RosegardenLinux
vs
CakewalkWindows
Rosegarden as a Linux alternative to Cakewalk
Updated
Our verdict
Rosegarden is a solid replacement for Cakewalk if your workflow centers on MIDI composition and notation. It handles multitrack MIDI recording, editing, and playback well, and its integration with LilyPond for score generation is a unique strength. However, it is not a full DAW. It lacks native multitrack audio recording and mixing capabilities that Cakewalk offers. If you primarily record and mix audio tracks, Rosegarden will feel limiting. It is best for musicians who compose with MIDI instruments and need a unified tool for sequencing and notation, rather than those who rely on audio recording and complex mixing consoles.
- License
- GPL-2.0+
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 26.06 (June 3, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- MIDI sequencing and recording
- MIDI editing and arrangement
- Real-time playback of projects
- Support for multiple file formats including MIDI
What is different
- Lacks native multitrack audio recording and mixing
- No VST plugin support (uses LADSPA instead)
- Stronger focus on notation and score editing than audio production
- No built-in audio export to MP3 or FLAC (WAV/AIFF only)
Opening your Cakewalk files
Rosegarden cannot directly open Cakewalk project files (.clk or .cwp). You will need to export your MIDI data from Cakewalk as standard MIDI files (.mid) or MusicXML. Rosegarden can import these formats, allowing you to bring in your musical composition. However, any audio tracks, specific plugin settings, or advanced automation data from the original Cakewalk project will not transfer and must be recreated or handled in a separate audio application.
Switching from Cakewalk to Rosegarden, step by step
- Export your Cakewalk project as a standard MIDI file (.mid) or MusicXML.
- Install Rosegarden from your Linux distribution's package manager or Flathub.
- Import the MIDI or MusicXML file into a new Rosegarden project.
- Review and adjust track assignments and instrument mappings.
- Use LilyPond integration to generate notation if needed.
- Export final MIDI or audio (WAV) from Rosegarden for further processing.
Key features of Rosegarden
- MIDI sequencing and recording
- Score editing with LilyPond integration
- Audio import/export (WAV, AIFF)
- Multiple file format support (MIDI, MusicXML, RTF)
- Customizable shortcuts
- Plugin support via LADSPA
- Real‑time playback
- Project file management
How to install Rosegarden on Linux
flatpak install flathub com.rosegardenmusic.rosegardensudo apt install rosegardensudo apt install rosegardensudo dnf install rosegarden4sudo pacman -S rosegardensudo zypper install rosegardenFrequently asked questions
Can I record audio in Rosegarden?
No, Rosegarden does not support multitrack audio recording. It is primarily a MIDI sequencer and notation editor. For audio recording, you would need to use a separate DAW like Ardour and import the MIDI from Rosegarden.
Does Rosegarden support VST plugins?
No, Rosegarden does not support VST plugins. It uses the LADSPA standard for audio processing effects. If you rely heavily on specific VST instruments or effects, you may need to render them in another application before importing the audio.
Is Rosegarden suitable for mixing audio?
No, Rosegarden is not designed for audio mixing. It lacks a mixing console with channel strips, EQ, and compression for audio tracks. It is best used for composing and arranging MIDI music, not for final audio production.