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OpenMPT
OpenMPT · founded 1997
What it is
OpenMPT is a tracker and audio application for writing and playing music, either as a sample-based tracker or a DAW-style tool with plugin support. Its editor supports up to 128 channels and 256 virtual channels, multiple open modules, and a built-in sample editor. It supports VST effects and instruments, DirectX audio plugins, and VST automation from patterns. OpenMPT imports module formats including Impulse Tracker, Scream Tracker 3, FastTracker 2, and ProTracker, and saves IT, MOD, MPTM, S3M, and XM modules. 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. Live workflows include queuing patterns and controlling VST parameters with a MIDI keyboard. It is portable and requires no installation. OpenMPT is free under the New BSD License. Windows is supported directly; macOS and Linux use Wine. MIDI files can be loaded, but OpenMPT is not a MIDI editor.
For and against
For
- Portable; no installation is needed.
- Supports VST effects, instruments, and pattern automation.
- Includes a built-in sample editor.
- Exports several audio formats, including lossless PCM and float.
- Native Windows interface is described as screen-reader accessible.
Against
- It is not a MIDI editor.
- macOS and Linux require Wine.
- No MIDI sequencing support is listed.
- Windows requires an SSE2-capable CPU or ARM/ARM64.
The verdict
OpenMPT offers substantial module editing, plugin support, and audio export in a portable free application. Its MIDI limitation and Wine requirement for macOS and Linux are important considerations.
Who it suits
OpenMPT suits musicians looking for a portable tracker or plugin-supported music tool with multitrack editing. It is not a fit for those who need a MIDI editor or native macOS and Linux support.
Plans and prices
OpenMPT
Free software · Windows 7 SP 1 or newer, or Wine 1.8 or newer · SSE2-capable CPU or ARM/ARM64
Read 8 Oct 2026 · openmpt.org
On the record
- Accessibility
- The native Windows GUI is described as accessible by screen readers and suitable for blind users.openmpt.org · read 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.openmpt.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Audio output
- Audio output options include WASAPI, WaveOut, ASIO, and WaveRT, with support up to 192 kHz, 32-bit, quad surround.openmpt.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Editing
- The editor supports up to 128 channels and 256 virtual channels, multiple open modules, and a built-in sample editor.openmpt.org · read 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.openmpt.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- License
- OpenMPT is licensed under the New BSD License.openmpt.org · read 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.openmpt.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- MIDI sequencing
- Noopenmpt.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Multitrack editing
- Yesopenmpt.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Notable limitation
- OpenMPT can load MIDI files, but the maker states that it is not a MIDI editor.openmpt.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Playback library
- The project offers libopenmpt, a cross-platform C++ and C module playback library based on OpenMPT's player code.openmpt.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Plugins
- It supports VST effects and instruments, DirectX audio plugins, and VST automation from patterns.openmpt.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Portable
- OpenMPT needs no installation and is fully portable.openmpt.org · read 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.openmpt.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Release
- The download page lists OpenMPT 1.32.11.00 as the latest stable release, released on 15 August 2026.openmpt.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- Users can seek help in the forums and FAQ, and report bugs or request features through the issue tracker.openmpt.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Windows; macOS and Linux via Wineopenmpt.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Third-party plugins
- Yesopenmpt.org · read 20 Sep 2026