> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://benjohansen.gitbook.io/musictech/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://benjohansen.gitbook.io/musictech/old-1/units/notation-software/assignment-notation/musescor-reference.md).

# MuseScore Reference

{% hint style="info" %}
**MuseScore at a glance:**

* free (open source)
* uses same keyboard shortcuts for durations as Finale (you’ll need to change the keyboard shortcuts to make them match Dorico)
* [MuseScore 4 *will* be geared more for composing](https://musescore.org/en/MuseScore4)
  {% endhint %}

![MuseScore keyboard shortcuts for durations](https://2250194572-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LroRRcyiuzPub4SVHLq%2F-ML8vg8iOz-qK8726FuU%2F-ML8xLR79Z23jMbGuI3L%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=3e2d3ff8-0077-48fa-8801-7856a7e66262)

* notation input: in general, setup note value before the pitch
  * choose note input mode (press `n`), choose the duration, press the letter on your QWERTY or pitch on your MIDI keyboard ... the caret will then advance
  * chords = add a note above a note already entered: `shift` + pitch (for example `shift` + `A`)
  * tuplets = before entering in the notes:`command` (Mac) or `ctrl` (Windows) plus the tuplet number
* rest = select duration, then type `0`
* flat or sharp a note by first entering in the note (which will enter in diatonically), then press the up or down arrow right after entering it in
* shift a selected note and octave = hold down `command` (Mac) or `ctrl` (Windows) plus the up or down arrow
* ties are odd =
  1. enter in the first note of the tie as usual
  2. select the value of the second note of the tie
  3. press `+` (that will enter in the second note and tie)
* [voices](https://musescore.org/en/handbook/voices) 
  * **very helpful** = tools > voices > exchange voices ...
* `esc` to get out of note input mode
* [lyrics](https://musescore.org/en/handbook/lyrics) = select the note, then`command` (Mac) or `ctrl` (Windows) plus `l`
  * `underscore`to extend note
  * press `return` to go to the next verse
  * To number verses, simply type the number (e.g. 1.) and a space before the first syllable by using `option` (Mac) or `ctrl` (Windows) plus spacebar. MuseScore will automatically align the numbers and first syllable correctly.
* [Layouts and Parts](https://youtu.be/6OrSmHrDQg0) ("Breaks and Brackets" in side pallet)
* to export graphic
  * for entire page = File > Export ... (choose svg)
  * for selection = [use the "image capture" tool](https://musescore.org/en/handbook/3/image-capture)