LMMS
What it is
LMMS is a free, open-source desktop tool for making music on Linux, macOS and Windows. It provides tools to create melodies and beats, synthesize and mix sounds, arrange samples, and sequence, compose, mix and automate songs. Notes can be played with a MIDI or typing keyboard, and projects can import MIDI files and Hydrogen project files. The software lists 16 built-in synthesizers, including emulations of the TB-303, Commodore 64 SID, NES, GameBoy and Yamaha OPL2. Multisample support covers SoundFont (SF2), Giga (GIG) and Gravis UltraSound (GUS) formats. LMMS supports LADSPA and VST effects, as well as built-in compression, limiting, delay, reverb, distortion, bass enhancement, equalizers and spectrum analysis. It supports 64-bit VST instruments, with a 32-bit VST bridge on 64-bit Windows, but does not support VST3 plugins. The manual says backups are enabled by default and a backup file is created when saving a project. The listed Free plan costs nothing.
For and against
For
- Available for Linux, macOS and Windows
- Includes 16 built-in synthesizers
- Imports MIDI and Hydrogen project files
- Backup feature is enabled by default
Against
- VST3 plugins are not supported
- No video timeline
The verdict
LMMS offers music creation tools, built-in synthesizers and effects as free, open-source desktop software. Users who need VST3 plugins should note that the format is not supported.
Who it suits
LMMS may suit people making music on Linux, macOS or Windows who want sequencing, instruments and effects in a desktop tool. Its import options may also suit users working with MIDI or Hydrogen project files.
Plans and prices
Free
Open-source software · Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux
Read 19 Sep 2026 · docs.lmms.io
LMMS
100% free · open source · community-driven project
Read 5 Oct 2026 · lmms.io
On the record
- Built-in instruments
- The site lists 16 built-in synthesizers, including emulations of the TB-303, Commodore 64 SID, NES, GameBoy, and Yamaha OPL2.lmms.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- Desktop platforms
- The home page describes LMMS as a tool for Linux, Windows, and macOS.lmms.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- Download requirements
- The download page lists Windows 10 or 11 builds and macOS 10.13 or newer for x86_64, or macOS 11 or newer for arm64.lmms.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- Effects and plugins
- The site lists LADSPA and VST effect plugin support, plus built-in compressor, limiter, delay, reverb, distortion, bass enhancer, equalizers, and a spectrum analyzer.lmms.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- Import
- LMMS can import MIDI files and Hydrogen project files.lmms.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- Input
- LMMS supports note playback using a MIDI or typing keyboard.lmms.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- Instrument formats
- LMMS lists native multisample support for SoundFont (SF2), Giga (GIG), and Gravis UltraSound (GUS) formats.lmms.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- Project model
- The home page describes LMMS as a 100% free, open-source, community-driven project hosted on GitHub.lmms.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- Release notes
- The download page says the release includes 8 new native plugins, ARM64 builds, and many features, fixes, and performance improvements.lmms.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- Security and backups
- The user manual says the backup feature is on by default and describes a backup file created when saving a project.docs.lmms.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- VST3 limitation
- The user manual states that LMMS does not yet support VST3 plugins.docs.lmms.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- VST instruments
- The site lists built-in 64-bit VST instrument support with a 32-bit VST bridge on 64-bit Windows.lmms.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- What it does
- LMMS is a cross-platform tool for making music on a computer, including creating melodies and beats, synthesizing and mixing sounds, and arranging samples.lmms.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- Workflow
- It provides an interface to sequence, compose, mix, and automate songs.lmms.io · read 5 Oct 2026
