Dorico
Dorico: A full notation and engraving workflow, with free editions and a 60-day trial. Ranked #1 of 38 in Music Notation Software by our editors (9.3/10); pricing: Free plan · 60-day trial; best for professional composers and engravers.
At a glance
- Editor score9.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan · 60-day trial
- Best forProfessional composers and engravers
- Free planYes
- DeploymentDesktop
- Founded1984 · Hamburg, Germany
- Facts checked19 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Combines score creation, engraving, page layout, and instrumental parts
- Supports MusicXML, MIDI, tablature, playback, and audio export
- Offers a 60-day trial plus free macOS, Windows, and iPad editions
Where it doesn't
- Advanced engraving and layout capabilities are reserved for Pro
- The iPad edition has optional paid functionality
- Desktop editions are limited to macOS and Windows
Our verdict on Dorico
Dorico is Steinberg’s music notation and composition software for composers, arrangers, educators, publishers, and performers who need to create scores and performance materials. Its shared project structure brings players, flows, layouts, and parts together, with tools for notation, engraving, page layout, tablature, playback, and audio export. It is aimed at people producing formatted scores rather than those looking only for a lightweight way to jot down musical ideas.
The editions distinguish basic score work from more advanced production needs. Dorico SE 6 is a free edition for macOS and Windows, with MusicXML and MIDI import and export. Dorico Elements 6 includes notation and engraving features, along with the same exchange formats. Dorico Pro 6 adds advanced engraving and layout capabilities and a proofreading panel. Dorico for iPad is a free download with notation and playback, plus optional paid functionality. A 60-day trial gives prospective users a way to evaluate the software before choosing an edition.
Dorico’s breadth is useful when scores need to move between notation, parts, and performance preparation: it supports instrumental part layouts, custom chord symbols, fretted-instrument tablature, cycle playback, and audio export, alongside MusicXML and MIDI exchange. VST instruments, MIDI devices, and Audio Unit instruments are supported in its playback ecosystem. That scope makes Dorico a fit for composers and engravers who need control over the finished page as well as the musical content. Someone seeking advanced engraving should look at Pro; users needing a free starting point can consider SE or the iPad edition, while those who only need basic notation may not need the fuller workflow.
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Dorico pricing
All 4 Dorico plans and prices →
Dorico fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| MusicXML support | Yes |
| MIDI support | Yes |
| Parts extraction | Yes |
| Tablature support | Yes |
| Collaboration features | Not verified |
| Free trial | 60 days |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, iOS |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: VST instruments, MIDI devices, Audio Unit instruments |
| Pricing | Free plan · 60-day trial (source) |
| Website | steinberg.net |
| Facts checked | 19 Sep 2026 |
Dorico integrations
Dorico lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- VST instruments
- MIDI devices
- Audio Unit instruments
Alternatives to Dorico
- SibeliusSibelius combines detailed score creation with browser-based sharing and review.9.2
- MuseScore StudioA capable desktop notation editor with MusicXML, MIDI, parts, playback, and exports at no cost.9.1
- Fender NotionA free, cross-platform score editor with notation, tablature, playback and file exchange.9.0
Dorico vs the competition
- Dorico vs Sibelius
- Dorico vs MuseScore Studio
- Dorico vs Fender Notion
- Dorico vs Flat
- Dorico vs Noteflight
- Dorico vs LilyPond
Compare Dorico with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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