LMMS

The project started in 2004 as Linux MultiMedia Studio; the name shrank to initials once it was ported to Windows and macOS. The interface is built in Qt and the workflow will be familiar to FL Studio users: short patterns in a beat editor, melodies in a piano roll, and a song view where the patterns are laid out. Several synths come bundled, including the formidable ZynAddSubFX, plus VST support through its own host.

Its weak spot has long been audio recording, which was never really a priority: it is made for programming music rather than tracking it. For anyone who wants to make electronic music without buying anything it is still one of the few complete options, and a common way in before moving on to Ardour or a commercial DAW.