audio export is WAV: "exports the current document to an audio wav file" (https://aerodrums.com/aered/aered-manual/) - Free version watermark: "The purchased version of Aered does not print the grey text at the top right of each page of sheet music." (https://aerodrums.com/aered/aered-manual/) - Community tab sharing: "we are providing this space for drummers to share them" (https://aerodrums.com/aered/tabs/) ### Musink Musink Limited. desktop, Windows, freemium. Free tier: Musink Lite is a free Windows download with the fundamental notation and drum features; Musink Pro, sold as a subscription or a one-time eternal license, adds MIDI import, export and input plus the template editor. Musink is Windows notation software built around the drum kit: you click notes onto a drum stave, add stickings, flams, ghost notes and half-open hi-hat marks in one click, and publish exercise books to PDF, while Pro adds MIDI import, export and note entry from an electronic kit. Before choosing it, know that it runs only on Windows and its site still shows a 2021 copyright and an old Black Friday code, so confirm it is still maintained before paying for Pro. - Best for: Teaching, Songs and charts, MIDI from an e-kit - Not for: Not for Mac, Linux or mobile users, or for anyone who needs MusicXML to move scores into other notation software. - Someone does it better: MuseScore Studio is free on macOS, Windows and Linux and imports and exports MusicXML, where Musink is Windows only and documents no MusicXML. - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Retail: Trustpilot 20 reviews, 4.6 - Maker: https://www.musink.net/ - Sources: - Lite is free, Pro is the paid tier: "Musink Lite is a free download. Musink Pro boasts professional features beyond those of Musink Lite." (https://www.musink.net/) - Pro can be bought once instead of subscribed: "Pay once. Use forever." (https://www.musink.net/) - Windows only: "Musink requires Windows 10, 11, or later." (https://www.musink.net/) - Drum symbols including sticking: "Whether you're after HOH, sticking, buzz rolls, flams, or ghost notes, Musink has you covered with a single click." (https://www.musink.net/drums) - Sticking marks on notes: "Left and Right sticking marks" (https://wiki.musink.net/doku.php/writing/percussionists.html) - Drum map for percussion noteheads and playback: "Download a Musink Project of the full Musink drum map, above" (https://wiki.musink.net/doku.php/writing/percussionists.html) - Pro note entry from an electronic kit: "Enter notes using your electric kit" (https://www.musink.net/drums) - Pro MIDI file import and export: "Import and Export MIDI" (https://www.musink.net/drums) - PDF publishing: "When you want a PDF you press a button." (https://www.musink.net/) - Offline use with periodic check-in (eternal license): "If you are offline for longer than 30 days, Musink will ask you to connect to the internet so you can keep using it." (https://www.musink.net/) - Worksheet style layout for students: "leaving blank pages for your students to leave handwritten notes" (https://www.musink.net/) ### DrumToolz Jared Simon. app, iOS, free. Free tier: Everything: the maker says it is free and the App Store lists no in-app purchases. DrumToolz writes drum set parts and marching snare, tenor and bass drum parts on an editable score with stickings, flams and diddles, plays them back, exports PDF and MusicXML, and generates practice variations from what you enter. It is iPhone and iPad only, caps a score at 50 measures, and the maker says you must already read music. - Best for: Quick grooves, Actually free - Not for: Not for full song charts or band scores: a score stops at 50 measures, and there is no Android or desktop version. - Someone does it better: Flat.io edits the same score on iPhone, iPad, Mac and in a web browser and imports MusicXML and MIDI files. - App Store: 4.3 (310) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drumtoolz/id1461677465) - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://www.drumtoolz.com/ - Sources: - Editable score for drum set and marching parts: "all shown on an editable music score" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drumtoolz/id1461677465) - Stickings and ornaments: "Lastly, top off the notes with ornaments: stickings, accents, flams, diddles, and cheese." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drumtoolz/id1461677465) - Score length limit: "Input up to 50 measures." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drumtoolz/id1461677465) - PDF sharing: "Share your beats through PDF links and files." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drumtoolz/id1461677465) - MusicXML export (version 1.20 notes): "Bluetooth support. Export as musicxml." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drumtoolz/id1461677465) - Social profile and library of other drummers' beats: "Upload your beats to your profile. Find and follow other drummers in the social network." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drumtoolz/id1461677465) - Playback: "If you can think of the rhythm, you can input it and play it back!" (https://www.drumtoolz.com/) - Requires reading music: "Yes, you must know how to read music." (https://www.drumtoolz.com/) ### DrumScore - Drum Sheet Music DrumScoreStudio. app, iOS, Android, freemium. Free tier: A free download with the grid editor; the App Store sells Premium monthly, quarterly and annual subscriptions, and neither store listing says what Premium unlocks. DrumScore turns taps on a grid of kit pieces into engraved drum notation that you can hear back, print, or export as PDF, MIDI or images. It launched in early 2026 from a small China-based developer, has almost no ratings yet, and neither store listing says what its paid Premium subscription adds. - Best for: Quick grooves - Not for: Not for anyone who wants a proven app: it launched in 2026, has one App Store rating and no displayed Google Play rating. - Someone does it better: Flat.io has a far longer track record, with about 6,900 App Store ratings against DrumScore's one, and states MusicXML import outright. - App Store: 5.0 (1) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drumscore-drum-sheet-music/id6758364061) - Google Play: no rating yet (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.coolapp.drumnotation) - Maker: http://drumscore.me/ - Sources: - Grid entry: "the main interface adopts an intuitive grid block design" (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.coolapp.drumnotation) - Drum set notation rules and sounds: "built-in standard drum set sounds and notation rules" (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.coolapp.drumnotation) - Playback: "Supports real-time audio preview" (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.coolapp.drumnotation) - Image export and printing: "the completed drum sheet can be exported as a high-definition image format and also supports printing function" (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.coolapp.drumnotation) - PDF and MIDI export (maker site, EN language switch): "One-click export to MIDI, XML, PDF, or HD images. Seamless integration with major DAWs." (http://drumscore.me/) - Tap input and real-time recording (maker site, EN language switch): "Intuitive grid editor supporting tap input and real-time recording." (http://drumscore.me/) - Premium is a subscription: "DrumScore Premium Annual" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drumscore-drum-sheet-music/id6758364061) ### Sakudoka - drum score editor Tomoko Sugimoto. app, Android, free. Free tier: Everything: there are no in-app purchases, ads were removed in version 5.7.0, and a developer support menu is voluntary. Sakudoka lets you tap a single bar of a drum groove onto a staff, covering hi-hat, snare, kick, toms, crash, ride and foot hi-hat with accents, flams and open hi-hat marks, and saves it as a PNG image. It handles one measure only with no documented playback or other export, and its maker warns the notation may follow Japanese conventions. - Best for: Quick grooves, Actually free - Not for: Not for anything longer than one bar, or for anyone who needs to hear the groove or export it as PDF or MIDI. - Someone does it better: DrumScore, also free to download on Android, plays grooves back and exports whole scores to PDF and MIDI. - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: no rating yet (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.gr.java_conf.sugitomo.android.app.sakudoka) - Maker: https://www.tomokosugimoto.net/drum/app/sakudoka/index_en.html - Sources: - One measure image editor: "You can quickly and easily edit a drum score image of one measure." (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.gr.java_conf.sugitomo.android.app.sakudoka) - Kit pieces available: "Currently, only Crash cymbal, Ride cymbal, Hi-hat cymbal, Snare drum, High tom, Low tom, Floor tom, Bass drum and Foot hi-hat can be entered." (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.gr.java_conf.sugitomo.android.app.sakudoka) - Only output is a PNG image: "Press the score image output button to save the score as a PNG image." (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.gr.java_conf.sugitomo.android.app.sakudoka) - Marks available, no stickings: "You can add or remove hi-hat open mark, accent mark and flam mark." (https://www.tomokosugimoto.net/drum/app/sakudoka/index_en.html) - Ads removed in 5.7.0 (2025-03-01): "Ads have been removed." (https://www.tomokosugimoto.net/drum/app/sakudoka/index_en.html) - Japanese notation conventions: "Since the developer of this app is Japanese, the drum score may use notation that is not used in other countries." (https://www.tomokosugimoto.net/drum/app/sakudoka/index_en.html) ### Drum Charter Ralf Brauchler. app, iOS, macOS, free. Free tier: Everything: the App Store lists it as free with no in-app purchases. Drum Charter lets you type grooves as text, x for hi-hat, o for snare and Q for kick, then shows them as a grid or as staff notation, plays them back, exports PDF, MusicXML and MIDI, and scores your timing from an e-drum kit in Practice Mode. It is new with no displayed ratings, Apple only, and limited to 4/4, 3/4 and 6/8. - Best for: Songs and charts, Read and play along, Actually free - Not for: Not for drummers who want to tap or drag notes onto a staff, need odd time signatures, or use Android or Windows. - Someone does it better: Musink Pro records notes straight into notation from an electronic kit, which Drum Charter does not document. - App Store: no rating yet (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-charter/id6753308840) - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://drumcharter.quantum-locked.net/ - Sources: - Text entry: "Simple ASCII symbols represent drums: 'x' for hi-hat, 'o' for snare, 'Q' for kick." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-charter/id6753308840) - Staff notation view: "Read the same chart as real drum notation on a five-line staff" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-charter/id6753308840) - Playback: "High-quality drum sounds powered by FluidR3_GM soundfont." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-charter/id6753308840) - PDF export: "Export as PDF" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-charter/id6753308840) - MusicXML export: "Export to MuseScore, Sibelius, Finale and more" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-charter/id6753308840) - MIDI export: "Export as Standard MIDI Files with two-voice layout." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-charter/id6753308840) - Native Mac build: "Mac (macOS 12.0 or later, Apple Silicon and Intel)" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-charter/id6753308840) - E-drum practice mode: "A full-screen practice room for your e-drums." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-charter/id6753308840) - Time signatures: "Full support for 4/4, 3/4 (Waltz), and 6/8 (Compound Time)." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-charter/id6753308840) - Maker site: exports and platforms: "export to PDF, MusicXML, and MIDI. For iPhone, iPad, and Mac." (https://drumcharter.quantum-locked.net/) ### Drum2Notes Klangio GmbH. app, iOS, Android, Web, freemium. Free tier: Unlimited demo transcriptions of the first 20 seconds of a recording, with PDF download only and Edit Mode switched off; full transcriptions use tickets that come monthly with a subscription. Drum2Notes listens to a drum recording, an MP3 or a YouTube link and writes out kick, snare, toms and cymbals as drum notation you can play back and download as PDF, MIDI or MusicXML. The free demo stops at 20 seconds with PDF only, it needs an internet connection, Klangio's own listings disagree on how well it copes with other instruments in the mix, and its Google Play rating is 1.9 from 46 reviews. - Best for: Transcribe audio - Not for: Not for writing your own grooves from scratch, for offline use, or for anyone unwilling to pay past a 20 second demo. - Someone does it better: Drum Charter exports full PDF, MIDI and MusicXML for free with no time limit, though you write the part yourself. - App Store: 4.8 (4) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum2notes-transcribe-drums/id6717586517) - Google Play: 1.9 (46) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.klangio.drum2notes) - Maker: https://klang.io/drum2notes/ - Sources: - AI transcription of drum parts: "Detects and writes down snare, toms, bass drum and different cymbals" (https://klang.io/drum2notes/) - Exports: "Export as PDF, MIDI, or MusicXML" (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.klangio.drum2notes) - Playback: "Listen to playback of your transcription" (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.klangio.drum2notes) - Sharing: "Share your drum sheet with your friends" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum2notes-transcribe-drums/id6717586517) - Needs internet: "Internet: active internet connection for server connectivity" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum2notes-transcribe-drums/id6717586517) - iOS listing warns about mixed instruments: "If you record multiple instruments playing simultaneously, you will get bad sheet music results!" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum2notes-transcribe-drums/id6717586517) - Play listing claims it handles mixed instruments: "Transcribes drums even when other instruments are present" (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.klangio.drum2notes) - Free demo limit: "The duration of the transcription is limited to 20 seconds." (https://klang.io/help/difference-demo-full/) - Tickets from subscriptions: "Each full transcription requires one ticket, which you can gain monthly through subscriptions." (https://klang.io/help/difference-demo-full/) ## What we found ### Stickings are the drummer's test, and the big programs mostly fail it R and L under the notes is the most drummer-specific thing a chart carries. MuseScore Studio has a built-in Sticking text, and Finale, Soundslice and almost every drum-specific tool in this table write stickings too. Dorico documents only a workaround, typing them as lyrics, and we found no sticking feature documented for Sibelius or Flat. If you write exercises for students, check the Stickings column first. ### The most-rated notation app on phones does not write notation The MuseScore app has 78,787 App Store ratings and more than 160,000 on Google Play, more than every other app in this table combined, and it is a player for the MuseScore library, not an editor. The complete free option is its desktop sibling: MuseScore Studio ticks the drum staff, playback, PDF, MIDI, MusicXML, stickings, MIDI input and offline columns, at no cost, on Mac, Windows and Linux. ### Drum-only tools are faster to write in and harder to leave Beat Note, Beam, Aered, Groove Scribe and Sakudoka export no MusicXML, the format that lets a chart move into another program, and our own Drum Notes listings do not mention it either. That is fine for grooves and worksheets that live where they were written. If your charts will end up in a band's score or a publisher's hands, start in a tool with MusicXML in the table. ## How we checked **Where the facts come from.** Platforms, price models and every feature tick come from the App Store listing, the Google Play listing or the maker's own page or manual, read on 2026-10-07, and the exact words relied on are kept with each row (open "Sources" on any card). Store ratings and review counts are the stores' own on that date, pulled through Sonar, an app-store analytics service. A feature is marked yes only when a listing, the maker or a manual says it; when none does, it is shown as unknown rather than as no. **How it was checked.** Every row was researched once and then handed to a second, independent pass whose only job was to break it: open the same listings and pages, check every tick, every platform, every rating. Rows it could not confirm were corrected or marked unknown before publishing. **What this page does not measure yet.** We have not yet entered the same eight-bar reference groove in every tool and timed it, or exported and re-imported the same score to check what survives the round trip. Until that test and its method are published here, the columns say what each tool claims to do, not how well. **No prices.** Tiers and prices change often (two of the desktop programs in this table changed their tiers in the last year). The table shows the price model and what the free tier allows; the stores and makers show today's price. ## FAQ ### Is there an app that writes drum notation? Several, and they split into three kinds: phone apps built for drums (fast grooves, a kit staff you tap), general notation apps and programs with a percussion staff (MuseScore, Dorico, Sibelius, Flat, Guitar Pro), and AI tools that try to write the part from a recording. The table marks which have a real drum staff and which only let you abuse a pitched one. ### Can you write drum notation in MuseScore? Yes. MuseScore Studio, the free desktop program, has a drumset instrument with a percussion staff, a drum input palette and MusicXML export, and it is the most common free choice for charts and worksheets. The MuseScore phone app is a viewer and player for the online library, not an editor; the two rows are separate in the table for that reason. ### What software do drummers use to write drum sheet music? For charts and teaching, MuseScore Studio and Flat are the common free starting points; Dorico and Sibelius when parts have to look like a publisher's; Guitar Pro among drummers who also work with tabs; and drum-specific phone apps for grooves on the go. The picker above narrows it to where you write and what you are writing. ### Is there a free drum notation software? MuseScore Studio is free and open source on Mac, Windows and Linux. Several apps and browser tools have a free tier with limits on saving, exporting or the number of scores; the actually-free chip filters the table to the rows where the free tier is usable, and each card says what it allows. ### Can you write drum parts in Guitar Pro? Yes, Guitar Pro has a drum track with a percussion view and plays it back, and many drummers use it because so many songs already exist as Guitar Pro files. It is a tab program first, so the engraving of a drum part is plainer than in a notation program. ### What replaced Finale for notation? Finale was discontinued in 2024, and its maker pointed users to Dorico. The crossgrade for Finale owners is now sold by Steinberg directly rather than through the Finale store. Existing Finale installs still run, but nothing is updated. For drum notation the practical replacements are Dorico, MuseScore Studio and Sibelius, and the table shows what each does with a drum staff. ## Related - [Drum Notation: read and write drum sheet music](https://upbeat.studio/learn/drum-notation) - [Drum Notation Trainer, free](https://upbeat.studio/tools/drum-notation-trainer) - [Where to find drum sheet music and tabs](https://upbeat.studio/compare/drum-sheet-music-sites)