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SPECIFICTION
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LMMS

lmms.io

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 7.9 #61 of 131 in Audio Editing Software

What it is

LMMS is a free, open-source tool for making music on Linux, macOS, and Windows. It brings sequencing, composition, mixing, and automation into one workflow for melodies, beats, synthesized sounds, and samples. Notes can be played with a MIDI or typing keyboard, and projects can import MIDI and Hydrogen files. The instrument collection includes 16 built-in synthesizers, with emulations of the TB-303, Commodore 64 SID, NES, GameBoy, and Yamaha OPL2. Multisample instruments support SoundFont, Giga, and Gravis UltraSound formats. Effects include LADSPA and VST plugins as well as built-in compression, limiting, delay, reverb, distortion, bass enhancement, equalizers, and spectrum analysis. LMMS supports 64-bit VST instruments, with a 32-bit VST bridge on 64-bit Windows, but not VST3 plugins. The manual says backups are enabled by default and a backup file is made when saving a project. Its listed plan costs nothing, and there is no free trial.

Spec sheet

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.Read 5 Oct 2026 · lmms.io
Free plan
YesRead 19 Sep 2026 · docs.lmms.io
Built-in instruments
The site lists 16 built-in synthesizers, including emulations of the TB-303, Commodore 64 SID, NES, GameBoy, and Yamaha OPL2.Read 5 Oct 2026 · lmms.io
Desktop platforms
The home page describes LMMS as a tool for Linux, Windows, and macOS.Read 5 Oct 2026 · lmms.io
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.Read 5 Oct 2026 · lmms.io
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.Read 5 Oct 2026 · lmms.io
Import
LMMS can import MIDI files and Hydrogen project files.Read 5 Oct 2026 · lmms.io
Input
LMMS supports note playback using a MIDI or typing keyboard.Read 5 Oct 2026 · lmms.io
Instrument formats
LMMS lists native multisample support for SoundFont (SF2), Giga (GIG), and Gravis UltraSound (GUS) formats.Read 5 Oct 2026 · lmms.io
Project model
The home page describes LMMS as a 100% free, open-source, community-driven project hosted on GitHub.Read 5 Oct 2026 · lmms.io
Release notes
The download page says the release includes 8 new native plugins, ARM64 builds, and many features, fixes, and performance improvements.Read 5 Oct 2026 · lmms.io
Security and backups
The user manual says the backup feature is on by default and describes a backup file created when saving a project.Read 5 Oct 2026 · docs.lmms.io
VST instruments
The site lists built-in 64-bit VST instrument support with a 32-bit VST bridge on 64-bit Windows.Read 5 Oct 2026 · lmms.io
VST3 limitation
The user manual states that LMMS does not yet support VST3 plugins.Read 5 Oct 2026 · docs.lmms.io
Workflow
It provides an interface to sequence, compose, mix, and automate songs.Read 5 Oct 2026 · lmms.io

Plans and prices

Free Free Open-source software · Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux Read 19 Sep 2026 · docs.lmms.io
LMMS Free 100% free · open source · community-driven project Read 5 Oct 2026 · lmms.io

Every LMMS plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free plan costs nothing.
  • Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
  • Includes 16 built-in synthesizers.
  • Imports MIDI and Hydrogen project files.
  • Project backups are enabled by default.

Limits

  • VST3 plugins are not supported.
  • No free trial is listed.

Who it suits

LMMS suits people making music on a desktop who want sequencing, instruments, effects, and sample arrangement in one tool. Its free plan may also suit users who want open-source software across Linux, macOS, or Windows.

Verdict

LMMS combines composition, sequencing, mixing, instruments, and effects in a free desktop package. Check the VST3 limitation if plugin compatibility matters to your workflow.

Where Specifiction places it

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