Please note that response times to support tickets are significantly delayed in light of this announcement. Thank you for your patience.
Attention Finale Users
After 35 years, MakeMusic has announced the sunset of Finale.
Read the letter from our President.
Review Frequently Asked Questions.
The Knowledge Base has help resources for technical issues with your software. If you aren't able to find a solution, or if you have tutorial-based questions, please post on our Community forums.
Finale QuickStart Videos
- Getting Started: Set Up a MIDI Keyboard (Video)
- Getting Started: Set Up a Lead Sheet (Video)
- Getting Started: Set Up an Orchestral/Band Score (Video)
- Getting Started: Set Up a Choral Score (Video)
- Getting Started: Set Up Your Own Ensemble (Video)
- Getting Started: Importing Music (Video)
ARIA Player Installers
Authorization & Registration
- ★ Registering, Authorizing, and Deauthorizing Finale Notation Products
- Unable to Run as Administrator in Finale
- "Please fill out all required fields" Authorization Error in Finale v27 (Mac)
- Registering Finale NotePad 2012
- Finale opens deauthorized when opening files (Windows)
- Registering Finale Student and Teacher Edition; Redeeming Textbook Promo Codes
Crashing & Performance
- ★ Mouse Cursor Disappears When Using Simple Entry (macOS 13 Ventura)
- "Unhandled exception caught." Error when launching Finale (Mac)
- [RESOLVED] Font Display/Printing Issues on macOS Sonoma
- Error Message "Unknown Lyrics Tag Detected." when using Vertical Collision Remover Plug-in.
- Finale Crashing on Startup due to Webex Audio Driver (macOS 13 Ventura)
- Crashing when Using the Continuity Camera (macOS Ventura and later)
Audio & Playback
- ★ Audio Engine Failed to Load Error Code: 7, No Sound in Finale
- String Tremolos Don't Stop During Playback
- Using Finale with Bluetooth Devices
- Troubleshooting Issues With Arco and Pizzicato Keyswitches
- Swinging 16th Notes in 4/4 Time
- Swinging 8th Notes in Cut Time
MIDI
Tips & Best Practices
- Backwards Ties for Second Ending Downbeats
- Copying Markings from Standard Staff to Tablature Staff
- File Names Floating in Finale (Mac)
- Creating Nested Tuplets
- Using Zoom as a Screen Recorder
- Entering tuplets at the end of a measure
Opening & Saving Files
- ★ Exporting MusicXML Files from Finale
- "Error Id moving file 's' to 's'. The system cannot find the path specified" when saving (Win)
- Tips for finding/searching for your Finale files
- Locating and Opening Backup and Auto-save Files
- Unable to Save to External Hard Drives | "Error Occurred ID = -1" (Mac)
- Open Recent Menu isn't Populating (Mac)
Program Functions & Settings
- ★ [RESOLVED] Unable to Open PDFs Exported from Finale v27.4 (Windows)
- ★ [RESOLVED] Cannot Add Instrument from ScoreManager on macOS 14 Sonoma
- ★ Creating Nonlinear Key Signatures
- AlphaNotes for Transposing Instruments
- Selection Dialog Windows Appear Blank (Expressions, Articulations, Chord Suffixes, Smart Shape)
- Copy/Paste not working in Finale
Setting Up VST/AU Libraries
- Kontakt 7 plug-in viewer display issues (Mac)
- Using Spitfire Libraries in Finale
- Compatibility with Kontakt 7 Player and Other VST3 libraries (Windows)
- Finale 26.2 (Windows) installer prompts for GIFF samples folder install location.
- Setting up Garritan libraries with Finale and PrintMusic
- Reinstalling the Garritan Instruments for Finale (GIFF) sample library
Sales & Product Information
- ★ macOS 15 Sequoia and Finale Notation Products
- ★ Dorico Pro options for Finale Site License owners
- ★ Finale & Garritan Compatibility with Apple Silicon (M1/M2)
- ★ "No upgrades available" error when trying to upgrade or trade-up online
- macOS 14 Sonoma and Finale Notation Products
- Finale Read Me Notes for v27.3
Downloading & Installation
- ★ Error when updating to v27.4 "Finale (Autoupdate) is damaged and can't be opened" (Mac)
- ★ Downloading, Installing, and Authorizing Finale (Video)
- "Access Denied" Error Message from Finale Installer (Windows)
- Ensuring Garritan Instruments for Finale (GIFF) is Installed
- Download Availability for Finale Software
- Installation Fails: “The App You’re Trying to install isn’t a Microsoft-Verified App” (Windows)
User Manuals
Frequently Asked Questions
- ★ Finale Sunset FAQ
- ★ Canceling the Finale Trial
- ★ Finale Notation Software System Requirements
- How to use the Garritan Instruments For Finale (GIFF) sounds in Finale
- Finale availability on iPad
- I Just Upgraded. Do I Need My Previous Version of Finale?