Sibelius for Windows

Name: Sibelius
Rating: 3.7 (12 reviews)
Author: Sibelius Group

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Editors’ Review

Download.com staffFebruary 25, 2026

Sibelius is a powerful music notation software designed for learning, editing, playback, and publishing. It offers innovative features for composers and educators.

Top Recommended Alternative

Kingshiper Audio Editor

Free

4.7

Pros
- Facilitates learning, editing, playback, and publishing music.
- Revolutionary features for instrumental parts.
- Aids in composing for film and TV.
- Supports music education technology integration.
- Represents a significant advancement in notation software.
Cons
- Specific new features are not detailed.
- No information on platform availability.
- User-friendliness for beginners is not addressed.

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: July 22, 2015

Latest update: February 25, 2026

Version: 8.0

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows 7
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows 10

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 180,573

Downloads Last Week: 3

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Last Updated

User Reviews

3.7/5

12 User Votes

Serious audio problem
BrockArcherAugust 1, 2011
Pros
Amazing capabilities when it works right
Cons
A fatal file conflict with Windows 7 creates static, pops, and other audio problems that render the program essentially useless.
Summary
The Sibelius folks have been aware of this problem for months (the user forum is full of complaints about it), but they have offered nothing but band-aid solutions that never last long if at all. Until they fix this problem, any Windows 7 user would be a fool to waste his money on this product.
Good results, good software, but overpriced
spartainFebruary 28, 2011
Pros
Fairly easy to figure out. Excellent scoring features.
Cons
Supplied with mediocre orchestral sounds; Extremely fiddly and difficult to install better orchestral sound sets; Extremely expensive.
Summary
I had an original piece of classical music buzzing around in my head for ages, so I downloaded this trial and within hours of using it I was hearing an orchestra playing it from my computer. You will, of course, have to be familiar with at least some musical theory, but a (cheap) copy of 'The Rudiments of Music' or some other book on theory will help you on that. This software is great because it allows you to experiment, and as you experiment you learn what works and what doesn't. You will end up listening to the detail and structure of classical music, although you can compose other genres too. My main criticism of this is that the orchesral sound set supplied is fairly mediocre, and it is very difficult and fiddly to install new orchestra sound sets into it. Forums have many people asking about this issue, but explanations never seem to help. Until the developers improve the default sound set and make installing new sound-sets easier to perform, this will always be its weak point. Although cheaper versions are available for educational establishments, Sibelius is very expensive, at £530 (UK) and $600 (US). It is rather overpriced considering the included orchestra sounds are not particularly good. You will therefore end up paying a similar amount (or more) of your hard-earned money again for very good sound sets to load in - and that's where more difficulty occurs. It will likely take you close to a nervous breakdown.
Very good but very expensive
A-KhooJuly 17, 2006
Pros
Very easy to use and clear interface. Sibelius 3.11 comes with a detailed help file and a host of functions not found on other music notation software. Its flexi time input is amazing, with the ability to notate melody AND rhythm from an input keyboard (or other instrument). It is a small download and this makes it ideal for the aspiring music composer
Cons
Very expensive.
Summary
nice!
sassy19aJanuary 30, 2006
Pros
Its at version 4 nw. At its best! really a leader among its pack. Converts midi to proper notations unlike many other similar softwares.
Cons
none, even its demo version is functional except save disabled. Cool!
Summary
Great
Dr_fuAugust 11, 2005
Pros
Easy to use, very good and many options that you can choose from.
Cons
A bit pricey, but should be worth it..
Summary
Great!!
RakiMJune 3, 2005
Pros
I like it cuz its good
Cons
It's just ain't that eazy to use
Summary
download problems. lol. it wont even open the download window for me.
DearStrangerMarch 3, 2005
Pros
my friend has it and i know the product is excelent so if you can get it to download for you a)lucky you b) its great!
Cons
Summary
Wont download properly
ComptekkgirlMarch 1, 2005
Pros
Cons
wont download. major problems. although i heard that this was an excellent product. very disappointed!
Summary
not worth it
bradg440February 12, 2005
Pros
it was a great idea... and it is easy to use... but...
Cons
crashes very frequently, slow on a 3ghz computer, definately not worth the cost
Summary
A must have for any music lover
April 20, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary

Developer’s Description

By Sibelius Group

Learn, edit, play back, and publish music.

Sibelius is a music notation software. Sibelius, represents giant leap forwards for notation software, with three ground-breaking, unique features that will change the way you work with instrumental parts, composing for film and TV, and teach music with technology.

Sibelius for Windows

Editors’ Review

Top Recommended Alternative

Kingshiper Audio Editor

Pros

Cons