MusicPad – Music Writing

MusicPad – Music Writing

Write, compose & score music

61 ratings
8 reviews
Free
In-App Purchases

Details

Released
December 31, 2022
Updated
October 30, 2026

Features

MusicPad – Music Writing screenshot #1 for iPhone
MusicPad – Music Writing screenshot #2 for iPhone
MusicPad – Music Writing screenshot #3 for iPhone
MusicPad – Music Writing screenshot #4 for iPhone
MusicPad – Music Writing screenshot #5 for iPhone
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About

This app offers a digital notebook experience for musicians to handwrite and compose music scores. It provides tools for creating detailed notation, managing pages, and navigating compositions with Apple Pencil support. Export your work as PDFs or share files with collaborators.

✓Handwritten music notation with Apple Pencil
✓Unlimited notepads and customizable pages
✓Gesture-based tools and undo functionality
✓Effortless navigation and page management
✓PDF export and file sharing
✓iCloud syncing across devices
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What's New in MusicPad

2.2

October 30, 2026

New • Hide Controls for distraction-free writing, with undo, redo, and tools within reach. • Show or hide the Tool Picker with a tap, including while controls are hidden. • Drag or flick the Tool Picker to any screen edge. Improved • Streamlined document viewer and better page fitting on iPhone. • Page counts in Navigator filters. • Clearer Export controls and actions. • Simpler Workspace menu and adaptive toolbars. • Dedicated Bookmark button beside Page Controls. • Shorter configuration warnings and clearer staff controls. • Clearer Grid icon and Ruler button in the Tool Picker. • More helpful measurement preference descriptions. • Consistent glass controls in light and dark appearances. • More accessible Navigator controls. • Updated German, Spanish, and Italian translations. Fixed • Crash when opening documents with saved colors. • Mouse and trackpad clicks in the editor. • Tool Picker dragging and positioning. • Undo and redo while controls are hidden. • Navigator filter alignment and accent color. • Export control stability and alignment. • Page-control sizing in compact toolbars. • Destructive page-action styling.

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Subscriptions & In-App Purchases

$24.99

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This purchase unlocks all features.

User reviews

Wonderful App

The more I use this app the more I love it. It’s very intuitive to use, very well thought out and provides me with a music scratch pad where I can jot down ideas on the go.

Response from developer

Thanks for your review, Carsons357! I’m really glad you’re enjoying MusicPad. Making it intuitive and immediate for jotting down musical ideas is exactly what it’s meant for. Best, Juan

Clean and Simple

What more can I say, easy to use for somebody who likes to hand write charts. Highly recommended.

Response from developer

Thanks for your review Auto Penny! Best, Juan

Perfect for my needs

I do a lot of harmony exercises to keep my skills sharp. I do have a whiteboard that I use to save on paper but wanted some way of saving them. In steps musicpad the perfect tool for mocking out the exercises as I currently work my way through C.H.Kitson’s Elementary Harmony once more.

Looking forward to see what comes in version 2.
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Response from developer

Thanks for your review AEMusician! I’m very happy to hear MusicPad is working for you. All the best!

What’s the difference?

I bought the full version after testing it a little and there is no compositional advantage I can see. No OCR, no stamps. Basically this is a drawing program with staff paper. Am I missing something?

I’m guessing the sharing feature is important to some but for me it was a waste of money. Sigh…

Response from developer

Sorry to hear that Jguy3139. "Drawing over staff paper" is more important than what you make it look like, not just for me but for many others. That is the compositional advantage indeed. OCR will not be part of this app but stamps will be in a future release. You're always welcome to ask for a refund from Apple if you're unsatisfied with your purchase. Thanks for your review!

Can’t Get it to work

I’m using an ipad 12.9 pro, trying to test free version- can’t get it to do much of anything.

Response from developer

Sorry to hear that. The app is designed to be used together with an Apple Pencil on the iPad, otherwise you won't be able to write with precision (you could still write with your fingers though). What exactly are you trying to do with it? You can contact me directly to info@musicpad.app for more troubleshooting.

Developer apps

FAQ

What is MusicPad?

MusicPad is a digital notebook application designed for musicians and composers to handwrite and compose music scores using Apple Pencil on their iPad.

Can I write music on my iPhone with MusicPad?

MusicPad is optimized for iPad as the primary writing surface. While you can view and edit pages on an iPhone, writing on the iPhone is not supported.

What features are available in the free version of MusicPad?

The free version allows you to create unlimited MusicPad files, add up to one page per document, access all writing tools, and sync files across devices with iCloud.

How do I unlock all features in MusicPad?

You can unlock unlimited pages, full page configuration and navigation, PDF export, bookmarks, grids, and advanced layout tools with a one-time purchase.

Does MusicPad support Apple Pencil Pro?

Yes, MusicPad offers full support for Apple Pencil Pro, including features like hover, squeeze, and double-tap gestures.

How often is MusicPad updated?

The latest version, 2.0, was last updated on March 25, 2026, indicating a commitment to ongoing development and feature enhancements.

What platforms is MusicPad available on?

MusicPad runs on iOS and iPadOS 18 or later and is designed for iPad, with iPhone support focused on viewing and page editing.

How does MusicPad handle music notation?

MusicPad provides a true handwritten notation experience built on Apple’s PencilKit, offering near-zero latency and natural handwriting for creating sheet music and scores.