LilyPond 2.24.1

LilyPond is a program for generating high-quality PDF music scores from text. Unlike other graphic-based software, in this solution you need to actually write the music following certain parameters more akin to programming than to writing music. For example, you need to write a treble clef to indicate that you are writing the right-hand piano score. Also, you must indicate the key by writing key A minor, and so on.

If you have some experience in programming languages, then you may learn how to use the program easier. Nevertheless, if you don't have such knowledge, then the learning curve will be rather steep.

An important drawback is that, before start using the program, you nee to run a test consisting in saving the text file that appears when you open the program for the first time in the .ly proprietary format, and then drag-and-drop it into the desktop icon of the program. Theoretically, this will generate a sample PDF file showing the C scale. I tried this several times, and only one of them was successful; the other attempts only produced log and temp files that are useless.

Also, I tried to produce a score by following the instructions on the programs webpage, again with no avail.

The program has an extensive help file with more than 200 pages so you can study it to learn how to use the program properly. Thus, if you have the time and the readiness to learn, then you may fin this free program useful.