Question 1

What is dottl.app?

Accepted Answer

dottl.app is a free, browser-based music composition tool that uses a visual grid. You place coloured note dots on a grid where columns represent time and rows represent pitch. No music theory knowledge is required — just drag and drop notes to create melodies, chords, and full songs with multiple instrument layers.

Question 2

How do I compose music with dottl?

Accepted Answer

Drag a note from the palette at the bottom onto the grid. The horizontal position sets when the note plays, and the vertical position sets the pitch. Add sustain lines to connect notes, layer multiple instruments (keys, guitars, strings, drums, horns), and adjust tempo, volume, and reverb. Press play to hear your composition.

Question 3

What file format does dottl use?

Accepted Answer

dottl uses the .dottl file format — a JSON-based open format for grid-based musical compositions. Songs can also be exported to MIDI. The .dottl format supports multiple instrument layers, sustain lines, chord annotations, and playback metadata like BPM and transposition.

Question 4

Is dottl.app free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dottl.app is completely free to use. It runs in your browser with no account or download required.