Note NamesFrequently asked questions
Everything about Note Names in one place. Still stuck? Write to ionr.digital@gmail.com.
What does Note Names do?
It reads your sheet music and writes the letter name on every note, on the notehead or just above and below the staff, so you can play the piece today and learn to read as you go.
Is Note Names free?
Free to try. The Verified library of 25 classical pieces is included, and so is your first own piece: a PDF, or up to 4 scanned pages. Unlimited imports is a one-time purchase, with no subscription and no ads.
Can I scan a printed book with my camera?
Yes. Choose Scan pages and point your iPhone or iPad at the page. Note Names finds the staves, waits for a steady, sharp shot and takes it. You can also pick photos you already have.
What music can I use?
Any sheet-music PDF, or photos of printed pages: downloads from IMSLP or Musicnotes, scans, your teacher's copies, your old books. Or start with the Verified library.
Which clefs does it read?
Treble, bass, alto and tenor, so it works for piano, strings, winds and voice.
Does it include sharps and flats?
Yes. Letters follow the key signature and any accidentals in the bar, so a note shows as F♯ or B♭ when that is what you play.
Where do the letters go?
Your choice. On the notes puts each letter inside its notehead. Above & below puts small tags over the treble notes and under the bass notes, leaving the noteheads clear.
What if a letter is wrong?
Tap the edit button, tap the letter and pick the right one. Fixes save with the piece.
Won't I depend on the letters forever?
That is what How many letters is for. It steps from All letters to Fewer, Landmarks, Minimal (bar starts), Ledger notes only, and No letters. Each piece remembers its own setting.
Can I write on the music?
Yes. Write fingering and reminders with your finger or Apple Pencil. Markings save with the piece.
How accurate is it?
It reads printed sheet music well, and every letter can be corrected with a tap. The pieces in the Verified library have been checked note by note before shipping.
Is my music uploaded anywhere?
No. Note Names reads your music entirely on your device and works offline. No account, no ads, no tracking.
Which devices does it run on?
iPhone and iPad with iOS 16 or later, and Apple Silicon Macs. On iPhone, turn it sideways for a wider page.
Does it use solfège or German note names?
Not yet. Note Names uses English letter names, C D E F G A B.
Is Note Names on Android?
The Android version is in testing and coming to Google Play soon.
I bought the app before it was free. Do I have to pay again?
No. If you bought Note Names before it became free to try, everything stays unlocked.
Who is G?
G is the note on our app icon, and the star of our Name Tags videos.