Finale

Name: Finale
Brand: Finale

Professional music notation with unmatched control and flexibility.

softwareMusic Production (DAW)music notationscore editingMIDI support

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Our Verdict

Best for

Pro composers, arrangers, and educators needing precise notation control

Skip if

Beginners or teams needing low-cost, collaborative cloud editing

What is Finale?

Finale is a desktop music notation program that lets composers, arrangers, and educators create scores with precise control over every element. It supports complex notation, playback, and printing, making it suitable for everything from simple lead sheets to full orchestral parts. The software includes extensive libraries of symbols, templates, and playback sounds, and integrates with MIDI devices and other music production tools. It is widely used in education, publishing, and professional composition.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

deploymentDesktop App

open source❌ No

api available❌ No

support optionsEmail, Phone, Online Forum

key integrationsMusicXML, MIDI, VST, PDF, Sibelius

Key Features of Finale

Create and edit complex orchestral scores with precise control over spacing and formatting.

Import and export MusicXML and MIDI files for seamless workflow with other DAWs and notation programs.

Use the built‑in playback engine with realistic instrument samples to audition compositions in real time.

Access a vast library of symbols, articulations, and custom fonts to represent any musical idea.

Generate professional‑quality parts and full scores with automatic page layout and part extraction.

Utilize SmartShape and SmartText tools to automatically adjust slurs, ties, and dynamic markings.

Integrate with VST plugins for enhanced sound rendering during playback.

Publish directly to PDF or print with high‑resolution output for concert use.

Use Cases for Finale

Film Scoring

Compose and format full orchestral scores for film projects with precise timing and cue sheets.

Music Education

Create lesson materials, exercises, and exam papers for students at all levels.

Sheet Music Publishing

Prepare print‑ready scores and parts for commercial publishing or self‑distribution.

Band Arranging

Arrange music for school, community, or professional bands with automatic part extraction.

Pros & Cons of Finale

Pros

Unmatched control over notation details
Extensive symbol and template library
Robust import/export for industry standards
High‑quality playback with realistic samples

Cons

Steep learning curve for beginners
Higher upfront cost compared to subscription rivals
Limited native collaboration features

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a free trial available?

Yes, a 30‑day free trial can be downloaded from the official website.

Can Finale run on Linux?

No, Finale is only officially supported on Windows and macOS.

Does Finale support VST plugins?

Yes, VST plugins can be loaded for enhanced playback sound.

What file formats can Finale export?

Finale can export PDF, MusicXML, MIDI, and various audio formats such as WAV.

Pricing Overview

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Paid (One-time)

Detailed plans are not listed. Visit the official website for pricing information.

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Top Alternatives & Similar Software

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MuseScore

AI-suggested

MuseScore is an open source and free music notation software. It allows users to create, edit, and print sheet music. The software is available for multiple platforms and has a user-friendly interface. It supports various file formats and has a large community of users and developers who contribute to its development.

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