# StaffPad — Music Notation and Composition > Music notation and composition app for iPad with handwriting input and audio integration. (iPhone/iPad app by StaffPad Ltd..) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/staffpad/id1442074103 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [StaffPad Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1258751005) - Category: Music, Productivity - Price: $49.99 with in-app purchases - Rating: 4.00/5 from 563 App Store ratings · 524 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 14.5 · 1020 MB - Languages: American English, Arabic, French (France), German (Germany), Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian Bokmål, Polish, European Portuguese and 4 more - Released: 2020-02-04 - Data updated: 2026-09-05 - Monetization: free with in-app purchases - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/staffpad/id1442074103/reviews.md ## What is StaffPad? MADE FOR COMPOSERS ------------------------- StaffPad is designed for composers who want to write music effortlessly, using music notation and audio. Write your music using Apple Pencil, and the app will transform your writing into beautifully typeset notation that can be edited, played back, printed and shared. Record or import audio directly onto your score and edit it intuitively with Apple Pencil. Magically convert your real piano playing or existing recordings into notation using advanced on-device machine learning. Add video, smart symbols and use world leading sample libraries and mix your score with a suite of studio effects. From basic idea to a full film score; StaffPad is the easiest, most powerful and most intuitive way to compose music on iPad. WRITE NATURALLY ------------------- Write your score with the fluidity of natural handwriting. Use touch and Apple Pencil to quickly edit your notation. Transpose, repeat and structure your score with intuitive gestures and tools. Customise the tempo with a unique tempo staff (or import a tempo map from a MIDI file), add chords either manually or automatically with the chord staff. You can even copy music written in StaffPad into other apps, simply using the normal copy and paste functions. HEAR YOUR MASTERPIECE ---------------------------- With a groundbreaking playback engine and over 55 included instruments, StaffPad is ready to perform your written piece instantly. Add industry-standard sample libraries, adapted and customised for StaffPad, from some of the world's leading sample developers. This is a leap forward for composers working at the highest levels. SHARE WITH SCORESYNC --------------------------- Once you're ready to perform or record your work, tap the ScoreSync button in StaffPad and your score is instantly shared across a Wi-Fi network to any device running the free StaffPad Reader app (available in the App Store). The Readers present each individual musical part beautifully formatted, update in realtime with any changes you make to your score, handle automatic page turns, and play back in perfect time with a synchronised metronome, for capturing the perfect recording every time. IMPORT AND EXPORT --------------------------- StaffPad imports and exports MusicXML and MIDI files for easily working with other music apps. You can also export your playback as WAV, AAC or MP3. You can import audio files into your score, with support for most major audio formats. WORK WITH AUDIO AND VIDEO -------------------------------- For the first time, you can seamlessly mix audio with your notated score. Record directly onto the score canvas using your device's in-built microphones, or import loops, Tempo map freeform/rubato performances using the tempo staff. Add shine to your production with a suite of studio quality DSP effects, and polish with precise automation. PIANO AND MIDI CAPTURE --------------------------- Record your real piano and convert it into notation. Don't have a real piano? Don't worry - you can connect a USB or Bluetooth MIDI keyboard and record your performance in realtime, converting to notation as you play. PRINT / PDF ------------ As well as digital parts via ScoreSync, StaffPad will automatically format and print parts or export PDFs for you. Customise the paper size, bar number styles, number of bars per line, scaling, margins, multi-bar consolidation and more. StaffPad automatically formats the score for consistent presentation. ## Key features - Handwriting music notation with Apple Pencil - Convert audio recordings to notation - Record and edit audio on score - Professional playback with sample libraries - Seamless sharing via ScoreSync - Import/export MusicXML and MIDI ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: $49.99. **One-time purchases** | Purchase | Price | Type | | --- | --- | --- | | Toy Glockenspiel | Free | one-time | | StaffPad Essential Guitars | Free | one-time | | Retro Keyboards | Free | one-time | | Muse Strings | Free | one-time | | Muse Choir | Free | one-time | | Muse Woodwinds | Free | one-time | | Muse Percussion | Free | one-time | | Muse Brass | Free | one-time | | Muse Harp | Free | one-time | | Muse Keys | Free | one-time | | Muse Guitars Vol. 1 | Free | one-time | | StaffPad Essentials: Accordion | Free | one-time | ## What do users think of StaffPad? Overall sentiment: neutral **Pros** - 🚀 Powerful composing tool - 🎨 Intuitive handwriting interface - 🎹 High-quality playback sounds - 💻 Seamless iPad integration - 🎨 Smooth workflow for sketching ideas **Cons** - 🐛 Inconsistent handwriting recognition - 🔧 Steep learning curve - 🔒 Requires Apple Pencil - 💰 Expensive with additional purchases - 🐛 Stability issues and crashes **Commonly reported bugs** - Inability to recognize certain note values - Eraser function unreliable - Inconsistent behavior when writing accidentals - Crashes when attempting to create new scores - Syncing and file management issues **Most requested features** - Improved handwriting recognition - More flexible note input options - Cross-staff notation support - Customizable UI and layout - Better collaboration and sharing features ## Recent user reviews (10 of 524) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/staffpad/id1442074103/reviews.md ### 3/5 — Not updated for 2 years *2026-08-24, version 1.6.4* I really like this app a lot but it’s very very overdue for an update. 5 stars if you can update it. ### 5/5 — Amazing. I Wish There was a New Update. *2026-08-24, version 1.6.4* This is the greatest workflow for easy sketches and traditional scores. StaffPad’s brush stroke counting solution has been *the* solution to using a pen to do notation. Other writing notation apps like Notion’s have awful solutions where someone has to make musical notation somehow recognizable to the program. This is the frontier of notation software in my opinion. For drawbacks, the need for an Apple Pen where third-party pens only work on the tutorial is annoying, but not impossible. There’s capability for traditional, common scores, but then not much yet for contemporary scores with graphic notation without other programs like photoshop or so. I love this app and use it every day. I hope that there’s room for more updates but there hasn’t been anything in two years now. I recommend it in its current state to anybody needing *the* quickest notation software. Super easy to pick up as well. ### 5/5 — Amazing App – Please Add Persian Accidentals *2026-07-21, version 1.6.4* StaffPad is an incredible application and, in my opinion, one of the best music notation apps available. As a composer working with Persian music, I have one sincere feature request. Please consider adding support for the Persian accidentals Koron (quarter-flat) and Sori (quarter-sharp), including proper notation and playback. I imagine this would be a relatively small addition for such a professional team, but it would make a huge difference for those of us who compose and perform Persian music. As microtonal harmony and world music continue to gain wider recognition, adding this support would help preserve and empower an important musical tradition while making StaffPad even more versatile. Thank you for creating such an outstanding application, and I sincerely hope you’ll consider adding this feature in a future update. ### 5/5 — Buena pero puede mejorar *2026-06-18, version 1.6.4* Hasta ahora la aplicación me ha gustado, sin embargo, el reconocimiento de escritura llega a ser algo complicado al poner silencios de octavos(corcheas) , alteraciones como sostenidos o bemoles , etc. Me gustaría que le siguieran dando mantenimiento como a musescore 4 porque sin duda staffpad es una gran herramienta y con muchísimo potencial , pero puede mejorar. Por favor no la abandonen ### 3/5 — このアプリはまだ生きてるの？ *2026-06-17, version 1.6.4* もう2年以上アップデートなしですが、このアプリはまだメンテナンスされてるのてましょうか？ 決して安くはないアプリなので、将来性がかなり心配。 以下、以前の投稿↓ Muse Stringsなどでバイオリンを演奏させると、ポルタメントがかかりすぎて納豆のような演奏になってしまいます。調整はできないのでしょうか？ ### 1/5 — Trash app *2026-06-17, version 1.6.4* Trash app ### 1/5 — Is StaffPad Abonware - Yes? *2026-05-30, version 1.6.4* While I am still able to use StaffPad things are starting to go wrong with it. With no updates in 2 years or replies from the apps support team I cannot in good conscience recommend it to new users looking to buy this app or its many instrument libraries. I have no idea why Muse Group purchased this app if they had no intention of developing or maintaining it. A 5 star app reduced to 2 stars. So sad! Especially as this App was once recognised with a prestigious Apple Design Award at WWDC20. Update: 30 May 2026 Revised to 1 stars. Unfortunately there has been no response from the developers Muse Group. This is becoming a real issue with iPad apps in general. They aren’t cost effective to keep maintained. I understood that developers were obliged to release periodic updates or they would be removed from the Apple App Store. Less reason to update my iPad Pro I guess. ### 2/5 — Problem: Klavier-Notation *2026-05-25, version 1.6.4* Nach Eingewöhnung in die vereinfachte Handschrift lassen sich Noten einigermaßen zuverlässig erfassen, dennoch bleibt Verbesserungspotenzial; hilfreich sind die gut gemachten Tutorials in der App sowie auf YouTube mit dem Autor. • Viele Optionen und eine moderne, visuell gelungene Oberfläche. • Für eine professionelle Anwendung noch nicht vollständig ausgereift – insgesamt aber nah dran. • Problem Klavierfassung (aus pianistischer Sicht zentral, auch für Komponisten und Dirigenten): zu wenig Fokus auf pianistische Anforderungen. Komplexe, durchgehende Läufe über beide Hände hinweg (links–rechts–links etc.), die als zusammenhängende Linie notiert werden müssen, lassen sich nicht abbilden. Die Funktion ist im Programm nicht vorgesehen; stattdessen sind umständliche Workarounds nötig. Auch Arpeggien sind nicht handübergreifend darstellbar, sondern getrennt notiert und wiedergegeben – ein technisches Hindernis im Arbeitsprozess. Funktionen, die in anderen Notationsprogrammen (z. B. Dorico) seit Jahren selbstverständlich sind, fehlen hier. ### 5/5 — good *2026-05-19, version 1.6.4* 아니 작곡하고 너무좋아요! ㅎㅎ 더 재밌게 할수있으니까 좋고 이게임 싫다는사람 이해가 안가네요 ㅎㅎ ### 1/5 — POTENZIALE SCADUTO *2026-05-07, version 1.6.4* L’app aveva un grande potenziale, diversi anni fa. Gli aggiornamenti fatti sono stati pochi, poco rilevanti alla vera e propria notazione e soprattutto fermi da diversi anni. Non ne vale più la pena. ## Frequently asked questions about StaffPad ### What is StaffPad? StaffPad is a music notation and composition application designed for iPad. It allows composers to write music using handwriting input with Apple Pencil, which is then transformed into typeset notation. The app also integrates audio recording and editing directly onto the score, offering advanced playback and sharing capabilities. ### How does StaffPad convert handwriting to notation? StaffPad uses advanced on-device machine learning to magically convert your handwritten musical notes into beautifully typeset notation. This process is designed to be intuitive, allowing you to write naturally with the fluidity of handwriting and then edit the resulting notation with ease. ### Can I use my own sample libraries with StaffPad? Yes, StaffPad supports industry-standard sample libraries from leading developers, which are adapted and customized for the app. This allows you to enhance your score's playback with professional-sounding instruments, providing a leap forward for composers working at the highest levels. ### How can I share my compositions from StaffPad? You can share your work seamlessly using the ScoreSync feature. Tapping the ScoreSync button instantly shares your score across a Wi-Fi network to any device running the free StaffPad Reader app. Readers display the score beautifully, update in real-time, handle page turns, and synchronize playback. ### What file formats does StaffPad support for import and export? StaffPad imports and exports MusicXML and MIDI files, enabling easy collaboration with other music applications. You can also export your playback as WAV, AAC, or MP3 files. Additionally, the app supports importing most major audio file formats directly into your score. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.6.4 — 2023-11-10 This update contains fixes and enhancements - Fixes a problem with display of tuplets when using Piano Capture - Fixes an issue with the Muse Solo Cello - Fixes an issue that could affect playback if a tempo point was created at the very end of the score - Eliminates clicks/artifacts that could sometimes be present in score audio export. - Fixes an issue with symbol placement above the stave in certain situations. - Improved the way that instrument changes are represented in the "ghost staff" - i.e when scrolling past the initial instrument name - Fixed an issue that can cause the score to continue playing even after the document has been closed - Fixed some silent notes that could occur when using the built-in Oboe sound ### 1.6.3 — 2023-10-24 This fixes several issues discovered since the large 1.6 update, including - A fix for some MIDI keyboards that could cause held notes - A fix for some clicks that could occur during playback and audio export - A fix for an issue that could sometimes result in instruments not being available in a new score. - fixes for a few reported crashes ### 1.6.2 — 2023-10-06 This is a hot fix to address a few issues found in the 1.6 release - Fix time signature dialog chopped off on iOS 17 - Various playback fixes (including choppy sounding playback, clicks, artifacts, and occasional crashes) - Fix issues with transcription on some systems - Fix silent playback bugs for several instruments (single staff piano, Bb trombone, C trumpet, and A clarinet) - Fix print layout with chord symbols ### 1.6.1 — 2023-09-26 - Use your real piano to input notes in StaffPad! Piano Capture uses the device microphones to convert audio signals into music notation. Record your real acoustic piano performance and see it convert into notation as you play - or convert an existing piano performance into notation. - Don't have a real piano? We've got you covered: you can now connect a wired or wireless MIDI keyboard and record directly into StaffPad in realtime. - Video Staffs are here! Import a video into your score and work with it easily - move it around, trim the start and end points, and export it with your music. - New Muse Sounds libraries open up incredibly expressive playback for orchestra and choir. Grab them FREE, in the StaffPad Store. - Harmonise mixer effect; automatically create harmonies on vocal audio staffs, using the chord information in the score. Great for backing vocals! - A new Dynamic Mastering effect can be applied from the score settings; Dynamic Mastering applies smart loudness, EQ, stereo widening, enhancer and limiting to act as an instant mastering engineer. - Smarter MIDI import: we've designed a new algorithm that is better equipped to convert and clean up messier MIDI performances. There's also many smaller enhancements and improvements throughout the app. We hope you continue to enjoy making music with StaffPad! ### 1.5.7 — 2022-07-06 What’s new in 1.5.7? - NEW: Time Staff. Add a time staff, choose a time base (e.g mins/secs, or a SMPTE timecode). - NEW: Drop labelled time markers directly on the time staff - NEW: Reduce Treble, and Reduce Bass mixer effects for audio and instrument staffs. - NEW: Niente hairpins. You can now drag down and up on hairpins to add a niente circle. This ensures the dynamic goes to or from silence, saving edits to the expression layer. - Dynamics will render above the staff for the print view when lyrics are used - Fixed some audio import issues on Windows - Fixed an issue when recording to stereo staffs on mono-mic iPads - Various fixes to file format stability - Fixed touch keyboard issues on Windows 11 - Adjusted logic for Round Robin samples on chords, resulting in more realistic RR playback - General MusicXML import and export fixes - Fixes for playback jumps during repeats, DC and coda structures - StaffPad will now favour tempo numbers when tempo words and numbers are used together (e.g Allegro 140bpm will favour the explicit tempo of 140bpm) - Fixed an issue with the abbreviation display for audio staffs within the “ghost staff” - Various stability fixes and performance improvements ## Apps similar to StaffPad | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Cubasis 3 - DAW & Music Studio](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cubasis-3-daw-and-music-studio/id1207839273) | 4.6 (3,456) | $29.99 | Music | | [Dorico - Compose Music](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dorico-compose-music/id1556625090) | 4.6 (2,059) | Free | Music | | [Composer Pro-Sheet Music Maker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/composer-pro-sheet-music-maker/id1551925812) | 4.5 (672) | Free | Music | | [Flat: Sheet Music Maker & Tabs](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flat-sheet-music-maker-and-tabs/id1177592149) | 4.6 (6,780) | Free | Music | | [Pianoteq 8](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pianoteq-8/id1642344241) | 4.6 (133) | Free | Music | | [Henle Library](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/henle-library/id1021283948) | 2.9 (91) | Free | Music | ## More apps by StaffPad Ltd. - [StaffPad Reader](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/staffpad-reader/id1258751006) All apps by StaffPad Ltd.: https://appshunter.io/developer/1258751005 --- *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 2026-09-05.*