> 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/viewing-and-navigation.md).

# Viewing and navigation

This chapter describes the options available in the **View** Menu, and in the **Zoom** and **Page View/Continuous View** menus (located in the toolbar above the score). It also details the various navigation commands and functions.

## View menu

### Show sidebars/panels

* [Palettes](/3/basics/palettes.md): <kbd>F9</kbd>
* [Master palette](/3/advanced-topics/master-palette.md): <kbd>Shift</kbd>+<kbd>F9</kbd> (Mac: <kbd>Fn</kbd>+<kbd>Shift</kbd>+<kbd>F9</kbd>)
* [Inspector](/3/basics/inspector.md): <kbd>F8</kbd> (Mac: <kbd>Fn</kbd>+<kbd>F8</kbd>)
* [Play Panel](/3/sound-and-playback/play-mode.md#play-panel): <kbd>F11</kbd> (Mac: <kbd>Fn</kbd>+<kbd>F11</kbd>)
* [Navigator](#navigator)
* [Timeline](/3/advanced-topics/timeline.md): <kbd>F12</kbd>
* [Mixer](/3/sound-and-playback/mixer.md): <kbd>F10</kbd> (Mac: <kbd>Fn</kbd>+<kbd>F10</kbd>)
* [Synthesizer](/3/sound-and-playback/synthesizer.md)
* [Selection filter](/3/basics/copy-and-paste.md#selection-filter): <kbd>F6</kbd> (Mac: <kbd>Fn</kbd>+<kbd>F6</kbd>)
* [Piano keyboard](/3/basics/note-input.md#virtual-piano-keyboard): <kbd>P</kbd>
* [Score comparison tool](/3/advanced-topics/score-comparison.md)

### Zoom in/out

There are several ways to zoom the score in or out:

* **Keyboard shortcut**:
  * Zoom In: <kbd>Ctrl</kbd>+<kbd>+</kbd> (Mac: <kbd>Cmd</kbd> +<kbd>+</kbd>)
  * Zoom Out: <kbd>Ctrl</kbd> +<kbd>-</kbd> (Mac: <kbd>Cmd</kbd> +<kbd>-</kbd>).
* **View menu**:
  * Zoom In: **View -> Zoom In**
  * Zoom Out: **View -> Zoom Out**.
* **Mouse**
  * Zoom In: Scroll *up* with the mouse wheel while holding down <kbd>Ctrl</kbd> (Mac: <kbd>Cmd</kbd>)
  * Zoom Out: Scroll *down* with the mouse wheel while holding down <kbd>Ctrl</kbd> (Mac: <kbd>Cmd</kbd>).
* **Drop-down menu**: To set a specific zoom, use the dropdown menu in the standard toolbar to set the view magnification of the score (25–1600 %) or display it using the options "Page Width", "Whole Page", or "Two Pages".

  <figure><img src="/files/r966WFlFJAXcKDvMexK1" alt="Zoom"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

  \ You may type a custom zoom % into the dropdown field if your desired zoom level isn't available by default.
* **To return to 100% zoom**: Use the shortcut <kbd>Ctrl</kbd>+<kbd>0</kbd> (Mac: <kbd>Cmd</kbd>+<kbd>0</kbd>).

### Toolbars

The **Toolbar** area is located between the **Menu bar** and the **document window**.

<figure><img src="/files/NasnLDPI7WPZHCyRB5Je" alt="Toolbar area"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

It contains the following toolbars:

* **File Operations**: New score, Load score, Save, Print, Undo, Redo.
* **Zoom**/**Page View**.
* **Playback controls**: Enable MIDI, Rewind, Play/Stop, Loop, Play Repeats, Metronome.
* **Concert Pitch**: Displays score in written or concert (sounding) pitch.
* **Image Capture**: Allows you to take a [snapshot](/3/formatting/image-capture.md) of part of the score.
* **Note Input**: Note entry mode, Duration, Tie, Rest, Accidentals, Flip stem direction, Voice (1, 2, 3, 4).

#### Show/hide toolbars

To show or hide certain toolbars:

* Select **View -> Toolbars**, and tick/untick the options as required.
* Alternatively, right-click on an empty space in the toolbar area, or the title bar of the Inspector, and, from the menu, check or uncheck the required options.

*Note*: This option also allows you to show or hide the Timeline, Score Comparison Tool, Script Recorder, Piano Keyboard, Selection Filter, and Drumset Tools.

#### Customize toolbar area

* Select **View -> Toolbars**, and click on "Customize Toolbars…"

  <figure><img src="/files/7e9xRcHcSF6bqxc10yMk" alt="Customize toolbars dialog"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The dialog shows the toolbars that can be customized on the left, the current tool buttons for the selected toolbar in the middle, and the buttons that can be added on the right. When you have selected a toolbar in the left panel, you can do any of the following actions:

* **Remove a toolbutton**: Select the button in the middle panel, and press **→**.
* **Add a toolbutton**: Select the button in the right panel, and press **←**.
* **Move a toolbutton**: Select the button in the middle panel, and move it up or down using **↑** or **↓**.

*Note*: The toolbar cannot be customized unless a custom workspace is selected (see below).

### Workspaces

Select this option to [create a custom workspace](/3/basics/workspaces.md#create-custom-workspace) or to [edit an existing workspace](/3/basics/workspaces.md#edit-the-workspace).

### Show Status bar

The **Status bar**, at the bottom of the screen, gives information about selected score elements. Tick/untick this option to display or hide.

### Split display

It is possible to split the document display so as to view two documents at once, or to view two different parts of the same document. Tabs allow you to choose which document to display in each view. You can drag the barrier separating the two scores to adjust the amount of space in the window devoted to each:

* **Documents Side by Side**: Divides the window vertically into two score views.
* **Documents Stacked**: Divides the window horizontally into two score views, one above the other.

<figure><img src="/files/KADrBa7mHgscXPvk9PNs" alt="Split display"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Visibility options

This section allows you to display or hide various non-printing elements:

* **Show Invisible**: View/hide elements that have been made [invisible](/3/basics/inspector.md#element) for printing and export. If this option is ticked, invisible elements are shown in the score window as light gray.
* **Show Unprintable**: View/hide [breaks and spacer](/3/formatting/breaks-and-spacers.md) symbols.
* **Show Frames**: View/hide the dotted outlines of [frames](/3/formatting/frames.md).
* **Show Page Margins**: View/hide [Page Margins](/3/formatting/page-settings.md#oddeven-page-margins).

### Mark irregular measures

A plus sign or minus sign at the top right of a measure indicates that its duration differs from that set by the time signature.\\

<figure><img src="/files/kFMy0lZ5c6uMR6eWTVui" alt="Ms3 irregular"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Full screen

Full Screen mode expands MuseScore to fill your screen so more content is visible.

## Page/Continuous View

You can switch between different views of the score using the drop-down list in the [toolbar](#toolbars) area:

<figure><img src="/files/sKMsLUR0ZOHVtQeX2brX" alt="Viewing Modes"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To scroll the score:

* **Vertically**: Move the mouse wheel up or down.
* **Horizontally**: Press <kbd>Shift</kbd> and move the mouse wheel up or down.

### Page View

In **Page View**, the score is formatted as it will appear when printed or exported as a PDF or image file: that is, page by page, with margins. MuseScore applies system (line) and page [breaks](/3/formatting/breaks-and-spacers.md#breaks) automatically, according to the settings made in [Page settings](/3/formatting/page-settings.md) and [Style…](/3/formatting/layout-and-formatting.md#style-window). In addition, you can apply your own system (line), page or section breaks.

To choose between **horizontal** or **vertical** page scrolling, see [Preferences: Canvas (Scroll pages)](/3/advanced-topics/preferences.md#canvas).

### Continuous View

In **Continuous View**, the score is shown as one unbroken system. Even if the starting point is not in view, measure numbers, instrument names, clefs, time and key signatures will always be displayed on the left of the window.

*Note*: Because the layout is simpler, MuseScore may perform faster in Continuous View than Page View.

### Single Page View

In **Single Page View** the score is shown as a single page with a header but no margins, and with an infinite page height. System (line) [breaks](/3/formatting/breaks-and-spacers.md#breaks) are added automatically, according to the settings made in [Page settings](/3/formatting/page-settings.md) and [Style…](/3/formatting/layout-and-formatting.md#style-window). In addition, you can apply your own system (line) or section breaks.

## Side panels

The **workspaces**, **Inspector** and **Selection filter** are conveniently displayed as **side panels** to the left and right of the score window. To undock a side panel use one of the following methods:

* Drag the panel;
* Click on the double chevron at the top of the panel;
* Double-click in the title area at the top of the panel.

To dock a panel use one of the following procedures:

* Drag the panel to the top/bottom of an existing side panel and it will stack vertically above/below that panel.
* Drag the panel to the middle of an existing side panel and it will overlay that panel. Both panels can then be accessed by tabs.

Alternatively, double-clicking the title bar of the panel will restore it to its previously docked position.

## Navigation

### Commands

Various commands are available to help you navigate more easily through the score. These are listed under [Keyboard shortcuts: Navigation](/3/appendix/keyboard-shortcuts.md#navigation).

### Navigator

The **Navigator** is an optional panel which displays page thumbnails of the score at the bottom or to the right of the document window.

* To view or hide the Navigator, select **View -> Navigator**; or use a customized [shortcut](/3/advanced-topics/preferences.md#shortcuts).

<figure><img src="/files/VEuVNo5MQNF0GQiOJ7MU" alt="Navigator"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The Navigator appears at the bottom of the document window if scrolling pages horizontally; or on the right if scrolling pages vertically (see [Preferences: Canvas](/3/advanced-topics/preferences.md#canvas)).

The blue box represents the area of the score that is currently visible in the document window: drag the box, or click directly on the navigator panel to bring another part of the score into view. You can also drag the scrollbar.

### Timeline

The **Timeline** panel provides a detailed overview of the score, with expanded possibilities for navigation and interaction.

* To display the **Timeline**, press <kbd>F12</kbd>; or select **View -> Timeline**.

For details, see [Timeline](/3/advanced-topics/timeline.md).

### Find / Go to

The **Find** / **Go to** function allows you to speedily navigate to a specific measure, [rehearsal mark](/3/text/rehearsal-marks.md) or page number in the score:

1. Press <kbd>Ctrl</kbd>+<kbd>F</kbd> (Mac: <kbd>Cmd</kbd>+<kbd>F</kbd>), or select **Edit -> Find**. This opens the **Find** (or **Go to**) **bar** at the bottom of the workspace.
2. Use one of the following options:

   * **To go to a numbered measure**: enter the measure number (counting every measure, starting with 1, irrespective of [pickup measures](/3/basics/measure-operations.md#irregular), [section breaks](/3/formatting/breaks-and-spacers.md#section-break) or manual changes to measure number offsets).
   * **To go to a numbered page**: enter the page number using the format pXX (where XX is the page number).
   * **To go to a numerical rehearsal mark**: enter the number using the format rXX (where XX is the name of the rehearsal mark).
   * **To go to a rehearsal mark starting with a letter**: enter the name of the [rehearsal mark](/3/text/rehearsal-marks.md) (the search is case insensitive).

   **N.B.**: It is best to avoid naming rehearsal marks with the single letters "R", "r", "P", "p", or one of these letters with an integer (e.g. "R1" or "p3"), as this can confuse the search algorithm.

**Note:** The "Pan score automatically" toolbar button must be enabled for the Find command to be able to reposition the score view to the correct location.

## See also

* [Save/Export/Print](/3/basics/opensaveexportprint.md)
* [File format](/3/advanced-topics/file-formats.md)
* [Layout and formatting](/3/formatting/layout-and-formatting.md)


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://handbook.musescore.org/3/basics/viewing-and-navigation.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
