Moving from Finale: Dorico, MuseScore, Sibelius, and Score Transfer Explained

Including how to transfer your Finale scores

The announcement that Finale's development was ending sent shock waves through the music-production community.
Some compared it to Excel disappearing, and that comparison was hardly an exaggeration.

Finale has a long history and has been a leading notation application among professionals and amateurs alike.
Many users were understandably shocked and unsure what to do next.

For readers buying notation software for the first time, or needing to move from Finale to another application, this article covers three recommended major applications and how to transfer the scores you have created.

Notation software features and data transfer: Video guide

How long can you keep using Finale?

The announcement did not mean that Finale would suddenly stop working.

The original announcement said that new authorizations and product support would end from August 2025.
Existing installed and authorized copies would continue to work, but the initial plan would have prevented authorization on a new computer; future operating-system incompatibility could also stop Finale from working. Update: MakeMusic subsequently revised the authorization policy and states that authorization on new devices will continue indefinitely. Future OS changes can still affect compatibility. The original August 2025 cutoff should therefore not be read as the current authorization policy.

It is still advisable to start preparing to move to another application and backing up your scores.

How does a DAW's score feature differ from dedicated notation software?

A common question is how the score features built into a DAW differ from a dedicated notation application.

DAW score features are often used for relatively simple tasks, such as viewing programmed MIDI as notation.
Dedicated notation software, however, can create scores for performers or sheet music that can be sold as a finished product.
It gives you extensive features and detailed control over attractive layouts.
For that reason, professionals commonly use dedicated notation software in addition to their DAW.

Dorico / MuseScore / Sibelius

Here, we look at Dorico | MuseScore | Sibelius —the three major applications in this comparison.

Finale's developer, MakeMusic, recommends Dorico as an alternative.
Although it is a comparatively recent application, successive updates have made it a well-rounded, capable notation package.

One particularly appealing point is that MuseScore is free to use.
Being free does not mean it is lacking in many areas, so it is a great place to start if you want to try notation software.
Dorico and Sibelius also offer free editions, but with more restrictions. If free access is the deciding factor, MuseScore is a good choice.

Note entry feels comfortable in all three, without a huge difference between them. Dorico's DAW-like grid lines, however, can make entry easier for beginners.

Dorico also provides a DAW-like note editor, so users with DAW experience should be able to get comfortable quickly.

A distinctive feature of Sibelius is its integration with the industry-standard DAW Pro Tools.
Once you have experienced copying and pasting notes between the applications, that convenience can be hard to give up.

Dorico is particularly strong in attractive layouts and convenient engraving, with a dedicated mode for that work.

How to transfer your scores

Next, let's look at transferring data from Finale.
In general, scores from Finale and other applications can be exchanged using MusicXML, a music-notation interchange format.

Export MusicXML from the top menu to back up the score data.
Then import that MusicXML file into the application you want to use.

Checking the imported result shows that it does not reproduce the original Finale score perfectly.
Whichever application you choose, expect to make some adjustments.
For that reason, we recommend saving a PDF as well as the MusicXML file.

A PDF lets you check how the score should look even if you can no longer open the Finale project.

What did you think?
The end of Finale's development is very disappointing, but we also need to plan our next steps.
I hope this guide helps you decide what to do next.

At the time of the original article, both Dorico and Sibelius were running migration promotions.
Check their websites for current offers.

Frequently asked questions

Q1. How long can I keep using Finale?

An installed, authorized copy can continue to work on a compatible system. Although the original announcement proposed ending new authorizations in August 2025, MakeMusic later changed that policy: authorization on new devices will continue indefinitely. Future OS changes can still affect compatibility, so prepare migration files and backups.

Q2. Why use dedicated notation software instead of a DAW's score features?

DAW score features are often used for simple tasks such as checking MIDI, while dedicated notation software supports detailed scores for performers and commercial sheet-music production. Its extensive features and layout control make it a common choice for professional work.

Q3. Is there any free notation software?

MuseScore is free and offers extensive features. Dorico and Sibelius also have free editions, but with more limitations. MuseScore is a good starting point if you want to try notation software.

Q4. How can I transfer my Finale scores to another application?

Export the scores as MusicXML and import them into the other application. Because the layout will not be reproduced perfectly and will need adjustment, we recommend backing up PDFs as well.