StaffPad
StaffPad is a music composition app for writing notation by hand, editing scores with touch, recording or importing audio, and playing compositions back.
What StaffPad is
StaffPad is a music composition app for writing notation by hand, editing scores with touch, recording or importing audio, and playing compositions back. It converts handwritten notation into typeset scores, can automatically correct stem directions, and flags beat-count issues. Playback includes a core sound library with more than 55 instruments. Audio tools include tempo mapping, Adaptive Audio, and effects such as delay, reverb, compression, chorus, and EQ. Exports include MP3, WAV, or AAC audio, MIDI, MusicXML, and print-layout PDF. StaffPad Reader shows individual parts and receives score changes over Wi-Fi in real time, with synchronized playback and annotations. ScoreSync uses local Wi-Fi without internet, and scores are kept locally rather than uploaded or stored in the cloud. Writing requires an iPad with Apple Pencil or a Windows device with active pen and touch. StaffPad is listed for iOS, macOS, and Windows, but Apple Silicon Macs can open and preview scores only, and Android is unsupported. The iPad app costs $49.99, paid once; Reader is free.
Good
- Handwriting converts notation into typeset scores
- Core sound library has more than 55 instruments
- Exports audio, MIDI, MusicXML, and PDF
- ScoreSync works over local Wi-Fi without internet
Watch out
- Requires Apple Pencil or an active pen and touch
- Android is not supported
- Apple Silicon Macs cannot write notation
- Available only in English
Who it suits
StaffPad suits composers who want to write notation by hand and use audio tools or score playback. It is also relevant to groups sharing parts through Reader over local Wi-Fi.
Verdict
StaffPad brings handwritten notation, audio tools, playback, and score sharing into one composition workflow. Check the device requirements and platform limits before choosing it.
Plans and prices
From StaffPad's own pricing page, checked 19 Sep 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| StaffPad for iPad | — | Handwritten notation recognition · MusicXML and MIDI import/export · Audio recording and import · Score playback with included instruments · PDF and printed parts · ScoreSync with StaffPad Reader |
| StaffPad Reader | Free | Displays StaffPad scores · Reader Pro features are available as an upgrade · Free |
| StaffPad | $49.99, paid once | iPad app · in-app purchases · $49.99 |
The facts
Each one read from StaffPad's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Audio tools
- StaffPad supports audio recording and import, tempo mapping, Adaptive Audio, and effects including delay, reverb, compression, chorus, and EQ.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Collaboration features
- Yeschecked 19 Sep 2026
- Deployment
- desktopchecked 19 Sep 2026
- Exports
- StaffPad can export audio as MP3, WAV, or AAC; MIDI and MusicXML; and a PDF of the print layout.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Handwriting recognition
- StaffPad converts handwritten notation into typeset scores and can automatically correct stem directions and flag beat-count issues.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The StaffPad Store offers StaffPad Editions from developers including Cinesamples, Orchestral Tools, and Spitfire Audio.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Language
- The site says StaffPad is available only in English.checked 10 Oct 2026
- MIDI support
- Yeschecked 19 Sep 2026
- MusicXML support
- Yeschecked 19 Sep 2026
- Offline and data handling
- ScoreSync uses the local Wi-Fi network without an internet connection, and scores are kept locally rather than uploaded to the internet or stored in the cloud.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Parts extraction
- Yeschecked 19 Sep 2026
- Playback
- The included core sound library features more than 55 instruments.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Reader collaboration
- StaffPad Reader displays individual parts and receives score changes in real time over Wi-Fi, with synchronized playback and annotations.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Reader limits
- Reader opens StaffPad files rather than raw MIDI or MusicXML, and cannot edit music beyond ink annotations.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Support
- The site lists [email protected] for support contact.checked 10 Oct 2026
- What it does
- StaffPad is a music composition app for writing notation by hand, recording or importing audio, editing with touch, and playing compositions back.checked 10 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Device requirements
- StaffPad requires an iPad with Apple Pencil or a Windows device with active pen and touch; Reader does not require a pen.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Platform limits
- The site says Android is not supported and that Apple Silicon Macs can read, open, and preview scores but cannot be used to write notation.checked 10 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Nochecked 19 Sep 2026
The company
- Maker
- The site identifies StaffPad Ltd and lists David William Hearn and Matthew Tesch as founders.checked 10 Oct 2026
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