OpenMPT
OpenMPT is a tracker and audio application for composing and playing music, with a sample-based workflow or DAW-style use through plugin support.
What OpenMPT is
OpenMPT is a tracker and audio application for composing and playing music, with a sample-based workflow or DAW-style use through plugin support. Its editor handles up to 128 channels and 256 virtual channels, allows multiple modules to be open, and includes a sample editor. It supports VST effects and instruments, DirectX audio plugins, and VST automation from patterns. OpenMPT imports module formats such as Impulse Tracker, Scream Tracker 3, FastTracker 2, and ProTracker, and saves IT, MOD, MPTM, S3M, and XM files. It can render lossless PCM and float audio up to 192 kHz and 32-bit, along with Opus, Ogg Vorbis, MP3, MIDI, and OPL register dumps. It also supports live workflows involving queued patterns and MIDI control. The program is portable and needs no installation. It is free under the New BSD License. Windows is supported natively; macOS and Linux use Wine. MIDI files can be loaded, but OpenMPT is not a MIDI editor.
Good
- Free software with no installation required
- Editor supports up to 128 channels
- Supports VST and DirectX audio plugins
- Exports multiple audio formats, including lossless PCM
- Supports queued-pattern live performance workflows
Watch out
- Not a MIDI editor
- macOS and Linux require Wine
- No MIDI sequencing support
Who it suits
OpenMPT suits musicians who want a free, portable tracker with multitrack editing and plugin support. It may fit Windows users directly, as well as macOS and Linux users prepared to use Wine, provided they do not need a MIDI editor.
Verdict
OpenMPT combines tracker editing, plugin support, and a broad range of export options in portable software. Its lack of MIDI sequencing and reliance on Wine outside Windows are important fit considerations.
Plans and prices
From OpenMPT's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| OpenMPT | Free | Free software · Windows 7 SP 1 or newer, or Wine 1.8 or newer · SSE2-capable CPU or ARM/ARM64 |
The facts
Each one read from OpenMPT's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Accessibility
- The native Windows GUI is described as accessible by screen readers and suitable for blind users.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Audio export
- OpenMPT can render lossless PCM and float audio up to 192 kHz and 32-bit, as well as Opus, Ogg Vorbis, MP3, MIDI, and OPL register dumps.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Audio output
- Audio output options include WASAPI, WaveOut, ASIO, and WaveRT, with support up to 192 kHz, 32-bit, quad surround.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Editing
- The editor supports up to 128 channels and 256 virtual channels, multiple open modules, and a built-in sample editor.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Formats
- It imports many module formats, including Impulse Tracker, Scream Tracker 3, FastTracker 2, and ProTracker, and can save IT, MOD, MPTM, S3M, and XM modules.checked 8 Oct 2026
- License
- OpenMPT is licensed under the New BSD License.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Live use
- The software supports live performance workflows such as queuing patterns, controlling VST parameters with a MIDI keyboard, and starting or stopping modules with MIDI messages.checked 8 Oct 2026
- MIDI sequencing
- Nochecked 20 Sep 2026
- Multitrack editing
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
- Notable limitation
- OpenMPT can load MIDI files, but the maker states that it is not a MIDI editor.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Playback library
- The project offers libopenmpt, a cross-platform C++ and C module playback library based on OpenMPT's player code.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Plugins
- It supports VST effects and instruments, DirectX audio plugins, and VST automation from patterns.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Portable
- OpenMPT needs no installation and is fully portable.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- OpenMPT is a tracker and audio application for writing and playing music, usable as a sample-based tracker or a DAW with plugin support.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Release
- The download page lists OpenMPT 1.32.11.00 as the latest stable release, released on 15 August 2026.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- Users can seek help in the forums and FAQ, and report bugs or request features through the issue tracker.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Third-party plugins
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
The company
- Founded
- 1997checked 28 Sep 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Supported platforms
- Windows; macOS and Linux via Winechecked 20 Sep 2026
