# Input by duration mode

{% hint style="info" %}
This page explains music creation on standard staves. See also the \[tablature]\(%1) and \[percussion]\(%2) pages.
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## Quickstart

To enter notes using **Input by duration** mode:

1. Type `M` to enter Input by duration mode
2. Type `A`, `B`, `C`, `D`, `E`, `F`, or `G` to select a pitch
3. Press a duration in the toolbar or type a duration shortcut (`1`–`9`) to enter a note

## Entering notes

{% hint style="info" %}
MuseScore Studio's default note entry method is \[\*\*Input by note name\*\*]\(%1). If you'd prefer to choose the pitch first and then enter notes into your score by pressing the duration shortcuts or buttons in the toolbar, \*\*Input by duration mode\*\* is for you.
{% endhint %}

### Selecting a start point

To add a note or rest to the score, start by selecting a location to begin entry. You can use the mouse or the keyboard navigation commands.

### Entering Input by duration mode

Press `M` to enter Input by duration mode or select the button in the toolbar.

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### Selecting pitch

A preview of the next pitch to be entered is shown on the score in the colour of the currently selected [voice](https://handbook.musescore.org/en_gb/basics/working-with-multiple-voices). On most instruments, this pitch cursor will fall on the middle stave line.

Enter pitches using the computer keyboard, mouse, MIDI keyboard, or virtual piano keyboard.

#### Selecting pitch using the computer keyboard

* Type `A`, `B`, `C`, `D`, `E`, `F`, or `G` to select a pitch by name.
* Use `↑` or `↓` to move the pitch cursor up or down by one stave line or space.
* Use `Ctrl` + `↑` or `Ctrl` + `↓` to move the pitch cursor up or down by one octave.

#### **Selecting pitch using the mouse**

Hovering over a stave and clicking enters a note at the cursor position. See the main [entering notes and rests](https://handbook.musescore.org/en_gb/entering-notes-and-rests#selecting-pitch-using-the-mouse) page for more details.

### Selecting duration

After selecting pitch using one of the methods above, press a duration in the toolbar or use a shortcut (`1`–`9`) to enter a note. See the list of duration shortcuts below:

## Entering chords

For the purpose of this section, chords are any combination of multiple notes all starting at the same time, all sharing the same duration, and all sharing a single stem.

#### To create chords as you enter notes

* **Computer keyboard**: Hold `Shift` while entering the note using `A`–`G`
  * The next note will be added above the last note added, so when building a chord it's easiest to start by entering the lowest note first.
* **Mouse**: Click the location where you wish to add the note
* **MIDI keyboard**: Either play all the notes at the same time, or play them one at a time but do not release one key before pressing the next, then select a duration
* **Virtual piano keyboard**: Hold `Shift` while clicking a key in the piano panel

You can also add notes to chords by interval.

#### To create chords over a previously-entered line of notes

Notes entered in **Input by duration** mode that match the duration at the cursor position will form a chord with the existing note rather than overwriting them. There's no need to hold `Shift`.

So, use `←` or `→` to move the entry cursor to any location where a note already exists, select a pitch, then enter the corresponding duration to create or add to a chord.

## Preferences

In **Preferences → Note input**, you can further customise Input by duration mode.

* **Default input mode**: Choose whether **Input by note name mode** or **Input by duration mode** is entered when entering a note or double-clicking on a stave.
* **Input by duration mode cursor**: Choose whether to show the above stave ruler or the classic note entry cursor when in Input by duration mode.


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