> 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/voltas.md). # Voltas Volta brackets, or first and second ending brackets, are [lines](/3/notation/lines.md) used to mark different endings for a [simple repeat](/3/notation/repeats-and-jumps.md#simple-repeats). Score playback automatically follows the repeat indications.
Sample first and second endings
## To add a volta to the score Use one of the following methods: * Select a measure, or range of measures and click a Volta icon in the [Lines palette](/3/notation/lines.md) (double-click in versions prior to 3.4). * Drag-and-drop a volta from the [Lines palette](/3/notation/lines.md), then adjust the length as required (see below). ## To change the number of measures that a volta covers 1. Go into [**Edit mode**](/3/basics/edit-mode.md#enter-exit) on the volta. The end handle is automatically selected. 2. Press Shift+Right to move the end handle *forward* one measure. Press Shift+Left to move the handle *backward* one measure. Repeat as required. **Note**: When you select a start or end handle, a dashed line appears connecting it to an [anchor](/3/appendix/glossary.md#anchor) point on the staff (see diagram, below). This anchor shows the position of the *playback* start/end points of the Volta. The Shift commands change the anchor point so playback always remains in sync with the *visual* start/end points. To make fine adjustments to the *visual* start or end points, without affecting playback, use other keyboard arrow [commands](/3/basics/edit-mode.md#keyboard-shortcuts), or drag the handles with a mouse.
Second-ending volta in edit mode
## Volta properties **To make changes to Volta text**: * Select the volta, and edit the properties in the **Text Line Core** section of the [Inspector](/3/basics/inspector.md).
Volta text properties in the Inspector
**To specify the order of repeats**: * Select the volta, and in "Repeat list" (**Volta** section of the **Inspector**) type in a number, or sequence of numbers separated by commas, to indicate the repeat(s) in which the volta is to be played.\\
Repeat list, Volta section of the Inspector
For example, a **first ending** shows the number "1"; a **second ending**, the number "2" and so on. More complex repeats are also possible: e.g. a "Repeat list" displaying "1, 2, 4, 5, 7" indicates that the volta is to be played during repeats 1, 2, 4, 5, and 7, and so on. **Note**: Each volta section, except the final one, should end with an **end repeat** [barline](/3/notation/barlines.md). **Note**: Keep in mind that the repeat is always referenced in comparison to it's starting point (either the most recent start repeat barline or the start of the current section). ## Playback Sometimes a repeat plays more than two times. If you want to change the number of times MuseScore plays a repeat, go to the measure containing the end repeat barline and change its "Play count". See [Measure operations: Other properties](/3/basics/measure-operations.md#other) and the note on playback for voltas in [Repeats and jumps](/3/notation/repeats-and-jumps.md#playback). ### Play count The play count of the measure with the end repeat barline must be set (at least) one higher than the number of times you want the measure to play (this is usually equal to the number of entries in that volta repeat list + 1). Take the following score:\\ \ Measure 4 should have play count set to 4\ Measure 6 should have play count set to 3 ## External links * [MuseScore in Minutes, Lesson 8: Repeats and Endings, Part 1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHGZ47pwuB8) (Video tutorial for MuseScore 2) * [How to create ties leading into a 2nd ending](https://musescore.org/en/node/267614) (MuseScore HowTo) --- # 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/voltas.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.