> 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/staff--part-properties.md).

# Staff / Part properties

The **Staff / Part Properties** dialog allows you to make change display properties of [one staff](/3/formatting/layout-and-formatting.md#page) and the properties of the of [the instrument](/3/basics/create-a-new-score.md#change-instrument-and-staff-setup) it belongs to. To open:

* Right-click onto either an **empty area** in a staff, *or* the instrument name, and select **Staff/Part Properties...**.

Clicking on **Navigation arrows** <kbd>Up</kbd> and <kbd>Down</kbd> buttons at the bottom left will **cancel any unsaved changes** and switch to edit the previous or next staff.

<figure><img src="/files/AjWnYC63tVIaj0N6rEnM" alt="Staff properties"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Staff Types

There are four different types of staff:

1a. **Standard staff I**. A pitched staff used for most instruments except fretted, plucked-string ones.\
1b. **Standard staff II**. A pitched staff containing a *fretted, plucked-string instrument*, with options to set the number of instrument strings and tuning.\
2\. **Tablature staff**. A staff containing a *fretted, plucked-string instrument*, which displays music as a series of fret-marks on strings. Also contains options to set the number of instrument strings and tuning.\
3\. **Percussion staff**. A pitched staff for percussion instruments.

<figure><img src="/files/lDAvRR5y6osaUvSKwRRi" alt="Staff types"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

\ \_Four instruments shown above are examples of the four staff types respectively. Download \[this testing score file]\(<https://musescore.org/sites/musescore.org/files/2023-10/ms3\\_stafftypes.mscz> "Download: ms3\_stafftypes.mscz (7.2 KB)").\_

For each type, there are pre-defined [**Template**](#template) to choose from in the [Advanced Style Properties (**Edit Staff Type**) window](#advanced-style-properties)

[Replacing an instrument](#change-instrument) also changes staff types but may create unreasonable result and wrong playback. For example, replacing Piano (a standard staff, type 1a) with Drumset (percussion staff, type 3).

## Staff / Part Properties: common to all four staff types

Inside "Staff properties" box on upper part:

First column:

* **Style group**\
  Display the [staff Types](#staff-types). Type 1a and type 1b as **Standard** , type 2 as **Tablature** , type 3 as **Percussion**.
* **Lines**\
  The number of lines making up the staff. For tablature, this number usually matches the number of strings in the [Change string tuning](/3/notation/tablature.md#change-tuning) dialog (exceptions being the Baroque Lute, Theorbo etc. which have more strings than lines).
* **Line Distance**\
  The distance between two staff lines **of current staff**. Changes rarely needed. See how to change the scaling of **all staffs** in [Layout and formatting](/3/formatting/layout-and-formatting.md) chapter.
* **Extra distance above staff**\
  Increases or decreases the distance between the selected staff and the one above *in all systems*. **Note**: This setting does not apply to the top staff of a system, which is controlled by the minimum/maximum system distance (see [Layout and formatting: Format → Style … → Page](/3/formatting/layout-and-formatting.md#page)). **Notes**: To alter the spacing above just *one* staff line in a particular system, see [Breaks and Spacers](/3/formatting/breaks-and-spacers.md).
* **Scale**\
  Changes the size of **of current staff** and all associated elements. Using a value greater than 100% may results in unwanted layout. Changes rarely needed. See how to change the scaling of **all staffs** in [Layout and formatting](/3/formatting/layout-and-formatting.md) chapter.\\

  <figure><img src="/files/6c0Vuw0ru4thUFPaZucs" alt="Scaling"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

  \
  \&#xNAN;*shown above last chord in the 130% scaled Tenor staff is misaligned*

Second column:

* **Hide when empty** dropdown list\
  Staff level setting for empty staff hiding along one system, see musescore 4 handbook [Showing staves only where needed](https://musescore.org/en/handbook/4/showing-staves-only-where-needed) chapter.
* **Show clef**\
  Whether the staff's [clef](/3/notation/clefs.md) will be shown.
* **Show time signature**\
  Whether the staff's [time signature(s)](/3/notation/time-signatures.md) will be shown or not.
* **Show barlines**\
  Whether the staff's [barlines](/3/notation/barlines.md) will be shown.
* **Hide system barline**\
  Show/hide barline at left-hand edge of the staff.
* **Merge matching rests** (as of version 3.5)\
  Collapse rests of the same duration, at the same position but different voices, into just one.

Third column:

* **Do not hide if system is empty**\
  Designate as the staff to show when all staffs in a system are empty, see musescore 4 handbook [Showing staves only where needed](https://musescore.org/en/handbook/4/showing-staves-only-where-needed#staffdonothide) chapter.
* **Small staff**\
  Create a reduced-size staff. You can set the default from the menu in [Format → Style ... → Sizes](/3/formatting/layout-and-formatting.md#sizes).
* **Invisible staff lines**\
  Make staff lines invisible.
* **Staff line color**\
  Use a color picker to change the color of the staff lines.
* **Cutaway**\
  Setting for hiding empty measures, see musescore 4 handbook [Showing staves only where needed : Hiding empty measure](https://musescore.org/en/handbook/4/showing-staves-only-where-needed#Hiding_empty_measure) chapter.

Inside "Part properties" box on lower part:

* **Instrument**\
  The [instrument](/3/basics/create-a-new-score.md#change-instrument-and-staff-setup) the current staff belongs to. Replace it by pressing the **Change Instrument ...** button. Manage score instrument setup by pressing keyboard shortcut (<kbd>I</kbd>). *Note*: The properties below (i.e. *Part Name*, *Long Instrument Name* etc.) are set to the default values defined in the MuseScore [instruments.xml](https://musescore.org/en/handbook/developers-handbook/references/instrumentsxml-documentation) file.
* **Part name**\
  The name displayed in [Parts](/3/advanced-topics/parts.md) window, the [Mixer](/3/sound-and-playback/mixer.md) and the [Instruments](/3/basics/create-a-new-score.md#choose-instruments-or-voice-parts) dialog (<kbd>I</kbd>). *Note*: The Part name is defined by the value of the *trackName* element in the [instruments.xml](https://musescore.org/en/handbook/developers-handbook/references/instrumentsxml-documentation) file. If *trackName* has not been defined, the value of *longName* (i.e. "Long instrument name"—see below) is used instead.
* **Long instrument name and Short instrument name**\
  Long instrument name is displayed to the left of the staff in the first system of the score. The long instrument name may also be edited *directly* as a *text object* (see [Text editing](/3/text/text-editing.md)).\
  Short instrument name is displayed to the left of the staff in subsequent systems of the score. The short instrument name may also be edited *directly* as a *text object* (see [Text editing](/3/text/text-editing.md)). Editing affects *all* occurrences in the score.
* **Usable pitch range**
  * **Amateur**: Notes outside this range will be colored olive green/dark yellow in the score.
  * **Professional**: Notes outside this range will be colored red in the score.\
    To disable out-of-range coloration of notes: From the menu, select **Edit -> Preferences...** (Mac: **MuseScore -> Preferences...**), click on the "Note Input" tab, and uncheck "Color notes outside of usable pitch range."\
    See also, [Coloring of notes outside an instrument's range](/3/basics/note-input.md#coloring-of-notes-outside-an-instruments-range).
* **Transposing instrument options**\
  This option ensures that the staves of transposing instruments display music at the correct written pitch. Set the transpose in term of a musical interval (plus octave if required) up or down.\
  For transposing instruments an additional option is shown: "Prefer sharps or flats for transposed key signatures". There are three options:
  * **Default**: Let Musescore decide
  * **Flats**: Prefer flats
  * **Sharps**: Prefer sharps
* **Use single note dynamics** checkbox (Musescore 3.1 or later)\
  Untick to use MIDI Velocity for playback, see [Dynamics: Loudness of a note](/3/sound-and-playback/dynamics.md#loudness-of-a-note).\
  Tick to switch to the alternative playback mechanism that utilize the MIDI Continuous Controller / Control Change (MIDI CC) Messages ([wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIDI#Instrument_control)), see [Synthesizer: Dynamics](/3/sound-and-playback/synthesizer.md#dynamics-versions-31-and-above).\
  For either option, you must use a compatible sound, sound is defined by SoundFont creator and cannot be edited within MuseScore, see [Soundfont, MIDI velocity and instruments.xml](https://musescore.org/en/handbook/developers-handbook/references/instrumentsxml-documentation).\
  Override staff settings by using the per score master control at [Synthesizer: Dynamics](/3/sound-and-playback/synthesizer.md#dynamics-versions-31-and-above).\
  A bug exists in staffs with "single note dynamics" ticked: [Dynamics](/3/sound-and-playback/dynamics.md) and [Hairpins](/3/notation/hairpins.md) symbols, when assigned **Dynamic range** [properties](/3/basics/inspector.md) > **Staff** option, do not create correct playback, see [forum discussion](https://musescore.org/en/node/351268).

## Staff / Part Properties: settings for plucked strings only [(Type 1b and type 2)](#staff-types)

In addition to [those listed above](#staff--part-properties-common-to-all-four-staff-types), staves of fretted, plucked-string instruments [(Type 1b and type 2)](#staff-types) have a few extra options at the bottom part of the window,

* **Number of strings**\
  Displays the number of instrument strings.
* **Edit String Data…**\
  This button opens a dialog box which allows you to set the number and tuning of strings. See [Change string tuning](/3/notation/tablature.md#change-tuning).

## Advanced Style Properties

<figure><img src="/files/bJ1BiNicHaYU6CyJzHeZ" alt="Advanced Style Properties"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

\ Clicking the \*\*Advanced Style Properties...\*\* button opens the \*\*Edit Staff Type\*\* window, the properties available vary depending on \[staff type]\(staff--part-properties.md#staff-types).

## Advanced Style Properties: common to all four staff types

First row: **Lines, Line Distance**: [duplicated UI for the exact same property as above](#staff--part-properties-common-to-all-four-staff-types)

Second row: **Show clef, Show time signature, Show barlines**: [duplicated UI for the exact same property as above](#staff--part-properties-common-to-all-four-staff-types)

At the bottom of the window:

* **Template** dropbox\
  Assigning a template changes the number of lines (type 3 percussion staff) or switch staff types altogether (type 1a, type 1b and type 2). To apply a template:
  \*
  1. Make a selection from the drop-down list labelled "Template";
  * 2) Press **< Reset to Template**;
  * 3. Press **OK** to accept the changes and exit the dialog (or **Cancel** to cancel the operation).

## Advanced Style Properties: settings for standard and percussion staff [(Type 1a, type 1b and type 3)](#staff-types)

Third row:

* **Show key signature, Show ledger lines**\
  Option to turn the display of these elements ON or OFF.
* **Stemless**\
  If checked, staff notes will have no stem, hook or beam.

## Advanced Style Properties: settings for standard staff [(Type 1a, type 1b)](#staff-types)

* **Notehead scheme**\
  See [Notehead scheme](/3/advanced-topics/notehead-schemes.md).

## Advanced Style Properties for tablature staff [(Type 2)](#staff-types)

<figure><img src="/files/Y0svucKINgD48fUUxdQ5" alt="Advanced Style Properties: settings for tablature staff"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

\ The preview \[]\()window at the bottom displays a short score in tablature format with all the current parameters applied.

Properties includes:

* **Upside down**\
  If not checked, the top tablature line will refer to the highest string, and the bottom tablature line to the lowest string (this is the most common option). If checked, the top tablature line refers to the lowest string, and the bottom tablature line to the highest line (e.g. Italian-style lute tablatures). For example:\\

  <figure><img src="/files/X83jag848NGuskd7xHHf" alt="Example: &#x27;upside-down&#x27; tablature"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

  \
  \&#xNAN;*'Upside down' tablature*.

Under **Fret Marks** tab:\\

<figure><img src="/files/9DukrgmqtYNLKKBirj7Q" alt="Fret marks"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **Fret marks** are the numbers or letters used to indicate the location of notes on the fingerboard. The following group of properties define the appearance of fret marks:
* **Font**\
  The font used to draw fret marks. 8 fonts are provided supporting all the necessary symbols in 8 different styles (modern Serif, modern Sans, Renaissance, Phalèse, Bonneuil-de Visée, Bonneuil-Gaultier, Dowland, Lute Didactic).
* **Size**\
  Font size of fret marks in typographic points. Built-in fonts usually look good at a size of 9-10pt.
* **Vertical offset**\
  MuseScore tries to place symbols in a sensible way and you do not usually need to alter this value (set to 0) for built-in fonts. If the font has symbols not aligned on the base line (or in some other way MuseScore does not expect), this property allows you to move fret-marks up (negative offsets) or down (positive offsets) for better vertical positioning. Values are in *sp*.
* **Marks are**\
  Choice of **Numbers** (‘1’, ‘2’...) or **Letters** (‘a’, ‘b’...) as fret marks. When letters are used, ‘j’ is skipped and ‘k’ is used for the 9th fret.
* **Marks are drawn**\
  Choice of placing fretmarks **On lines** or **Above lines**. For example:\\

  <figure><img src="/files/yMnvO7Cu5b0CZH2plyLU" alt="Example: letters"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

  \
  \&#xNAN;*Fretmark letters placed above line*.
* **Lines are**\
  Choice of **Continuous** (lines pass through fret marks) or **Broken** (a small space appears in the line where the fretmark is displayed). For example:\\

  <figure><img src="/files/vSBezuZUKovcwGgVFtd0" alt="Example: numbers"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

  \
  \&#xNAN;*Tablature with lines broken*.
* **Show back-tied fret marks**\
  If unticked, only the first note in a series of tied notes is displayed. If ticked, all notes in the tied series are displayed.
* **Show fingering in tablature**\
  Tick to allow the display of fingering symbols applied from a [palette](/3/basics/palettes.md).

Under **Note Values** tab: properties define the appearance of the symbols indicating note values\\

<figure><img src="/files/55G59xDW5IHHOcCO57u1" alt="Ms3 st adv tab note"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **Font**\
  The font used to draw the value symbols. Currently 5 fonts are provided supporting all the necessary symbols in 5 different styles (modern, Italian tablature, French tablature, French baroque (headless), French baroque). Used only with the *Note symbols* option.
* **Size**\
  Font size, in typographic points. Built-in fonts usually look good at a size of 15pt. Used only with the *Note symbols* option.
* **Vertical offset**\
  Applies only when *Note symbols* is selected (see below). Use negative offset values to raise the note value symbols, positive values to lower them.
* **Shown as:**
  * *None*: No note value will be drawn (as in the examples above)
  * *Note symbols*: Symbols in the shape of notes will be drawn above the staff. When this option is selected, symbols are drawn **only** when the note value changes, without being repeated (by default) for a sequence of notes all of the same value. E.g.\\

    <figure><img src="/files/AF7AoPS8CSkYrbhzsFUB" alt="Example: note symbols"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
  * *Stems and beams*: Note stems and beams (or hooks) will be drawn. Values are indicated for each note, using the same typographic mechanics as for a regular staff; all commands of the standard Beam Palette can be applied to these beams too. E.g.\\

    <figure><img src="/files/R85EbSdAFraXoFPAkvOj" alt="Example: stems"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
* **Repeat:** (only available if "*Shown as: Note symbols*" is selected)\
  If several notes in sequence have the same duration, you can specify if and where to repeat the same note symbol: available options are *Never*, *At new system*, *At new measure*, *Always*
* **Stem style:** (only available when "*Shown as: Stems and Beams*" is selected)
  * *Beside staff*: Stems are drawn as fixed height lines above/below the staff.
  * *Through staff*: Stems run through the staff to reach the fret marks.
* **Stem position:** (only available when "*Shown as: Stems and Beams*" and "*Stem style: Beside staff*" is selected)
  * *Above*: Stems and beams are drawn above the staff.
  * *Below*: Stems and beams are drawn below the staff.
* **Half notes:** (only available when "*Shown as: Stems and Beams* and "*Stem style: Beside staff*" is selected)\
  Available options are *None*, *As short stems*, *As slashed stems*
* **Show rests**\
  Whether note symbols should be used to indicate also the rests; when used for rests, note symbols are drawn at a slightly lower position. Used only with the *Note symbols* option.

## Change instrument

Not to be confused with [Mid-staff instrument change](/3/sound-and-playback/mid-staff-instrument-changes.md).

This replaces the instrument that this staff belongs to, and change **all of its staffs** everywhere on a score. It changes playback, staff name, and staff transposition etc. [The Staff Type change may be unreasonable and create wrong playback.](#staff-types)

1. Right-click on an empty part of any measure OR on the instrument name and choose **Staff Properties...**;
2. Click on **Change Instrument...** (under "Part Properties");
3. Choose your new instrument and click **OK** to return to the Staff Properties dialog;
4. Click **OK** again to return to the score.

## External links

* How to create an ossia [with another staff](https://musescore.org/en/node/46236) and [using image capture](https://musescore.org/en/node/46226) (for MuseScore 2, still works for MuseScore 3, but here the Cutaway option might be the better choice)
* Musescore 4 handbook [Showing staves only where needed](https://musescore.org/en/handbook/4/showing-staves-only-where-needed) chapter.


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