# About the handbook

## MuseScore versions covered

This handbook is valid for **MuseScore Studio version 4.0 and above**.

If you're using a different version of the program, please consult the appropriate handbook for your version:

* [MuseScore 3 Handbook](https://app.gitbook.com/o/ZDAbKoO7AzkLkkLRGvQP/s/5NUiVQIqbPkgQim8AxPy/)
* [MuseScore 2 Handbook](https://musescore.org/en/handbook/2)
* [MuseScore 1 Handbook](https://musescore.org/en/handbook/1)

## Exploring the handbook

### Browsing chapters

Use the chapter links on the [main page](https://handbook.musescore.org/it/readme) to explore content in each chapter of the handbook.

There is also a [single-page view of the entire handbook](https://musescore.org/en/print/book/export/html/329209?toc=1), which can be used with your browser's find-in-page facility (shortcut: `Ctrl`+`F`, or `Cmd`+`F` on macOS).

### Searching the handbook

To search the handbook, use the dedicated search field in the top right of each handbook page.

<figure><img src="https://1176537835-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FH3sZJsSgqO4TZXASAHlY%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-9588625e7a61cfdb08526b81c48fbee8462231ce%2FSearch_in_handbook.png?alt=media" alt="Search in the handbook"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If you're not sure what to search for, try browsing the [Glossary](https://handbook.musescore.org/it/appendix/glossary). It has pictures to help you to find things that you are unable to name.

You can also try a web search using this special syntax to only include results from [MuseScore.org](https://musescore.org/):

```
site:musescore.org your topic here
```

This works with most search engines. For example, [perform a Google search for "`site:musescore.org tempo markings`"](https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Amusescore.org+tempo+markings).

If you still can't find the information you need, please ask for help in the [Support Forum](https://musescore.org/en/forum/6).

### Reading in a different language

The handbook is translated into several languages, although translations are not always up-to-date with the English version. Pages are translated individually, so not every page is available in every language.

To read the handbook in a different language, use the languages dropdown displayed in the top right of each handbook page, directly below the [Search field](#Searching-the-handbook). If a particular language isn't available in the dropdown this means the page hasn't been translated into that language yet.

<figure><img src="https://1176537835-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FH3sZJsSgqO4TZXASAHlY%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-ccfdb5ea39b9af3ec69958f3e2719f5a8dbf015a%2FHandbook_languages_dropdown.png?alt=media" alt="Handbook languages dropdown"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

In case of doubt, please consult the [English version of the handbook](https://handbook.musescore.org/it/readme), or ask for help in one of the [forums](https://musescore.org/forum). Use the [Support and bug reports forum](https://musescore.org/en/forum/6) if posting in English, otherwise use the appropriate forum for your language.

### Downloading the handbook

To save a copy of the handbook to your computer for offline viewing:

1. Visit the [single-page view of the entire handbook](https://musescore.org/en/print/book/export/html/329209?toc=1).
2. Open your browser's **Print** facility (shortcut: `Ctrl`+`P`, or `Cmd`+`P` on macOS).
3. Choose the option labelled *Print to PDF*, *Save to PDF*, or similar.
   * Make sure you are saving a file rather than printing a physical copy.

If you require a physical copy, it's best to follow the above steps to create a PDF, then check the PDF is formatted correctly before you proceed to print it with a real printer. The handbook is quite long, so please don't print a physical copy unless you really need to.

## Contributing to the handbook

The handbook is maintained and translated by the MuseScore community. If you'd like to help write content, please read [Editing the handbook](https://handbook.musescore.org/it/about-the-handbook/editing-the-handbook).

If you want to translate pages, please read [How to translate the handbook](https://musescore.org/en/handbook/administrative-guidelines/translation-instructions#How_to_translate_the_handbook).