Everything you need to know

grafer is a browser-based computer-assisted composition (CAC) tool designed for contemporary music. It provides a visual node graph environment where you can build complex pitch structures, intricate rhythms, spectral transformations, and more — all without installing any software.

grafer supports a wide range of contemporary composition techniques including spectral analysis and morphing, serial and post-serial methods (tone rows, pitch multiplication, integral serialism), complex rhythmic structures (nested tuplets, proliation canons), stochastic and chaos-based processes, microtonal systems, and algorithmic generation using mathematical models.

The node graph lets you connect compositional processes visually. Each node performs a specific musical operation — generating pitches, subdividing rhythms, analyzing spectra, transforming data. You connect nodes by dragging cables between their inputs and outputs, creating a flow of musical transformations that updates in real-time.

grafer exports to MusicXML, which is compatible with all major notation software including Dorico, Finale, Sibelius, and MuseScore. The export preserves microtonal accidentals, nested tuplets, complex articulations, and other details that matter for contemporary notation.

Yes! Every new account starts with a 14-day free trial of the full Composer Pro plan. No credit card required. You get access to all 90+ composition nodes (including the live OSC bridge to SuperCollider, Max and Pd), all analysis views, and full export capabilities during your trial.

No. grafer runs entirely in your web browser. There's nothing to download, install, or configure. It works on any modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) on both desktop and laptop computers.

Yes, grafer draws significant inspiration from IRCAM's OpenMusic and similar visual programming environments for music. However, grafer is built for the modern web, offering a more accessible and streamlined experience while maintaining the depth and rigor that serious composers need.

MIDI playback is available for previewing your compositions within grafer. You can audition pitch collections, rhythmic patterns, and complete passages before exporting to notation software for final engraving and performance preparation.

Absolutely. grafer is an excellent teaching tool for composition, music theory, and acoustics courses. The visual node graph makes abstract concepts tangible, and the institutional pricing makes it affordable for departments. Many conservatories and universities are already using grafer in their curriculum.

Simply visit grafer.app and create a free account. You'll have immediate access to the full tool set during your 14-day trial. We recommend starting with the built-in template patches to explore different compositional techniques, then building your own from scratch.