Sponsored LilyPond features About FAQ

Sponsoring a feature, what does that mean?

You pay us to improve LilyPond. This means that we will make time to code the functionality that you need to LilyPond. The code you requested is folded in the regular code base, and is included in subsequent releases.

I like LilyPond. Should I sponsor a feature, or donate money?

Both money donations and sponsorships allow us to keep developing LilyPond. While donations are tax-free and leave us more freedom, we prefer sponsorships. In a sponsorship it is more clear what you can expect from us, and what we expect from you.

If you feel generally satisfied with LilyPond, and wish to express this, we can suggest a feature for you to sponsor. Even if your budget is limited, we can still take a small step towards what you desire.

If you still prefer to make a donation, send your money via PayPal to hanwen@xs4all.nl.

I'm interested in using LilyPond if support for XXX is added.

Since it is possible to commission functionality, we can accomodate your wishes. However, to prevent disappointments, it is best to determine whether you like LilyPond's basic concept first. If you are comfortable with using it, then we have a joint basis to develop new features.

What can be sponsored?

You can sponsor any work on the LilyPond code base. This can include

Coding better typography automation
Adding other features
Making new glyphs for the Feta font
Fixing bugs
Improving the syntax
Backporting bugfixes
Improving documentation
Test files for uncommon notation
Cleaning up internal code design
Adding platform-specific support, e.g. improved MacOS or Windows features

What has been sponsored in the past?

Here are some examples:

Better typography automation, for example rewritten formatting for ties.
Other features, for example, pitched trills or repeat counters
Improvements to syntax, for example simpler entry for lyric melismata.
New glyphs, for example, arrow heads

For a full list, have a look at the NEWS file 2.6 release and 2.7 release. Every sponsored feature is marked with the name of its sponsor.

How can I tell whether I need a sponsored feature?

It might very well be that LilyPond already supports what you need, but you haven't been able to find the appropiate documentation page. To find this out, ask a question on the lilypond-user mailing list. Include "feature request" in the subject heading.

If the LilyPond authors provide you with an answer that you feel satisfied with, consider making a donation. Answering questions takes time that we are not compensated for otherwise.

Yes! How do I go about?

See our Procedure FAQ