# Songs - The App For Musicians — Chord Charts & Sheet Music Pro

> Musician's app for managing song catalogs, creating chord sheets, and composing music. (iPhone/iPad app by Idolumic LLC.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/songs-the-app-for-musicians/id1510250485 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Idolumic LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1088170275)
- Category: Music, Productivity
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.50/5 from 110 App Store ratings · 86 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 14.0 · 192 MB
- Languages: American English, French (France), German (Germany)
- Released: 2021-03-16
- Data updated: 2026-09-03
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/songs-the-app-for-musicians/id1510250485/reviews.md

## What is Songs?

Easily manage large song catalogs with the best-in-class chord sheet editor featuring unmatched auto-scroll capabilities, smart automation features and a powerful adaptive audio engine.


Master your craft

Instantly transform plain text song sheets into transposable chord sheets with professionally formatted chord symbols and matching chord diagrams. Access a virtual fretboard to discover alternative chord voicings and customize the number of strings, their tuning and optional capo positions. Quickly transpose songs with audio backing tracks to match your vocal range and freely adjust the playback speed to get in the groove with ease.


Compose with ease

Get inspired with the Songs app's chord matrix and auto-generate chord symbols while playing the virtual instruments. Explore harmonic fields and master chord progressions with a built-in circle of fifths. Experience a more intuitive way of working with songs thanks to the Songs app's unique focus mode, customizable layout themes, smart chord repositioning features and transposable tabs.


Make your mark

Import songs in the ChordPro format, in the file formats of competing apps or add your content from webpages by using the 'Add to Songs' action extension. Fine-tune the lyrics and metadata and add annotatable header images. Scan your sheet music and import PDFs to add highlights and annotation notes. Enjoy complete access to your entire song catalog on all of your macOS & iOS devices with automatic sync via iCloud.


Perform with confidence

Make live performances a joy with the Songs app 'smart scroll' chord charts and unrivaled auto-scroll and page flip capabilities. Play back multitracks in a variety of audio formats, create custom setlists and forward your songs to bandmates via AirDrop. Stay in control with bluetooth page turners and MIDI foot pedals and use a powerful timeline to add reliable audio playback & MIDI automation.

## Key features

- Chord sheet editor with auto-scroll
- Transposable chord charts with diagrams
- Virtual fretboard with customizable tuning
- Audio backing tracks with speed adjustment
- Chord matrix and auto-generation
- Circle of fifths for progressions
- Import ChordPro and other formats
- PDF import and annotation

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Songs Pro | $24.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of Songs?

Overall sentiment: mixed

**Pros**

- ✨ Feature-rich application
- 👍 Easy to use and manage
- 🚀 Fast and efficient performance
- 💡 Innovative features
- 🔄 Seamless syncing across devices
- 💰 One-time payment, no subscription
- 🛠️ Excellent developer support
- 🎨 Beautifully designed interface
- 📚 Comprehensive song library management
- 🎵 Great for musicians and songwriters
- 💻 Universal app (iOS, iPadOS, macOS)
- 🎶 Supports backing tracks and MIDI
- 🖨️ PDF import and export capabilities
- 💡 Chord transposition and capo support
- ✅ Stable and reliable performance

**Cons**

- 🐛 App is buggy and unusable
- 🔋 Drains battery significantly
- 🤔 Complex and cluttered UI
- 🤷‍♂️ Steep learning curve
- ⚠️ Inconsistent UI elements
- 🎛️ Difficult to navigate menus
- ❌ Chord revoicing issues
- 📉 Poor import functionality
- 🚫 Trial version crippled
- 👴 Incompatible with older devices
- ❓ Ambiguous instructions
- 😵 Overwhelming feature set

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Core functions not working (song search, panel arrow)
- Songs overwritten by import/edit
- Database corruption
- App hangs (spinning beach ball)
- MP3 upload not supported
- Issues importing from Ultimate Guitar
- iPad keyboard always displays
- Auto-scroll jumps to next song
- Chords adjust to wrong position
- App disagreements on chord voicing
- PDFs listed incorrectly after import
- Not syncing properly between iPhone and Mac
- Can't cut & paste without color change
- Can't run at the same time as Logic Pro
- Photos not working in trial version

**Most requested features**

- Ability to see numbers instead of chords
- Record voice/instrument or import voice notes
- Improve iPad keyboard compatibility
- Add dark mode toggle
- Select multiple songs for set lists
- Ability to record to song sections
- More intuitive UI and tooltips
- Option to hide chord fingering charts
- Click on chord to show fingering
- Capo to change whole chart
- Tutorials for writing songs and placing chords
- Syncing issues across devices
- Ability to import Word Docs
- Save notes next to chords
- Number system instead of chords

## Recent user reviews (10 of 86)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/songs-the-app-for-musicians/id1510250485/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Umständlich!

*2026-08-05*

Ich habe diese App schon seit 3 Tagen auf dem Mac und auf iOS Geräten. Das UI ist anscheinend nur dazu da den ChordPro Script zu verstecken. Und das ist das Problem. Die Text-Verarbeitung wird dadurch verlangsamt. Die Chord-Eingabe ist eine Katastrophe. In der Zeit wo ich einen einzigen neuen Song reinkopiere und mit ein paar Akkorden ausstatte hätte ich mit jeden anderen beliebigen App (Onsong, Songbook, etc) min. 5 Songs geschafft.

Nachtrag:
Funktion "Suchen und Erstetzen" nicht existent, viele "basic" Funktionen die bei Textbearbeitung unabdingbar sind, fehlen. Zwischen dir und dem Text steht eine dicke Wand die User Interface heisst. 

Wenn man dazu noch zwischen der App und einem anderen Programm schalten muss (wegen Akkorde heraushören z.B.) scrollt die App immer dankbare Weise zum Ende des Textes, damit man die Stelle die man gerade bearbeitet, wieder suchen kann. Damit man nicht einschläft, nehme ich mal an...

Ich habe halt in ein Beta Programm investiert!

Der Font der Akkorde lässt sich nicht ändern. Sie sind unnötig groß und "fressen" so unnötig viel Platz weg.

**Developer response:** Mit über 170 App Store updates bietet die Songs App einmalige Stabilität und Features die weit über das ChordPro Format und den Fähigkeiten vergleichbarer Apps hinausgehen:
Das 'Suchen und Ersetzen' von Akkorden kann durch langes Antippen eines Akkords in der Cursor-Werkzeugleiste ausgeführt werden.  
In Bezug auf die Akkordgrösse können beliebige Fonts für die Liedtexte angewählt werden und deren Grösse kann per 'Themes' und 'Zoom' angepasst werden. Der Zeilenabstand ist auch angleichbar.
Per App Einstellungen können Akkorde beim Tippen automatisch formatiert werden, oder es können Lieder in dem 'Simple Text' Format von OnSong or Songbook bearbeitet werden.

Danke für den Hinweis auf das Verhalten der App, wenn beim Editieren von Liedern auf ein anderes Programm zugegriffen wird. Dieser Punkt wird in einem Update korrigiert. 

Wir helfen gerne bei der Einrichtung der Songs App nach einer Kontaktaufnahme über das 'Hilfe' Submenu der Bibliothek.

### 5/5 — Best Chord Chart App

*2026-08-02*

You can't find a better Chord Chart app with all the features built in to this.  Once you learn how to add the chords to your sheet you'll be glad you purchased this app.  I think I use it more on my computer than on my iPad, but because it works on both you have the best of both.  I don't use all the features, but knowing it can use wireless bluetooth is a plus.  This is a great app.  I would be nice to turn off the built in chords so I could just write in my desired chords but all in all its a great app.

### 4/5 — Starke App! Aber ein Detail fehlt

*2026-03-03*

Ich nutze die App für meine Auftritte als Sängerin und ich stimme mich immer wieder mit anderen Sängern ab, wer welche Parts singt. Die anderen können es in ihren Apps farblich hinterlegen, damit man auf einen Blick sieht, wer wann dran ist - ich kann den Text nicht einfärben! Wechseln möchte ich nicht, weil ich „Songs“ sonst einfach fantastisch finde! Das ist eine totale Kleinigkeit, die aber eine riesen Wirkung für mich hätte! Ich bitte euch wirklich, bringt dieses kleine Feature - ich wäre so dankbar!

### 4/5 — Kompliziert in den einfachen Dingen

*2026-03-03*

Liebes Team,
Ich finde eure App wirklich sehr gut und arbeite viel damit. Aber in den einfachsten Dingen wie zum Beispiel das Arbeiten mit Page Turner ist immer wieder ein Unsicherheitsfaktor da. Wenn ich einfach nur Seite für Seite durchgehen, will vorwärts und rückwärts, dann klappt es manchmal. Beim nächsten Mal. Wieder nur zur Hälfte der Seite. Beim Arbeiten mit Setliste werden die Noten zum Teil so vergrößert, dass die Abbildung über die Ränder geht. Auch das ist problematisch. Dennoch schätze ich euer Programm und vertraue, dass diese Dinge irgendwann gelöst werden. Danke

**Developer response:** Der Hinweis auf 'Noten' deutet darauf hin, dass Sie mit PDFs arbeiten. Das beschriebene Problem tritt auf, wenn Playback gestartet wird, während sich die PDF im Vollbildmodus befindet. Es tritt nicht auf, wenn die Setliste schon sichtbar ist, wenn Playback gestartet wird. Das wird in Version 15.1 behoben. Schönen Dank für ihren Bericht.

### 1/5 — Absolutely rubbish since iOS 26

*2025-12-12*

I thought the few small problems I initially found in the app would be rectified by the recent update but since then I have found the app completely unusable. Not only do core functions no longer work (e.g. song search bar or the bottom arrow to show the panel) but on more than one occasion songs have been completely overwritten by another song either imported or edited. In other words the database becomes corrupted and the app is 100% untrustworthy. I will not be using it and have already moved to a more secure alternative. Best avoided!

**Developer response:** The action of the (un)hide keyboard button will improve as iOS26 matures. Current working options include performing a longer tap or selecting the text to unhide the keyboard and swiping the keyboard downward to hide it.
There are no additional reports of an issue with the searchbar or a major database problem. The database is still the same as in all 146 previously released app versions. iCloud synced apps use UUIDs to manage records which prevents record swapping as well as overwriting of non-related songs by design. iCloud can revert to an older dataset if there is a major issue with your iCloud server but your Songs backup file can fully restore your dataset if needed. However, such an occurrence is extremely rare given that iCloud has been continuously improved upon for more than a decade and the Songs app has been battle tested by pro users for more than three years. Please reach out via the in-app support link should you have a change of heart and wish to take another look in the future. We will be glad to assist.

### 3/5 — Leider keine Akkorddiagramme auf „links“

*2025-11-05*

Das Programm macht einen guten und flexiblen Eindruck. Jede Menge Detail-Features. Leider scheitert es für mich aber an einem „Basic“-Feature: Akkord-Diagramme werden nur „rechtshändig“ dargestellt. Diese per Setting horizontal zu spiegeln ist einfach und wäre extrem hilfreich für Linkshänder.

**Developer response:** Bitte die neue Option 'Generate Left-Handed Diagrams' (oder die Option 'Display Left-Handed Fretboard') in den App-Einstellungen auswählen. Viel Spaß!

### 3/5 — Good but drains battery

*2025-10-28, version 14.6*

This app has a great feature set and although quirky in places is easy enough to use. However on both my phone and iPad, both running iOS 26, my battery life has been completely crippled due to the app draining the battery in the background even when I’ve disabled background tasks in settings. Hopefully this will be fixed soon as it’s become almost unusable to me as a consequence.

### 5/5 — Great but...

*2025-06-23*

Great great app, i love it, but:
- it's difficult to have the perfect scrolling (or i don't know how to do it simply...)
- is it possible to have a french language update :)

Thanx and keep doing a great job!
Rock on!

**Developer response:** Great to hear that you are enjoying the app! For perfectly timed auto-scrolling add section markers (or highlight markers) to the timeline:  https://www.idolumic.com/help/songs_user_guide.html#_timeline

### 5/5 — Alles was man braucht in einer Band zum Üben

*2025-05-26*

Ist für mich das beste Programm, mit Auto Scroll Funktion. Top, macht weiter so, würde dafür auch was bezahlen, wo kann ich das machen? Gruß Matthias

### 5/5 — Songs continues to get better and better

*2025-03-05*

I have been using Songs (named Song One previously) for over 2 years now and  it has become my go to App for building, managing and using my guitar music catalogue.  I use it for writing, sharing and performing my music.  I use the app across my iPhone, iPad and MacBook Pro.  The developer is super responsive and continuously invests in updates and improvements to the app.  Color me a very satisfied customer.

## Frequently asked questions about Songs

### What does the Songs app do?

This app helps musicians manage their song catalogs by providing a powerful chord sheet editor. It allows you to transform plain text into transposable chord sheets with professionally formatted symbols and diagrams. You can also use it to compose music, transpose songs with audio backing tracks, and prepare for live performances.

### What are the key features for musicians?

Key features include a best-in-class chord sheet editor with auto-scroll, the ability to transform text into transposable chord sheets with diagrams, and a virtual fretboard for exploring chord voicings. It also offers adaptive audio engine for backing tracks, chord generation tools, a circle of fifths, and import capabilities for various formats including ChordPro and PDFs.

### How much does the Songs app cost?

The app is free to download and use, but it offers in-app purchases. This means you can access core functionalities for free, with optional purchases available for advanced features or content.

### What devices is the Songs app compatible with?

The app provides complete access to your song catalog across all of your macOS and iOS devices. It features automatic synchronization via iCloud, ensuring your music is always up-to-date on every device you use.

### How can I use this app for live performances?

For live performances, the app offers 'smart scroll' chord charts with auto-scroll and page flip capabilities. You can play back multitracks, create custom setlists, and share songs with bandmates via AirDrop. It also supports Bluetooth page turners and MIDI foot pedals for seamless control during your set.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 15.5 — 2026-08-23

NEW: Assign dates to sets via a pop-up calendar: Perform a long tap on the set and select "Name & Date Set" from the pop-up menu.
NEW: Search for songs that use a specific MIDI command: Select 'MIDI' in the 'Search By' library menu and then enter a MIDI command or its label into the search field.
IMPROVED: Quick-Select, language localizations and re-ordering of sets (alphabetical or random order).

### 15.4 — 2026-06-17

NEW: Assign dates to sets via a pop-up calendar: Perform a long tap on the set and select "Name & Date Set" from the pop-up menu.
NEW: Search for songs that use a specific MIDI command: Select 'MIDI' in the 'Search By' library menu and then enter a MIDI command or its label into the search field.
IMPROVED: Quick-Select, language localizations and re-ordering of sets (alphabetical or random order).

### 15.3 — 2026-06-10

NEW: Simplify mixing of multitracks with an expanded audio mixer. (Customize the mixer size via a tap on a track label.)
NEW: Quickly access the mixer or varispeed dial during playback via a double tap on the song view. (See 'Play Mode' settings.)
NEW: Easily navigate all 50 audio channels via a touch bar and a step controller at the bottom of the mixer.
NEW: Import text from images, photos and scans via optical character recognition ('OCR').
IMPROVED: Adding PDF annotations, importing MIDI commands with time tags, setlist footer (total duration and number of songs).

### 15.2 — 2026-05-25

NEW: Simplify mixing of multitracks with an expanded audio mixer. (Customize the mixer size via a tap on a track label.)
NEW: Quickly access the mixer or varispeed dial during playback via a double tap on the song view. (See 'Play Mode' settings.)
NEW: Easily navigate all 50 audio channels via a touch bar and a step controller at the bottom of the mixer.
NEW: Import text from images, photos and scans via optical character recognition ('OCR').
IMPROVED: Adding PDF annotations, importing MIDI commands with time tags, setlist footer (total duration and number of songs).

### 15.1 — 2026-04-22

NEW: Add zoomable inline images to songs: Position the cursor in the text editor and select 'Insert Image' from the pop-up menu next to 'Subtitle' (song info panel). 
NEW: Annotate inline images: Tap on the image and make the appropriate selection from the pop-up menu (top left).
NEW: Auto-scale inline images: Image automatically adjusted to match the length of the lines or the width of a column (double column format) when printing.
NEW: Auto-scale header images: Place an image directly underneath the (sub)title to automatically adjust its size to the width of the page when printing.
NEW: Auto-update the song's scrolling speed when adding or removing images. 
NEW: Automatically adjust the colors of inline images when toggling light/dark mode.
NEW: Customize the chord chart in the song editor: Tap on the chord chart and change the format, string tuning and capo position via a pop-up menu (top left).
IMPROVED: German and French localizations, SimpleText imports, MIDI-Syntax Editor, backward compatibility older systems (macOS11/iOS14).

## Apps similar to Songs

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
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| [Chord ai - Play any song!](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chord-ai-play-any-song/id1446177109) | 4.6 (5,902) | Free | Music |
| [TONALY: Songs, Scales & Theory](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tonaly-songs-scales-and-theory/id1242467844) | 4.8 (6,328) | Free | Music |
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## More apps by Idolumic LLC

- [Rhyme Genie](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rhyme-genie/id1088170276)

All apps by Idolumic LLC: https://appshunter.io/developer/1088170275

## Related topics

[musician app](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/musician-app) · [onsong](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/onsong)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-03.*