ScanScore
Sheet music scanner from Lugert Verlag in Handorf with MusicXML export
Key data
| Company | Lugert Verlag GmbH & Co. KG |
|---|---|
| Category | Music Notation Software |
| Headquarters | Handorf, Germany |
| Founded | Not stated |
| EU Presence | Yes - Germany (Amtsgericht Winsen/Luhe HRA 3250) |
| Data Location | not stated on the pages we read |
| Open Source | No |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | No |
| Main Features | Scan from PDF, scanner or smartphone, play back, transpose, edit, export PDF, audio, MIDI and MusicXML, AI chatbot Scanny, free trial |
| Pricing | not shown in the text we read; a free trial can be downloaded after entering an email address |
| Best For | Musicians who need to turn printed or PDF scores into editable files |
| Replaces | Sibelius (for scanned score input) |
Our review
ScanScore is a brand of Lugert Verlag. The imprint names Lugert Verlag GmbH & Co. KG, Hauptstr. 18, 21447 Handorf, Germany, Sebastian Lugert as chief executive, USt-ID DE 192223406 and the register Amtsgericht Winsen/Luhe HRA 3250.
The site is offered in German and English.
What does ScanScore do?
ScanScore scans, plays, transposes and edits sheet music. Users import a PDF, use a scanner or a smartphone, then export PDF, audio, MIDI and MusicXML for further editing or practice.
A free test version can be downloaded after entering an email address.
How does ScanScore fit with other notation software?
MusicXML export lets scanned scores be opened in other programs, including those on this list. ScanScore edits the recognised score itself but is built around recognition, not around writing from scratch.
The home page also offers an AI chatbot called Scanny for questions.
ScanScore as a European alternative to Sibelius
ScanScore is German, where Sibelius belongs to Avid. It covers the scan step that Sibelius users may buy from separate vendors, and it does not replace a full engraving program.
The English terms page we fetched still shows template text with a placeholder shop name, so the contract terms could not be verified.
Points against
The English terms and conditions page contains an unfilled lawyer template (a placeholder shop named DemoShop), so the sales terms are not confirmed. The cookie list names Google, Microsoft, Facebook and OpenAI advertising and tracking services. Prices are not in the text we read. For full engraving use capella.
Best suited to users of ScanScore
Choir leaders, teachers and orchestra librarians who need editable files from printed or PDF scores.
Advantages and drawbacks
Pros
- German company with register and VAT numbers published
- Imports PDF, scanner and smartphone images
- Exports PDF, audio, MIDI and MusicXML
- Free trial available
- Transposition and playback included
Cons
- Terms page shows unfilled template text
- Many advertising and tracking cookies listed
- Prices not in the text we read
- Not a tool for writing scores from scratch
Pros and Cons
Pros
- German company with register and VAT numbers published
- Takes PDF, scanner and smartphone images
- Exports PDF, audio, MIDI and MusicXML
- A free test version is available
- Can transpose and play back the recognised score
Cons
- English terms page contains unfilled template text
- The cookie list names many advertising and tracking services
- Prices were not in the text we read
- Meant for scanning, not for composing from nothing
Alternatives to ScanScore
Further European music notation software to compare:
See all European music notation software or compare them directly against Sibelius (for scanned score input) on our alternatives page.
Questions buyers ask
It covers the scanning step. ScanScore is a product of Lugert Verlag in Germany and exports MusicXML, but it is not a full notation program.
Yes. The home page offers a free test version that is sent after you enter an email address.
The home page lists PDF, audio, MIDI and MusicXML.