LMMS

With LMMS you can create melodies and beats with instruments, samples, a piano roll and a mixer.

Version 1.2.2 · Open source · Windows · macOS · Linux

Looking for an alternative to LMMS?Compare Qtractor, OpenMPT.Compare alternatives

You build music out of patterns and instrument parts. The piano roll helps you enter and adjust notes, while automation captures changes in settings over time. LMMS provides tools, effects and examples, so you can start without paying plug-ins. Support for external plug-ins varies by platform and type. The app is mainly aimed at composing and producing with patterns; it is not the same as a complete studio recording multiple live audio tracks. Save used samples for your project.

Which software suits you?

Compare LMMS with alternatives

Making music depends on your method: entering notes, programming samples or recording audio and MIDI on a timeline. Note the file formats and plugins you use. Project files are usually not directly interchangeable; therefore, export audio or MIDI if you want to switch.

Differences between LMMS and Qtractor, OpenMPT
Software	What can it do?	Platform and licence
LMMSYou are viewing this app	You build music with instruments, samples, patterns and a piano roll. The emphasis is on electronic composition and sequencing.	Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source
QtractorView this alternative	You take and mount audio and MIDI in a Linux sequencer with a timeline. You can connect the production to the audio device of your Linux system.	LinuxOpen source
OpenMPTView this alternative	You program music in a Windows tracker with patterns, samples and instruments. That vertical pattern view works differently than a normal recording timeline.	WindowsOpen source

Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.

Who is it for?

You use LMMS if you want to make electronic music, simple beats or arrangements. It fits well with learning to compose with a keyboard, mouse or MIDI input.

Getting started

Choose the stable download for your system. First, open a included example and set the audio output before adding external tools.

Privacy

You can create projects locally without a cloud account. Additional samples and plug-ins come from other creators; check origin and rights of use before adding or publishing them.

Good to know

LMMS focuses on building music from instruments and samples. For an extensive recording of live instruments, a different audio workspace is often more suitable.

Please note

A project file does not necessarily contain all the audio files used. Save samples and check plug-in availability before opening the project on another computer.

Advantages

You will be provided with instruments and examples.
You can adjust patterns and notes accurately.
You can automate parameters.

Things to consider

External plug-ins are platform dependent.
The method is not aimed at extensive live recording.
Moved samples can make a project incomplete.

Download LMMS

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Official download page

Provider’s website · lmms.io

Download LMMS

Version history

1.2.2 4 Jul 2020

The update resolves problems with the piano roll, MIDI import and some of the stunners on export.

For macOS 10.14 or newer you have to use the aforementioned build. According to the developer, the 10.13-build has problems with newer systems.

Report a new version

Our verdict

LMMS is a useful starting point for music making with patterns and software instruments. You get a better grip on the app by finishing one short composition than by installing many plug-ins instantly.

LMMS fits with building music from patterns, software instruments and samples. First create a short composition that you completely export, so that you not only evaluate the input but also the final result. Listen to the balance between rhythm, bass and melody. For mainly spoken audio cutting, other tools are more direct. For arrangements based on patterns, the combination of piano roll and mixer is important.