Sibelius Ultimate is a comprehensive music notation software designed for composers, arrangers, educators, and publishers working with scores of any size or complexity. It offers a modern interface that enhances workflow speed and detail, supporting pen input on compatible tablets and multi-touch gestures for intuitive score interaction. The software is compatible with the latest Mac and Windows systems and includes essential tools like PhotoScore and NotateMe Lite for music scanning and handwriting recognition. Flexible licensing options are available, including subscription, perpetual ownership, and network licenses, all backed by standard support and regular updates.

The software excels in delivering advanced notation capabilities with support for a vast range of musical symbols, accidentals, chord symbols, and articulations, including specialized jazz notations. It handles complex rhythmic structures, multiple voices per stave, and customizable instrument settings to meet diverse compositional needs. Playback features incorporate expressive interpretation with detailed control over tempo, dynamics, and phrasing, enhanced by included sampled sounds and tools like Espressivo 2.0. Live tempo conduction and loop playback enable dynamic rehearsal and performance scenarios, making the experience immersive and responsive.

Beyond notation and playback, Sibelius Ultimate offers powerful utilities for score management such as automatic arranging, version comparison, annotation, and seamless export options including audio, MIDI, MusicXML, and PDF formats. Its intelligent import functions simplify collaboration by automatically formatting external files into Sibelius templates. Accessibility is prioritized through customizable color schemes to accommodate various types of sight loss, reducing eye strain and improving usability. With advanced layout and engraving controls, the software supports professional publishing standards, ensuring scores are production-ready for print or digital platforms.