> 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/slurs.md). # Slurs A **slur** is a curved line between two or more notes indicating that they are to be played *legato*—smoothly and without separation. Not to be confused with [Ties](/3/notation/ties.md), which join two notes of the same pitch. There are a number of ways to add a slur to a score, and all may be useful depending on the context (adding a slur from the [lines palette](/3/notation/lines.md) is also possible but not recommended). ## Add slur in note-input mode 1. While in [**Note input mode**](/3/basics/note-input.md#step-2-enter-note-input-mode), type in the first note in the slurred section; 2. Press S to begin the slurred section; 3. Type in the remaining notes in the slurred section; 4. Press S again to end the slurred section. ## Add slur in Normal mode ### Method 1 1. Make sure you are in [Normal mode](/3/appendix/glossary.md#normal-mode); 2. Select the note where you want the slur to start:
First note selected
3. Press S to add a slur extending to the next note:
Slur to adjacent note
4. (Optional) Hold Shift and press Right (right arrow key) to extend the slur to the next note. Repeat as required:
Three-note slur
5. (Optional) Press X to flip the slur direction:
Slur above note stems
6. Press Esc to exit [**edit mode**](/3/basics/edit-mode.md):
Slur no longer in edit mode
### Method 2 1. Make sure you are in [Normal mode](/3/appendix/glossary.md#normal-mode); 2. Select the note where you want the slur to start; 3. Choose one of the following options: * To add a slur to one voice *only*: Hold down Ctrl (Mac: Cmd) and select the last note that you want the slur to cover. * To add slurs to *all* voices: Hold down Shift (Mac: Cmd) and select the last note that you want the slurs to cover. 4. Press S. ## Adjust slur If you only want to adjust the *position* of a slur: 1. Select the slur; 2. Use any of the following methods: * Drag the slur. * Adjust the horizontal and vertical offset values in the [Inspector](/3/basics/inspector.md#element). To adjust *all* the properties of a slur (length, shape and position): 1. Make sure you are *not* in **note input mode**; 2. Go into [**Edit mode**](/3/basics/edit-mode.md) on the slur; 3. Click on a handle to select it, or use Tab to cycle through the handles; 4. To move the *left and right handles* from note to note, use the following shortcuts: * Shift+Right: Move to next note. * Shift+Left: Move to previous note. * Shift+Up: Move to lower voice (voice 2 to voice 1 etc.). * Shift+Down: Move to higher voice (voice 1 to voice 2 etc.). 5. To adjust the position of *any* handle, use any of the following methods: * Drag the handle. * Use the arrow keys for fine adjustment (0.1 [sp.](/3/appendix/glossary.md#spatium) at a time). For larger adjustments (1 [sp.](/3/appendix/glossary.md#spatium) at a time) use Ctrl+→ ← ↑ ↓. 6. Press Esc to exit **edit mode**. **Note**: The two outer handles adjust the start and end of the slur, whilst the three handles on the curve adjust the contour. The middle handle on the straight line is used to move the whole slur up/down/left/right. ## Extended slurs A slur can span several systems and pages. The start and end of a slur is anchored to a note/chord or rest. If the notes are repositioned due to changes in the layout, stretch or style, the slur also moves and adjusts in size. This example shows a slur spanning from the bass to the treble clef. Using the mouse, select the first note of the slur, hold down Ctrl (Mac: Cmd) and select the last note for the slur, and press S to add the slur.
Slur across staves
X flips the direction of a selected slur. ## Dotted/dashed slurs Dotted slurs are sometimes used in songs where the presence of a slur varies between stanzas. Dotted slurs are also used to indicate an editor's suggestion (as opposed to the composer's original markings). To change an existing slur into a dotted or dashed slur, select it and then in Inspector (F8) change `Line type` from `Continuous` to `Dotted` or `Dashed`. ## See also * [Tie](/3/notation/ties.md) * [Edit mode](/3/basics/edit-mode.md) * [Note input](/3/basics/note-input.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/notation/slurs.md?ask=&goal= ``` `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.