ArdourLinux
vs
FL Studio (FruityLoops)Windows
Ardour as a Linux alternative to FL Studio (FruityLoops)
Updated
Our verdict
Ardour can replace FL Studio for users who need a full‑featured, Linux‑native DAW and are comfortable with a more traditional multitrack workflow. It covers recording, MIDI editing, plugin hosting and export, but it does not replicate FL Studio's pattern‑centric approach and built‑in synth library. Beginners or producers who rely heavily on FL's step sequencer and ready‑made loops may find Ardour less intuitive, while experienced engineers and composers who value flexible routing and open‑source licensing will feel at home.
- License
- GPL-2.0+
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 9.8.0 (August 19, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Multi‑track audio and MIDI recording
- Piano‑roll style MIDI editor
- VST (via bridge) and LV2 plugin support
- Export to common formats (WAV, FLAC, MP3)
- Mixing console with per‑track effects
What is different
- No native pattern‑based sequencer like FL Studio's step sequencer
- Lacks built‑in synths and loop packs that come with FL
- Interface is geared toward engineers, not the beginner‑friendly layout of FL
- No direct support for FL Studio project (.flp) files
- Less emphasis on quick beat‑making workflows
Opening your FL Studio (FruityLoops) files
Ardour cannot open FL Studio .flp project files directly. You can export stems or individual tracks from FL Studio as WAV/AIFF and import them into Ardour, then rebuild the arrangement. MIDI clips can be exported as standard .mid files and re‑imported, preserving note data but not FL‑specific automation or plugin settings.
Switching from FL Studio (FruityLoops) to Ardour, step by step
- Export each FL Studio track as a separate WAV or AIFF file.
- Export any MIDI patterns as standard .mid files.
- Install Ardour from your distribution’s repository or Flathub.
- Create a new Ardour session and import the exported audio and MIDI files.
- Assign VST/LV2 plugins to the tracks and recreate any routing or bus structure.
- Render the final mix to your desired format.
Key features of Ardour
- Multi-track audio and MIDI recording
- Non-destructive editing with regions and playlists
- Flexible routing and bussing with up to 192 tracks
- Support for VST2, LV2, and ReaPlugs via bridge
- Comprehensive mixing console with per-channel plugins
- Time-stretching and pitch correction tools
- Integrated piano roll and MIDI editor
- Export to multiple formats including WAV, FLAC, and MP3
How to install Ardour on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.ardour.Ardoursudo apt install ardoursudo apt install ardoursudo dnf install ardour9sudo pacman -S ardoursudo zypper install ardourFrequently asked questions
Can I use my existing VST plugins in Ardour?
Yes. Ardour supports VST2 plugins via a bridge on Linux, as well as LV2 and ReaPlugs.
Is Ardour suitable for electronic music production?
It works, but you’ll need to add third‑party synths and sample packs; Ardour itself does not include the built‑in instruments that FL Studio provides.
Do I need to buy Ardour to use it?
Ardour is open source; you can compile it yourself for free, or download a pre‑built binary from Flathub or your distro’s repo.
2 other alternatives to FL Studio (FruityLoops)
RosegardenRosegarden is a free MIDI sequencer and score editor for Linux, blending DAW and notation features.Open sourceFreeFlatpakRosegarden vs FL Studio (FruityLoops)
LMMSLMMS is a free digital audio workstation for composing, sequencing, and mixing music using synths and samples.Open sourceFreeFlatpakLMMS vs FL Studio (FruityLoops)