> 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/notation/articulations-and-ornaments/bends.md).
# Bends
**Bends**, of various kinds, can be created with the **Bend Tool**
. You can find this in the [Articulations](/3/notation/articulations-and-ornaments.md) [palette](/3/basics/palettes.md) of the Advanced [workspace](/3/basics/workspaces.md). Any bend applied to the score can be customized in the **Bend** section of the [Inspector](/3/basics/inspector.md).
## Apply a bend
To apply one or more bends to the score, use one of the following options:
* Select one or more notes and double-click a bend symbol in the palette.
* Drag a bend symbol from the palette on to a note.
## Edit bend
### Text and line properties
1. Select the bend.
2. Adjust the following properties in the **Bend** section of the Inspector:
* *Line thickness*.
* *Font, Size, Style*: Properties of the text.
* *Play* (checkbox): Whether the bend affects playback or not.
Global text and line properties for all bends in the score can be edited in **Format -> Style... -> Bend**.
### Bend shape and width
*Versions 3.4 and above:*
1. Make sure that the bend is selected.
2. In the "Bend" section of the [Inspector](/3/basics/inspector.md) use the **Bend type** dropdown to choose from a range of presets. "Bend" is the default option.
3. Make adjustments, as required, to the graphical display of the bend in the Inspector: see [Edit graphical display](#edit-graphical-display) (below).
*Versions prior to 3.4:*
1. Select the bend and click on **Properties** in the Inspector; Alternatively, right-click on the bend and select "Bend Properties".\\
2. Choose from a range of presets under **Bend type**. "Bend" is the default option.
3. Make adjustments, as required, to the graphical display of the bend: see [Edit graphical display](#edit-graphical-display) (below).
#### Edit graphical display
The bend is represented by a graph consisting of gray lines connected by square, blue **nodes** (see image above). The slope of the line indicates the type of bend:
* Up-slope = Up-bend
* Down-slope = Down-bend
* Horizontal line = Hold
The **vertical axis** of the graph represents the amount by which the pitch is bent up or down: one unit equals a quarter-tone: 2 units a semitone, 4 units a whole-tone, and so on. The **horizontal axis** of the graph indicates the length of the bend: each gray line segment extends for [1 space (sp)](/3/appendix/glossary.md#spatium) in the score.
A bend is modified by adding or deleting nodes in the graph:
* To **add** a node, click on an empty intersection.
* To **delete** a node, click on it.
Adding a node *lengthens* the bend by 1 sp; deleting a node *shortens* the bend by 1 sp. The *Start* and *End* points of the bend can be moved up and down only.
## Adjust height
The height of the bend symbol is automatically adjusted so that the text appears just above the staff. This height can be adjusted, if necessary, with a workaround:
1. Create another note vertically above the note (shortening the line) or below the note (extending the line) at which you want the bend to start.
2. Apply the bend to the created note.
3. To adjust the height of the bend move this created note vertically so that the bend symbol gets the desired height.
4. Drag the bend symbol to the correct position (to the original note).
5. Mark the created note invisible and silent (using the [Inspector](/3/basics/inspector.md)).
## Adjust position
To adjust position use one of the following:
* Drag the bend symbol with a mouse.
* Click on the symbol and adjust the horizontal and vertical offsets in the [Inspector](/3/basics/inspector.md).
* Double-click on the symbol; or click on it and press Ctrl+E (Mac: Cmd+E); or right-click on the symbol and select "Edit element." Then use the arrow keys for fine positioning (0.1 sp at a time); or Ctrl+Arrow (Mac: Cmd+Arrow) for larger adjustments (1 sp at a time).
## Custom bends
After a bend has been created in the score it can be saved for future use by dragging and dropping the symbol to a palette while holding down Ctrl+Shift (Mac: Cmd+Shift). See [Custom Workspace](/3/basics/workspaces.md#create-custom-workspace).
## External links
* [Bending](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finger_vibrato#Radial_pitch-shifting_\(string_bending\)) at Wikipedia
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