> 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/tuplets.md). # Tuplets **Tuplets** are used to write rhythms beyond the beat divisions usually permitted by the time signature. For example, a *triplet* consists of three notes in the time of two:

And a *duplet* consists of two notes in the time of three:

## Create a tuplet The exact method of tuplet entry depends on whether you are starting off in [Note input mode](/3/basics/note-input.md#step-2-enter-note-input-mode) or [Normal mode](/3/appendix/glossary.md#normal-mode). We'll start off with a simple example: the creation of an eighth note triplet. ### Create a triplet in normal mode 1. Select a note or rest that specifies the full duration of the desired triplet group. In the case of an eighth note triplet, you will need to select a quarter note or rest—as in the example below:

2. Press the keyboard shortcut for a triplet, Ctrl+3 (Mac: Cmd+3); alternatively use the menu, **Add -> Tuplets -> Triplet**. This will give the following result:

3. The program automatically changes to note-input mode and selects the most appropriate duration—in this example an eighth note. Now enter the desired series of notes/rests. For example:

Alternatively, use the [Duration Editor](https://musescore.org/en/project/duration-editor) to switch between tuplet and non-tuplet. ### Create a triplet in note input mode 1. Ensure you are in note input mode (press N). 2. Navigate to the note/rest (or blank measure) where you want the triplet to start (use the left/right arrow keys as required). 3. Select a final duration for the whole triplet group. In the case of an eighth note triplet, click on the quarter note in the note input toolbar (or press 5 on the keyboard). 4. Press the keyboard shortcut for a tuplet, Ctrl+3 (Mac: Cmd+3); alternatively, use the menu, **Add -> Tuplets -> Triplet**. This creates a triplet number/bracket and appropriately divides the original note/rest (see image above). 5. The program automatically selects the most appropriate duration—in this example an eighth note—allowing you to immediately start entering the desired series of notes/rests. ### Create other tuplets To create other tuplets substitute one of the following commands at the relevant step above: * Press Ctrl+2–9 (Mac: Cmd+2–9). 2 for a duplet, 3 for a triplet etc. * From the menu, select **Add -> Tuplets**, then click on the desired option. For more complex cases, see [below](#custom-tuplets). ### Custom tuplets To create other tuplets than the default options (e.g. 13 sixteenth notes in the space of one quarter note): 1. In [Note input mode](/3/basics/note-input.md#step-2-enter-note-input-mode), select a note duration equaling the total duration of the tuplet; or, if in [Normal mode](/3/appendix/glossary.md#normal-mode), select a note or rest of the desired overall duration; 2. Open the **Create Tuplet** dialog from the menu: **Add -> Tuplets -> Other...**; 3. Select the desired number ratio (e.g. 13/4 for thirteen sixteenth notes in the space of a quarter note) under "Relation" in the "Type" section. Specify "Number" and "Bracket" using the radio buttons in the "Format" section;

4. Click OK to close the dialog:

Thirteen-tuplet in the space of one quarter, or four sixteenths

5. Enter the desired series of notes/rests. ### Triplet examples

## Delete a tuplet Use either of the following: * Select the number or bracket and press Del. * Select any element of the tuplet, then in the **Note** section of the **Inspector** press the "Tuplet" button (bottom right), and press Del. * Select the entire tuplet, using the [shift + click method](/3/basics/selecting-elements.md#shift-click-selection), then press Del. * Use the [Duration Editor](https://musescore.org/en/project/duration-editor) to switch between tuplet and non-tuplet. ## Change display of tuplets ### Using the Inspector To change the display properties of tuplets in the score, select the tuplet numbers/brackets, and adjust the desired properties in the "Tuplet" section of the [Inspector](/3/basics/inspector.md):

* **Direction**: 'Auto' places the bracket/number in the *default* position. 'Up' *always* places the bracket *above* the note heads; 'Down' *always* places the bracket *below* the note heads. * **Number type**: Choice of 'Number', 'Ratio', or 'Nothing'. * **Bracket type**: 'Automatic' *hides* the bracket for beamed notes and *shows* the bracket if the tuplet includes unbeamed notes or rests. 'Bracket' displays the bracket. 'None' hides the bracket. ### Using the Tuplets Style dialog To make fine adjustments to the way that *all* tuplets in the score are displayed: from the menu, select **Format -> Style... ->** [**Tuplets**](/3/formatting/layout-and-formatting.md#tuplets). The legend below illustrates some of the properties that can be adjusted in the Tuplets style dialog:

(2) Vertical distance from stem.\ (3) Vertical distance from note head.\ (5) Distance before stem of first note.\ (6) Distance after stem of last note. ## External links * [How to create triplets and other tuplets](https://musescore.org/en/node/11186) (MuseScore HowTo) * [How to create nonstandard tuplets](https://musescore.org/en/node/260646) (MuseScore HowTo) * [How To create triplets and other tuplets across measures](https://musescore.org/en/node/276045) (MuseScore HowTo) * [Tuplet](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuplet) at Wikipedia * [The User Guide to Tuplets in MuseScore](http://youtu.be/oJquDsYMUq0) \[video] --- # 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/tuplets.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.