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I’am still using Encore with Windows 7, no Problems.
I’ve tried ‘Song Writer’ the little sister from Finale but I wasn’t able to create scores without a helping book.

It was similar with Musescore or Dorico. Far too complicated for me. I’ve probably gotten too used to the ease of use of Encore. I love the lyrics input. On the other hand, I also have a lot of Encore scores that I don’t want to convert into a program that I then don’t like to use.
So I’m waiting for “better times” 🙂

Your statement is not entirely correct.
We have tried alternatives, but have not found any where it would be worth changing.

When converting the old Encore files, a lot of information such as lyrics and dynamic accidentals are lost. Which would mean a lot of rework until the files were up to date again. And all this with a program that you have not (yet) fully mastered.
You have to keep in mind whether it’s worth all the effort.
I think it’s worth a try for Mac users, but not for Windows users at the moment.

Who would have thought that Finale would disappear from the market and join Steinberg’s Dorico?
The software preferred by Encore users is Overture from Sonic Scores. This is said to be very similar to Encore, which is not very surprising as it is from the same developer.
But Overture users are also eagerly awaiting version 6.
As you can see, it is not so easy to leave the beaten track and embark on something completely new.

Good luck in your search for an alternative. Let us know if you find something useful.

• This reply was modified 1 month, 3 weeks ago by Mario2.

It depends. Encore 5 for a lot of my church work but its amateurish printout is unacceptable for publication.

I’ve been using Finale since 1988 for heavy lifting, publication and large works. I’ve had Dorico, MuseScore, Notion 6 and Overture 5 for many years. Now that Finale is EOL, time to explore Dorico Pro 5 seeing that I own a copy.

MuseScore 5 will be big but it isn’t here yet. They want it to be the de facto notation app for Hal Leonard Publishing, acquired by Muse Group 10 months ago. Whether 5 allows me to take it seriously remains to be seen. MS4 is not very good but it is no longer horrible, IMO.

I bought a new iMac with an M1 processor and discovered that Encore doesn’t work on it. I needed to buy an old iMac to run Encore. Today I have 2 iMacs in front of me. One alternative for editing Encore and a new one for all other activities. Tired of waiting for Encore 6. Losing all patience.

I couldn’t stay with Encore – it crashed too much. I converted to Notion 6 for Desktop by Presonus.

Can’t even laugh at you Encore addicts any more. JUST too sad. Still have Encore 5.0.4 Just don’t use it. Too outdated. Can’t handle xml or even do grace notes easily. Been using Finale with ease with brilliant results. Same with Sibelius. Moving on to Dorico now. I’m 72 and don’t mind the some learning curve to engage a great new ( and most modern) software available. Since Dorico has a completely functional trial, why not download and check it out while you wait months and years for Encore 6.0?
And since it will need to compete with the powerhouses mentioned, what on earth would make you think the new re-written Encore will be simplistic? With no learning curve? AND will you be expecting some level of support? Will I download and check out Encore 6.0 if it has a trial version. Sure. When it is available in fall of 2025. or maybe fall of 2026? And like Mr Halloran, I use Finale and Sibelius no problem. Wish they had a laughing tears emoji I could close with.