Updates

9/16/2024 @ 3:30 PM ET:

1. Apple has released macOS Sequoia, the latest major release of the macOS operating system. Because Finale is no longer under development, we want to remind all users that this operating system does not meet the system requirements for Finale and is not compatible. Read more here

Updates

8/30/2024 @ 3:00 PM ET:

1. Finale v27 upgrades now included with Dorico Pro crossgrades: Earlier in the week, we announced that we were currently working on a solution for all customers who have purchased or intend to purchase a Dorico Pro crossgrade to be able to download Finale v27. This is now live for all Finale users. With Finale v27, you will be able to export your Finale files using MusicXML 4.0, the most robust version of MusicXML available. Head to the eStore or log in to your MakeMusic account to get started.

8/27/2024 @ 5:30 PM ET:

Further clarifications on the initial announcement

1.  Finale authorization will remain available for the foreseeable future: Please note that future OS changes can still impact your ability to use Finale on new devices. 
2. Finale v27 to be included with Dorico Pro crossgrades: We are currently working on a solution for all customers who have purchased or intend to purchase a Dorico Pro crossgrade to be able to download Finale v27. This will ensure that you can export your Finale files using MusicXML 4.0, the most robust version of MusicXML available. Thank you for your patience, we will provide more information soon.

Updates

8/27/2024 @ 9:00 AM ET:

Clarifications on the initial announcement

1. Finale development has ended, but the Finale installer for any previously purchased version can still be downloaded from your eStore account. If your computer crashes or you need to install Finale on a new device, you’re not left without options. 
2. We are committed to keeping the authorization process functional for a year. We’ve heard your concerns and are actively exploring ways to extend flexibility in the weeks ahead.
3. We understand that learning Dorico will be a steep learning curve, as it is with any complex notation or professional software. Both our team and Steinberg have developed extensive onboarding videos to guide you through the transition. 

The end of Finale

35 years ago, Coda Music Technologies, now MakeMusic, released the first version of Finale, a groundbreaking and user-centered approach to notation software. For over four decades, our engineers and product teams have passionately crafted what would quickly become the gold standard for music notation.

Four decades is a very long time in the software industry. Technology stacks change, Mac and Windows operating systems evolve, and Finale’s millions of lines of code add up. This has made the delivery of incremental value for our customers exponentially harder over time.

Today, Finale is no longer the future of the notation industry—a reality after 35 years, and I want to be candid about this. Instead of releasing new versions of Finale that would offer only marginal value to our users, we’ve made the decision to end its development.

Effective immediately, we are announcing these changes:

• There will be no further updates to Finale, or any of its associated tools (PrintMusic, Notepad, Songwriter)
• It is no longer possible to purchase or upgrade Finale in the MakeMusic eStore
• Finale will continue to work on devices where it is currently installed (barring OS changes)

After one year, beginning August 2025, these changes will go into effect:

• It will not be possible to authorize Finale on any new devices, or reauthorize Finale
• Technical support for Finale v27 or any other version of Finale will no longer be available

A new journey with Dorico

There is, however, a new future for the notation industry: Dorico, developed by Steinberg, the creators of Cubase and a subsidiary of Yamaha.

Many have competed with Finale over the past four decades, enabling positive and healthy stimulation leading to incremental innovations, but when Dorico launched in 2016, it set a brand new bar for the industry. The dozens of quick releases since then have demonstrated the Dorico team’s passion, dedication, expertise, and long-term commitment—qualities that have been the foundation of Finale’s DNA and success.

While Finale development has come to an end, we know your musical journey has not. I want to sincerely express our warm and deep gratitude to all of our loyal and passionate users. Our entire organization thanks you for your trust, and we believe you have a bright new phase of creativity, productivity, and efficiency ahead with Dorico.

To ensure that Finale users continue to have access to the most advanced and efficient tools available, MakeMusic has partnered with Steinberg to offer an exclusive discount on Dorico Pro.

For a limited time, users of any version of Finale or PrintMusic can purchase Dorico Pro – the highest tier of the product – for just $149 (retail price $579).

Dorico is the best home for Finale users. We know that migrating to a new software will come with its own challenges, which is why we are happy to provide this FAQ that will assist you as you transition from Finale.

To receive your discount on Dorico Pro 5, please log into your MakeMusic account, where you will see the discount available for purchase.