Skip to content
SPECIFICTION
Get listed

OpenMPT

openmpt.org

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
Visit openmpt.org
Spec score 8.0 #16 of 39 in Digital Audio Workstations

What it is

OpenMPT is a tracker and audio application for writing and playing music, with a sample-based workflow or DAW-style use through plugin support. It is portable and needs no installation. The editor supports up to 128 channels and 256 virtual channels, multiple open modules, and a built-in sample editor. OpenMPT supports VST effects and instruments, DirectX audio plugins, and VST automation from patterns. It imports module formats including Impulse Tracker, Scream Tracker 3, FastTracker 2, and ProTracker, and can save IT, MOD, MPTM, S3M, and XM modules. Audio export includes lossless PCM and float audio up to 192 kHz and 32-bit, as well as Opus, Ogg Vorbis, MP3, MIDI, and OPL register dumps. Live workflows include queuing patterns and controlling VST parameters with a MIDI keyboard. OpenMPT can load MIDI files but is not a MIDI editor. It is free under the New BSD License. Windows is supported natively; macOS and Linux use Wine.

Spec sheet

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.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openmpt.org
Free plan
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · openmpt.org
Support
Users can seek help in the forums and FAQ, and report bugs or request features through the issue tracker.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openmpt.org
License
OpenMPT is licensed under the New BSD License.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openmpt.org
Founded
1997Read 28 Sep 2026 · openmpt.org
Accessibility
The native Windows GUI is described as accessible by screen readers and suitable for blind users.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openmpt.org
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.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openmpt.org
Audio output
Audio output options include WASAPI, WaveOut, ASIO, and WaveRT, with support up to 192 kHz, 32-bit, quad surround.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openmpt.org
Editing
The editor supports up to 128 channels and 256 virtual channels, multiple open modules, and a built-in sample editor.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openmpt.org
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.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openmpt.org
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.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openmpt.org
MIDI sequencing
NoRead 20 Sep 2026 · openmpt.org
Multitrack editing
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · openmpt.org
Notable limitation
OpenMPT can load MIDI files, but the maker states that it is not a MIDI editor.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openmpt.org
Playback library
The project offers libopenmpt, a cross-platform C++ and C module playback library based on OpenMPT's player code.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openmpt.org
Plugins
It supports VST effects and instruments, DirectX audio plugins, and VST automation from patterns.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openmpt.org
Portable
OpenMPT needs no installation and is fully portable.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openmpt.org
Release
The download page lists OpenMPT 1.32.11.00 as the latest stable release, released on 15 August 2026.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openmpt.org
Supported platforms
Windows; macOS and Linux via WineRead 20 Sep 2026 · openmpt.org
Third-party plugins
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · openmpt.org

Plans and prices

OpenMPT Free 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

Every OpenMPT plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Portable and requires no installation.
  • Supports up to 128 channels.
  • Supports VST and DirectX audio plugins.
  • Exports lossless PCM and float audio.
  • Free under the New BSD License.

Limits

  • Not a MIDI editor.
  • macOS and Linux require Wine.
  • MIDI sequencing is not supported.

Who it suits

OpenMPT suits musicians who want a portable tracker with multitrack editing, sample editing, and plugin support. It is not suited to a workflow requiring MIDI editing or sequencing.

Verdict

OpenMPT offers broad module editing, plugin support, and several audio export options at no cost. Its MIDI limitation and Wine requirement on macOS and Linux are important setup considerations.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to OpenMPTAll alternatives →