Frescobaldi
Powerful, lightweight text editor/IDE for LilyPond music engraving with live score preview.
| Language | Python (PyQt) |
|---|---|
| Category | Composition & notation |
| License | GPL-2.0-or-later |
| Platforms | macOS Windows Linux |
| Install | pip install frescobaldi, or use the installers from frescobaldi.org |
| First released | ~2011 |
| Maintained | Yes |
| Links | Website · Source |
Strengths
- Tight LilyPond integration with point-and-click and live PDF preview
- Built-in MIDI playback and many editing tools
- Cross-platform and actively maintained
Limitations
- Requires learning LilyPond's text syntax
- Editor only; depends on an external LilyPond install
Best for
Engraving publication-quality scores with LilyPond.
Minimal example
\version "2.24.0"
\relative c' { c d e f | g2 g | a4 a a a | g1 }