How to Switch from forScore to Folio Stand
Folio Stand is being built to import a forScore library in one step: make a forScore Archive, open it in Folio Stand, and your PDFs, titles, composers, tags, setlists, bookmarks and text marks come across. Your pencil marks arrive looking exactly as you drew them, but as an image layer, not as editable strokes, because forScore stores drawn marks as images. A report at the end lists what came across.
Folio Stand is in development, with launch planned for early 2027. The importer is part of version 1.
What transfers from forScore, and what does not
| Your forScore data | In Folio Stand |
|---|---|
| PDFs | Yes, unchanged |
| Titles, composers, genres, tags | Yes |
| Rating, difficulty, key and other details | Yes, where forScore stores them |
| Setlists, in order | Yes |
| Bookmarks | Yes, with duplicates removed |
| Links for repeats | Yes |
| Text annotations | Yes, as editable text |
| Pencil and pen marks | Yes, looking exactly as drawn, as an image layer you can hide, erase or draw over. Not as editable strokes |
| forScore settings and dashboard | No |
| Audio tracks and MIDI settings | Not at launch |
Why are ink marks an image layer?
forScore saves drawn marks as a picture of each page's ink, not as separate pen strokes. No app can turn that picture back into the original strokes you could select and move one by one. So Folio Stand places your marks on their own layer, exactly where they were. You can hide it, erase parts of it, and add new editable marks on top.
Turning image marks into editable strokes is on our list for after launch, as an opt-in for each score. See the roadmap.
Step-by-step plan for moving a forScore library
Step 1: Make a forScore Archive
In forScore, open the Backups panel and create an Archive, not just a Backup. Only an Archive contains your PDFs. Copy it off your iPad as a safety net. Guide: how to back up your forScore library.
Step 2: Export your most important pieces "with annotations"
For the pieces you will perform soon, also export a PDF with marks from forScore. It takes a minute and gives you a second copy.
Step 3: Import into Folio Stand
Open the Archive file in Folio Stand from the Files app or the share sheet. If you cannot make an Archive, Folio Stand can also read the forScore folder in the Files app together with a forScore Backup.
Step 4: Read the import report
The report lists how many scores, setlists, bookmarks and marks came across, and anything it could not read, with the reason.
Step 5: Check five pieces you know well
Open them, check the page order, marks and setlists, and play through one rehearsal.
Step 6: Keep forScore for a few weeks
Importing does not change your forScore library. Keep both apps until you trust the new setup.
What if my forScore library is damaged?
If forScore will not restore a backup, or your library is full of duplicates, Folio Stand's importer has a library rescue mode. It reads what it can from the Archive, removes duplicate bookmarks and reports anything missing, instead of failing on the first problem.
How long does an import take?
It depends on the size of the library. Our development goal is to import a 1,000-score library in one go. We will publish real timings when the app is in public beta.
FAQ
Can Folio Stand import my forScore annotations? Yes. Text marks arrive as editable text. Pencil marks arrive exactly as drawn, as an image layer, not as editable strokes.
Do I need a Mac to switch? No. You make the Archive on your iPad and open it in Folio Stand on the same iPad.
Will importing change my forScore library? No. Folio Stand only reads a copy. forScore keeps working as before.
Is the importer free? Yes. Importing, with the report, is part of the free plan. The free plan holds up to 15 scores; a larger library needs Pro, which starts with a 14-day free trial. See pricing.
Is Folio Stand affiliated with forScore? No. forScore is a trademark of forScore, LLC. We name it only to explain what the importer reads.
Sources: forScore developer page on file types; forScore user guide 14.3 (Backups and Archives); Folio Stand importer research (October 2026).