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StaffPad
What it is
StaffPad is a music composition app for writing notation by hand, editing scores with touch, and hearing compositions played back. It converts handwritten notation into typeset scores, can correct stem directions automatically, and flags beat-count issues. Playback uses an included core library of more than 55 instruments. The app supports audio recording and import, 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 displays individual parts and receives score changes over Wi-Fi in real time, with synchronized playback and annotations. ScoreSync uses local Wi-Fi without an internet connection, and scores remain local rather than being uploaded or stored in the cloud. StaffPad requires an iPad with Apple Pencil or a Windows device with active pen and touch; Reader does not require a pen. The site says Apple Silicon Macs can open and preview scores but cannot be used to write notation. Android is unsupported, and the app is available only in English. StaffPad costs $49.99, paid once; Reader is free. No price is listed for StaffPad for iPad.
For and against
For
- Handwriting recognition converts notation into typeset scores
- Included playback library has more than 55 instruments
- Exports audio, MIDI, MusicXML, and PDF
- ScoreSync works over local Wi-Fi without internet
- Reader supports synchronized playback and annotations
Against
- Requires Apple Pencil on iPad or active pen and touch on Windows
- Android is not supported
- Available only in English
- Apple Silicon Macs cannot be used to write notation
The verdict
StaffPad brings handwritten notation, playback, audio tools, and several export formats into a composition workflow. Check the device requirements and platform limits before choosing it.
Who it suits
StaffPad suits composers who want to write scores by hand and work with audio, playback, and notation exports. Its Reader is for people who need to view individual parts and receive score updates over local Wi-Fi.
Plans and prices
StaffPad for iPad
Handwritten notation recognition · MusicXML and MIDI import/export · Audio recording and import · Score playback with included instruments
Read 19 Sep 2026 · apps.apple.com
StaffPad Reader
Displays StaffPad scores · Reader Pro features are available as an upgrade
Read 10 Oct 2026 · staffpad.net
StaffPad
iPad app · in-app purchases
Read 10 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
On the record
- Audio tools
- StaffPad supports audio recording and import, tempo mapping, Adaptive Audio, and effects including delay, reverb, compression, chorus, and EQ.staffpad.net · read 10 Oct 2026
- Collaboration features
- Yesstaffpad.net · read 19 Sep 2026
- Deployment
- desktopstaffpad.net · read 19 Sep 2026
- Device requirements
- StaffPad requires an iPad with Apple Pencil or a Windows device with active pen and touch; Reader does not require a pen.staffpad.net · read 10 Oct 2026
- Exports
- StaffPad can export audio as MP3, WAV, or AAC; MIDI and MusicXML; and a PDF of the print layout.staffpad.net · read 10 Oct 2026
- Handwriting recognition
- StaffPad converts handwritten notation into typeset scores and can automatically correct stem directions and flag beat-count issues.staffpad.net · read 10 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The StaffPad Store offers StaffPad Editions from developers including Cinesamples, Orchestral Tools, and Spitfire Audio.staffpad.net · read 10 Oct 2026
- Language
- The site says StaffPad is available only in English.staffpad.net · read 10 Oct 2026
- Maker
- The site identifies StaffPad Ltd and lists David William Hearn and Matthew Tesch as founders.staffpad.net · read 10 Oct 2026
- MIDI support
- Yesstaffpad.net · read 19 Sep 2026
- MusicXML support
- Yesstaffpad.net · read 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.staffpad.net · read 10 Oct 2026
- Parts extraction
- Yesstaffpad.net · read 19 Sep 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.staffpad.net · read 10 Oct 2026
- Playback
- The included core sound library features more than 55 instruments.staffpad.net · read 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.staffpad.net · read 10 Oct 2026
- Reader limits
- Reader opens StaffPad files rather than raw MIDI or MusicXML, and cannot edit music beyond ink annotations.staffpad.net · read 10 Oct 2026
- Support
- The site lists [email protected] for support contact.staffpad.net · read 10 Oct 2026
