> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.lmms.io/user-manual/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.lmms.io/user-manual/master.md).

# Welcome to LMMS

## [What's New in LMMS?](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/releases)  <a href="#changelog" id="changelog"></a>

## 1.3.0-alpha.2 <a href="#changelog" id="changelog"></a>

This is a release from the development branch, similar to nightly builds.

This release should be more stable than the nightly builds, but is less stable than the stable builds. Crashes may happen, and in the worst case scenario your project files may break.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Project files saved in this release cannot be reopened in previous versions of LMMS**, making it a one-way upgrade.

**New features in the alpha release may be modified or removed prior to the next stable release** - projects made using these features may not necessarily load in later versions of LMMS.
{% endhint %}

We recommend this release to most users over the nightly builds.

**Note for macOS users:** You may need you to follow the instructions on the download page to mark the application safe-to-run.

**New changes in 1.3.0-alpha.2** (compared to alpha.1)**:** (2026-09-05)

{% hint style="info" %}
Given below are only features added in 1.3.0-alpha.2. View entire 1.3.0-alpha.2 changelog [here](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/releases/tag/v1.3.0-alpha.2), and view previous 1.3.0-alpha.1 changelog [here](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/releases/tag/v1.3.0-alpha.1).

**LMMS 1.3.0-alpha.2 will have the cumulative changes of both the changelogs.**

Major changes in 1.3.0-alpha.1 include:

* New instrument plugins: Xpressive, support Carla (on Windows)

* New effects: Compressor, Vectorscope, updated Spectrum Analyzer

* Support SF3 soundfont (.sf3) files

* Color-code mixers, tracks

* Knife tool, glue notes in piano roll

* Knife tool for sample clips

* Ghost notes

* Step recording

* Mixer channels for sample tracks

* Export/import piano roll patterns
  {% endhint %}

* Major features
  * Detachable windows ([#3532](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/3532))
  * Alternative tunings (microtonality) and keyboard mappings ([#5522](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/5522))
  * Native Linux VST support ([#6048](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/6048))
  * Tap Tempo tool ([#6375](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/6375))
  * Dispersion effect ([#6683](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/6683))
  * SlicerT (slicer plugin) ([#6857](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/6857))
  * LOMM (upward/downward multiband compressor) ([#6925](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/6925))
  * Granular Pitch Shifter effect ([#7328](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/7328))
  * Splitting (and resizing) for all types of clips ([#7477](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/7477))
  * Workspace panning by dragging the mouse ([#7595](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/7595))
  * SlewDistortion effect ([#7641](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/7641))
  * Pitch bending directly in the Piano Roll ([#7759](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/7759))
  * Oscilloscope plugin ([#7937](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/7937))
  * Frequency Shifter effect ([#8140](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/8140))

* Minor features
  * Alias-free oscillators ([#5826](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/5826))
  * Carla: Expose parameters for automation ([#5846](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/5846))
  * Allow editing the tangents of Cubic Hermite progressions ([#5924](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/5924))
  * LV2: Implement `LV2_BUF_SIZE__boundedBlockLength` and `LV2_BUF_SIZE__fixedBlockLength` ([#6254](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/6254))
  * Allow recording pitch automation directly into the Piano Roll ([#6297](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/6297))
  * New loop marker shortcuts ([#6382](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/6382))
  * Transpose MIDI clips in Song Editor ([#6409](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/6409))
  * Mallets: Add random knob function ([#6466](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/6466))
  * BitCrush: Allow negative value for stereo difference ([#6475](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/6475))
  * LV2: Implement Lv2 Worker ([#6484](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/6484))
  * SF2Player: Add microtonality support ([#6580](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/6580))
  * SF2Player: Add support for per-note detuning and panning ([#6602](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/6602))
  * Add MP3 import ([#6750](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/6750))
  * Sample and Hold for LFO Controller ([#6850](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/6850))
  * Ghost notes for the Automation Editor ([#6940](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/6940))
  * Allow filtering by effect type in the effect select dialog ([#7024](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/7024))
  * Peak indicators in mixer strips ([#7295](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/7295))
  * Continuous auto-scrolling ([#7396](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/7396))
  * SDL input and output device configuration ([#7421](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/7421))
  * Add note reversal tool to the Piano Roll ([#7606](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/7606))
  * AppImage: Initial support for wayland ([#7704](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/7704))
  * Add ability to change sample rate in the settings menu ([#7719](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/7719))
  * Add strum tool to the Piano Roll ([#7725](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/7725))
  * Add option to favorite items in the file browser ([#7753](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/7753))
  * Add new "Psychoacoustic Clipper" LADSPA effect ([#7783](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/7783))
  * Add setting for default auto-scroll state ([#7851](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/7851))
  * Lb302: Velocity and note panning, code cleanup, and performance improvements ([#8132](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/8132))
  * Sf2Player: Add search bar for patches ([#8193](https://github.com/LMMS/lmms/issues/8193))

**Known issues with this release:**

* VST Embedding does not work properly. Change settings to No Embedding to see full VST window and use plugin menus as expected.
* Apple
  * VST plugins (`.dll`) do not work on Apple