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Official vs. Community Scores: What’s the Difference?

Updated over a month ago

On MuseScore, you'll find two types of scores: Official Scores and Community Scores. Here’s how they differ, and how you can manage your access to both.

Official Scores

Official Scores are high-quality, licensed arrangements provided directly by publishers such as Hal Leonard. These scores meet professional engraving standards and are often identical to printed editions you’d find in stores.

  • Available to view and play with a Pro+ subscription

  • Cannot be downloaded or printed as part of a subscription

  • Can be purchased separately to obtain a licensed PDF copy

  • Currently available only in PDF format (no MusicXML or MIDI downloads)

  • PDF downloads are offered via credits or one-time payments

  • Protected to maintain accuracy and copyright compliance

Community Scores

Community Scores are created and shared by MuseScore’s global community of musicians and arrangers.

  • Available to view, download and print with a Pro or Pro+ subscription

  • Available to view with a Premium subscription

  • Shared freely by users and not subject to licensing restrictions from publishers

  • The number of Community Scores continues to grow — over 350,000 added in the past year

  • These scores will not be converted into Official Scores

Community Scores are a key part of what makes MuseScore a collaborative and creative platform.

Filter by Score Type

To make it easier to find what you’re looking for, you can use the “Score type” filter.

  • On the MuseScore website, it’s located in the left sidebar.

  • In the MuseScore mobile app, open the Filters menu next to the search bar and use “Score type” to select either Official or Community Scores.

This allows you to browse only the type of scores that match your needs.

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