> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://handbook.musescore.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://handbook.musescore.org/3/advanced-topics/automatic-placement.md). # Automatic placement MuseScore's **automatic placement** (AP) feature ensures that, in most cases, elements are correctly spaced and do not collide or overlap with each other. *Note*: When you create an element, AP is automatically enabled, but can be turned off if required (see [Disable automatic placement](#disable-automatic-placement)). ## Default position A newly-created element, such as [staff text](/3/text/staff-text-and-system-text.md) or [fingering](/3/text/fingering.md), assumes a default position on the [staff](/3/appendix/glossary.md#staff) specified by "positional" properties contained in the [Style](/3/formatting/layout-and-formatting.md#style-window) menu. These "positional" properties may include things such as: * **Placement**: Whether the element appears above or below the staff. * **Offset**: For elements with no "Placement above/below" properties, this specifies the default position. See [Offset X/Y](/3/basics/inspector.md#element). * **Autoplace min distance**: Minimum distance from other elements when autoplace is enabled. For details of the settings available for each element type, see [Layout and formatting: Style](/3/formatting/layout-and-formatting.md#style-window). ### Change the default placement of an element Use one of the following methods: * From the menu, select **Format -> Style**; choose an element type and then adjust the placement/position settings. * Select a relevant element in the score and change the placement/position settings in the [Inspector](/3/basics/inspector.md); then press the [Set as style](/3/basics/inspector.md#reset-to-style-default-and-set-to-style-buttons)" button (**S**) to update the [Style](/3/formatting/layout-and-formatting.md#style-window) settings. ## Manual adjustments ### Adjust position of element Use one of the following methods: * **Select the element and adjust the X and Y offsets in the Inspector** (see [X and Y offsets](/3/basics/inspector.md#element)). * **Move the element using the arrow buttons**. Change to [edit mode](/3/basics/edit-mode.md) first, if necessary. * **Drag and drop the element using the mouse**. Use this method in preference to the above, if you want to *move an element across another one* (e.g. fingering across a slur). Once located on the other side you can use the X/Y offsets in the Inspector, or the keyboard arrow keys to fine tune the position. ### Place element above/below staff Elements with a "Placement" property available in the [Inspector](/3/basics/inspector.md) can be easily moved from *above* the staff to *below* it, and vice versa: 1. Select one or more elements. 2. Use one of the following methods: * Change the "Placement" setting in the Inspector. * Press **X** to toggle between above/below. **Note**: When automatic placement is enabled for an element, you cannot position it in a way that causes a collision with other elements. ## Disable automatic placement * Select the element and uncheck the "Automatic placement" box in the [Inspector](/3/basics/inspector.md). The element reverts to its default position. It can be repositioned as desired and is no longer avoided when placing other elements. ## Stacking order To change the value for **Stacking order**: * Select the element and change the "Stacking order" value in the [Inspector](/3/basics/inspector.md). In cases where elements are allowed to overlap, **Stacking order** controls the order in which they are placed on top of each other. The element with the lower value will be placed behind. Default stacking order values ([source](https://musescore.org/en/node/342386)) | Item | Default stacking order value | | ---------------------- | ---------------------------- | | Accidental | 1600 | | Ambitus | 2200 | | Arpeggio | 1500 | | Articulation | 2800 | | Barline | 1100 | | Beam | 3200 | | Bend | 4800 | | Breathmarks | 2500 | | Caesura | 2500 | | Change instrument | 4400 | | Clef | 2000 | | crescendo - diminuendo | 5100 | | D.C. | 3700 | | D.S. | 3700 | | Dynamic | 3100 | | Fall etc. | 3000 | | Fermata | 2900 | | Fingering | 3800 | | Flag | 3300 | | Fretboard diagram | 4700 | | Glissando | 6100 | | Hairpin | 5100 | | Hook/Flag | 3300 | | Instrument names | 800 | | Key signature | 2100 | | Ledgerlines | 1700 | | Line | 5700 | | Minus sign measure | 1099 | | mf + hairpin | 5100 | | Note anchored line | 5700 | | Note dot | 6600 | | Noteheads | 1900 | | Ornament | 2800 | | Ottava's | 5200 | | Palm mute | 5600 | | Parenthesis | 500 | | Pedal lines | 5900 | | Rehearsal mark | 4300 | | Repeat measure sign | 2600 | | Rest | 2400 | | RH fingering | 2800 | | Sawtooth | 5500 | | Segno | 3600 | | Slide etc. | 3000 | | Slur | 900 | | Stafflines | 1200 | | Staff text | 4100 | | Stem | 1800 | | System text | 4200 | | Tempo | 4000 | | Text line | 5700 | | Thumb pos | 2800 | | Tie | 1000 | | Time signature | 2300 | | Title text | 600 | | Tremolo | 6700 | | Tremolobar | 4900 | | Trill lines | 5300 | | Volta | 5800 | --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. 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