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juce-framework/JUCE

Open-source C++ framework for building cross-platform desktop and mobile apps, including VST, AU, AAX and LV2 audio plug-ins and hosts.

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What is it?

JUCE is a C++ application framework for building desktop and mobile applications, with a particular focus on audio. It can produce VST, VST3, AU, AUv3, AAX and LV2 audio plug-ins as well as plug-in hosts, so developers can write one codebase and target several platforms and DAWs.

JUCE can be integrated into existing projects through CMake, or projects can be generated with the Projucer, JUCE's own configuration tool, which exports to Xcode, Visual Studio, Android Studio and Linux Makefiles. The framework is organized into modules, and the repository includes examples covering most features, plus a CMake examples directory with starting points for GUI apps, console apps and audio plug-ins.

JUCE is dual-licensed under AGPLv3 and a commercial licence. AAX plug-ins also require signing through Avid's PACE tools before they can run in commercial Pro Tools builds.

Key features

  • 01Builds VST, VST3, AU, AUv3, AAX and LV2 audio plug-ins and hosts from one codebase.
  • 02Targets macOS, iOS, Windows, Linux and Android.
  • 03Integrates with CMake or generates projects via the Projucer.
  • 04Ships with complete example applications and CMake starter templates.
  • 05Provides an API documented through Doxygen comments in module headers.

Use cases

  • Developing a commercial or open-source audio plug-in for multiple DAWs and formats.
  • Building a cross-platform desktop application with a custom native GUI in C++.
  • Creating a mobile audio app that runs on iOS and Android.

Quick start

  1. 1

    Install CMake 3.22 or higher from your package manager or the official download page

  2. 2

    Clone the JUCE repository and change into its directory

  3. 3

    Configure the build with the examples and extras enabled

    cmake . -B cmake-build -DJUCE_BUILD_EXAMPLES=ON -DJUCE_BUILD_EXTRAS=ON
  4. 4

    Build the DemoRunner target

    cmake --build cmake-build --target DemoRunner

Things to know

  • JUCE is dual-licensed under AGPLv3 or a commercial licence, so commercial use may require purchasing a licence.
  • AAX plug-ins must be digitally signed with PACE tools before they run in commercially available Pro Tools.
  • Building requires a C++17 toolchain and platform SDKs such as Xcode, Visual Studio or Android NDK 26.

In collections

Desktop GUI apps & toolkits

Topics

#audio#c-plus-plus#gui#plugin#cross-platform#vst3#music-production#aax#au#audiounit

FAQ

What is JUCE?
Open-source C++ framework for building cross-platform desktop and mobile apps, including VST, AU, AAX and LV2 audio plug-ins and hosts. JUCE is a C++ application framework for building desktop and mobile applications, with a particular focus on audio. It can produce VST, VST3, AU, AUv3, AAX and LV2 audio plug-ins as well as plug-in hosts, so developers can write one codebase and target several platforms and DAWs.
Is JUCE free to use? What license does it have?
JUCE is open source under the Other license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
Is JUCE still maintained?
Actively maintained. The last commit to JUCE was on Nov 6, 2026.
What can I use JUCE for?
Developing a commercial or open-source audio plug-in for multiple DAWs and formats. Building a cross-platform desktop application with a custom native GUI in C++. Creating a mobile audio app that runs on iOS and Android.
How do I install JUCE?
Install CMake 3.22 or higher from your package manager or the official download page Clone the JUCE repository and change into its directory Configure the build with the examples and extras enabled: cmake . -B cmake-build -DJUCE_BUILD_EXAMPLES=ON -DJUCE_BUILD_EXTRAS=ON Build the DemoRunner target: cmake --build cmake-build --target DemoRunner
Where can I get JUCE?
The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/juce-framework/JUCE

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