# Pedal
For Harp Pedal see [Idiomatic notation: Harp](https://handbook.musescore.org/idiomatic-notation/harp) instead.
## Types of pedal markings
This chapter focuses on the types of piano pedal engraving available, for knowledge of various piano pedals see [wikipedia article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piano_pedals).
### In terms of visual representation
Supported engravings including:
* Line at either or both ends, have no hook or hooks at angles of either 45 or 90 degrees, or "T" end;
* **Ped.** followed by such a line, or a rosette symbol (\*): The line from the built-in **Ped. \*** palette item is invisible and non-printing. Adjust on-screen display with **View menu > Show > Show invisible** setting accordingly, see [The user interface](https://handbook.musescore.org/navigation/the-user-interface). To convert the line to visible in printing, or style it as dashed, see [properties](#pedal-properties).\\
* Other related symbols and pictogram can be found under **Symbols** category in **Master palette** window, see [Other symbols](https://handbook.musescore.org/notation/expressive-markings/other-symbols). ***Sost.*** (sostenuto pedal) marking should not be confused with **sost.--** [Tempo markings](https://handbook.musescore.org/text/tempo-markings), see also [discussion on steinberg.net](https://forums.steinberg.net/t/sostenuto-inconsistent-preset-behaviour/131902).\\
* Create custom **sim.** or **pedal ad lib** marking with [Staff text](https://handbook.musescore.org/text/staff-system-and-expression-text).
* Full pedal is implied for playback, [embed images](https://handbook.musescore.org/formatting/working-with-images) to add pedal strength symbols for engraving need.
### In terms of function inside MuseScore
There are three different subtypes:
**Type 1** includes:\\
* Line with **45 degree** angled **End hook** or **no End hook**, with or without **Ped.** beginning text.
* **Ped.** followed by a rosette symbol (\*)
Visually, the line or symbol only extends horizontally to the *notehead* attached to the **end anchor**.\
Functionally, if that note is attached to another marking's **start anchor**, the following marking will automatically connect and make a shape resembling "-^-", which is indicative of the piano technique *"pedal released and pressed again without releasing this note"*.\\
\ \_shown above is the auto connect, their playback are also in line with the piano technique\_\ If the instrument use \[SoundFonts]\(../../sound-and-playback/soundfonts.md) such as "MS Basic", or when exported as MIDI file, sustain (MIDI CC 64) is created. When consecutive type 1 markings create a "-^-", playback matches the piano technique, the \_first marking\_ is interpreted by synthesizer as \_released \*\*at\*\* the note attached to the \*\*end anchor\*\*\_. Single or trailing type 1 markings creates playback like type 2: \_sustain until the note attached to the \*\*end anchor\*\* ends.\_\\
\ \_The last two type 1 markings shown above are single or trailing, they create the same playback as type 2\_
**Type 2** includes:\\
* Line other than described in Type 1, with or without **Ped.** beginning text.
Visually, the line extends horizontally to an aprpopiate length spanning the *full duration* of note attached to the **end anchor**.\
Functionally, if the instrument use [SoundFonts](https://handbook.musescore.org/sound-and-playback/soundfonts) such as "MS Basic", or when exported as MIDI file, sustain (MIDI CC 64) is created. Type 2 always *sustain until the note attached to the **end anchor** ends.*
Type 1 and 2 are interchangable by adjusting [properties](#pedal-properties).
**Type 3** includes the sostenuto pedal marking and custom Staff texts, they are for engraving purpose only and are non-functional.
## Adding pedal markings to your score
\ \_shown above a type 2 marking on score\_
Add pedal markings from **Lines** palette, see [Other lines:Adding a line to your score](https://handbook.musescore.org/notation/expressive-markings/other-lines).
Adjust with Shift+Left/Right, switch handle with Tab, see [Adjusting elements directly: Changing the range of a line](https://handbook.musescore.org/basics/adjusting-elements-directly#changing-the-range-of-a-line).
Unfortunately, you might need to make compromise with engraving style or not notate at all if you must create a desired playback, because of the functional limitation of Type 1 and Type 2 explained. As of Musescore 4.1.1, pedal marking always create sustain playback only (**cannot** be turned off), making it impossible to use "add redundant symbol, make it invisible" trick.
To create shape resembling "-^-" with consecutive Type 1 markings, make sure the **end anchor** is attached correctly, which is usually to the **first note of the next measure** instead of the last note of the previous measure. This big picture shows the correct **end anchor** result.\\
MuseScore 4.1.1 does not offer keyboard shortcut bindings to palette items, the keyboard shortcut key available in Musescore 3 that you can use to re-apply the same (last used) palette item is removed (not reimplemented yet).
## Creating pedal changes
*Not to be confused with* [*Harp pedal change*](https://handbook.musescore.org/idiomatic-notation/harp)
Use type 1 markings, explained in ["adding marking" section](#adding-pedal-markings-to-your-score).\
For issues related to MusicXML direction import / export, there are upcoming changes in Musescore 4.2, see forum discussion **\[please feel free to update info here]**
## Pedal properties
Select pedal marking(s), in [Properties panel](https://handbook.musescore.org/basics/properties-panel) Pedal section, [Line properties](https://handbook.musescore.org/notation/expressive-markings/other-lines#line-properties) can be set, the extra option available to pedal marking is **"Show line with rosette"** checkbox under **Style** tab, tick it to make [the default line visible in printing and exporting](#types-of-pedal-markings).
## Pedal style
See [Templates and styles](https://handbook.musescore.org/customization/templates-and-styles)
Values of the "Style for Pedal" can be edited in **Format→Style→Pedal**.\
Values of the "Style for text inside Pedal" can be edited in **Format→Style→Text styles→Pedal**\
See also [Line style](https://handbook.musescore.org/notation/expressive-markings/other-lines#line-style).
