> 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/basics/edit-mode.md).
# Edit mode
**Edit mode** allows you to perform a wide range of editing operations on individual score elements, such as:
* Adjust the length and shape of slurs, lines, barlines etc.
* Add, delete and format text in text objects.
* Adjust the position of *most* score elements (but not [text](/3/text/text-basics.md#adjust-position-of-text-objects)).
## Enter edit mode
### MuseScore versions 3.4 and above
For lines, hairpins, slurs, note-stems, note-beams, and barlines, use one of the following methods:
* Click on an element.
* Right-click on an element and, from the menu, select **Edit Element**.
For other elements, use one of the following methods:
* Double-click an element.
* Click on an object already selected (*text-based objects only*).
* Right-click on an element and, from the menu, select **Edit Element**.
* Click on an element and press Alt+Shift+E.
### MuseScore versions prior to 3.4
Use one of the following methods:
* Double-click an element.
* Right-click on an element and, from the menu, select **Edit Element**.
* Click on an element and press Alt+Shift+E.
## Exit edit mode
To exit **Edit mode** use any of the following:
* Press Esc.
* Click on a blank area of the document window.
## Text
For **text edit mode**, see [Text editing](/3/text/text-editing.md).
## Lines
See [Lines: Change length](/3/notation/lines.md#change-length-and-anchors-together), and [Adjust slur](/3/notation/slurs.md#adjust-slur).
## Notes
### Offset notes
Sometimes it is necessary to shift a note to the right or left—to avoid a collision with another element or to override automatic [notehead sharing](/3/advanced-topics/notehead-schemes/noteheads.md#shared-noteheads) for example:
1. Enter [Edit mode](#enter-edit-mode) on the desired note;
2. Press the arrow key in the direction (left or right) that you wish to nudge the note (or use Ctrl+Left or Ctrl+Right for larger adjustments);
3. Press the Esc key. This will allow the note stem to be redrawn.
Alternatively, you can select the notehead and change the "Horizontal offset" (under "Chord") in the [Inspector](/3/basics/inspector.md).
### Adjust note stem length
1. Enter [Edit mode](#enter-edit-mode) on the desired note stem;
2. Use [keyboard shortcuts](#keyboard-shortcuts) (below) to extend or shorten the stem;
3. Exit edit mode.
Alternatively, you can select the stem and change the "Length Offset" (under "Stem") in the [Inspector](/3/basics/inspector.md).
To *reposition* a note stem, you should select it and adjust the "X" or "Y" setting for the "Offset" under "Automatic placement" in the "Element" section of the [Inspector](/3/basics/inspector.md#inspector).
## Keyboard shortcuts
In **Edit mode** the following keyboard commands can be used to change the position of either (1) a **score element** (e.g. ornament, accidental etc.) or (2) an **adjustment handle** (e.g. slur, line etc.):
* Left: Move left 0.1 [staff space](/3/appendix/glossary.md#spatium).
* Right: Move right 0.1 staff space
* Up: Move up 0.1 staff space
* Down: Move down 0.1 staff space
* Ctrl+Left (Mac: Cmd+Left): Move left one staff space
* Ctrl+Right (Mac: Cmd+Right): Move right one staff space
* Ctrl+Up (Mac: Cmd+Up): Move up one staff space
* Ctrl+Down (Mac: Cmd+Down): Moves down one staff space
* Alt+Left: Move left 0.01 staff space
* Alt+Right: Move right 0.01 staff space
* Alt+Up: Move up 0.01 staff space
* Alt+Down: Move down 0.01 staff space
The following commands only apply to **adjustment handles**:
* Shift+Left: Move end handle's **anchor** left by one note/rest.
* Shift+Right: Move end handle's **anchor** right by one note/rest.
* Tab: Go to next handle.
To undo all edits, ensure you are *not* in edit mode and press Ctrl+R.
## See also
* [Text editing](/3/text/text-editing.md)
* [Slur](/3/notation/slurs.md)
* [Bracket](/3/notation/brackets.md)
* [Line](/3/notation/lines.md)
* [Beam](/3/notation/beams.md)
* [Hairpin](/3/notation/hairpins.md)
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