StaffPad
staffpad.net
What it is
StaffPad is a music composition app for handwriting notation, recording or importing audio, touch editing, and playback. It turns handwritten notes into typeset scores, can correct stem directions, and flags beat-count issues. Playback includes a core library of more than 55 instruments. Audio features include tempo mapping, Adaptive Audio, recording and import, plus delay, reverb, compression, chorus, and EQ. Exports include MP3, WAV, AAC, MIDI, MusicXML, and print-layout PDF. StaffPad Reader shows individual parts and receives score changes over local Wi-Fi with synchronized playback and annotations. ScoreSync works without internet, and scores remain local rather than in the cloud. StaffPad requires an iPad with Apple Pencil or a Windows device with active pen and touch. Apple Silicon Macs can open and preview scores but cannot write notation; Android is unsupported and the app is English-only. StaffPad costs $49.99, paid once; Reader is free, while the iPad plan has no listed price.
Spec sheet
- What it does
- StaffPad is a music composition app for writing notation by hand, recording or importing audio, editing with touch, and playing compositions back.Read 10 Oct 2026 · staffpad.net
- Deployment
- desktopRead 19 Sep 2026 · staffpad.net
- Free plan
- NoRead 19 Sep 2026 · staffpad.net
- Integrations
- The StaffPad Store offers StaffPad Editions from developers including Cinesamples, Orchestral Tools, and Spitfire Audio.Read 10 Oct 2026 · staffpad.net
- Support
- The site lists [email protected] for support contact.Read 10 Oct 2026 · staffpad.net
- Maker
- The site identifies StaffPad Ltd and lists David William Hearn and Matthew Tesch as founders.Read 10 Oct 2026 · staffpad.net
- Audio tools
- StaffPad supports audio recording and import, tempo mapping, Adaptive Audio, and effects including delay, reverb, compression, chorus, and EQ.Read 10 Oct 2026 · staffpad.net
- Collaboration features
- YesRead 19 Sep 2026 · staffpad.net
- Device requirements
- StaffPad requires an iPad with Apple Pencil or a Windows device with active pen and touch; Reader does not require a pen.Read 10 Oct 2026 · staffpad.net
- Exports
- StaffPad can export audio as MP3, WAV, or AAC; MIDI and MusicXML; and a PDF of the print layout.Read 10 Oct 2026 · staffpad.net
- Handwriting recognition
- StaffPad converts handwritten notation into typeset scores and can automatically correct stem directions and flag beat-count issues.Read 10 Oct 2026 · staffpad.net
- Language
- The site says StaffPad is available only in English.Read 10 Oct 2026 · staffpad.net
- MIDI support
- YesRead 19 Sep 2026 · staffpad.net
- MusicXML support
- YesRead 19 Sep 2026 · staffpad.net
- 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.Read 10 Oct 2026 · staffpad.net
- Parts extraction
- YesRead 19 Sep 2026 · staffpad.net
- 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.Read 10 Oct 2026 · staffpad.net
- Playback
- The included core sound library features more than 55 instruments.Read 10 Oct 2026 · staffpad.net
- Reader collaboration
- StaffPad Reader displays individual parts and receives score changes in real time over Wi-Fi, with synchronized playback and annotations.Read 10 Oct 2026 · staffpad.net
- Reader limits
- Reader opens StaffPad files rather than raw MIDI or MusicXML, and cannot edit music beyond ink annotations.Read 10 Oct 2026 · staffpad.net
Plans and prices
StaffPad for iPad Price not published Handwritten notation recognition · MusicXML and MIDI import/export · Audio recording and import · Score playback with included instruments · PDF and printed parts · ScoreSync with StaffPad Reader Read 19 Sep 2026 · apps.apple.com
StaffPad Reader Free Free Displays StaffPad scores · Reader Pro features are available as an upgrade Read 10 Oct 2026 · staffpad.net
StaffPad $49.99, paid once $49.99 iPad app · in-app purchases Read 10 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Handwriting converts to typeset notation
- More than 55 included playback instruments
- MusicXML and MIDI import/export
- Local Wi-Fi score synchronization
- Audio recording, import, and effects
Limits
- Android is not supported
- Apple Silicon Macs cannot write notation
- English-only availability
- Reader cannot edit beyond ink annotations
Who it suits
StaffPad suits composers and arrangers who write notation by hand on supported iPad or Windows pen devices. Reader suits performers needing synchronized parts and annotations over local Wi-Fi.
Verdict
StaffPad combines handwritten scoring, audio tools, playback, and extensive export options. Device and language restrictions matter, and the iPad plan has no listed price; the StaffPad app is $49.99, paid once and Reader is free.
Where Specifiction places it
- Music notation software#7 of 388.6
