> 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/notation/expressive-markings/articulations.md).

# Articulations

This chapter discusses symbols available in the **Articulations** palette (accents, staccato, vibrato markings etc).

To add verbal articulation objects available in the **Text** palette (*legato, pizz., arco, tremolo* etc) to a score, see [Entering and editing text](/text/entering-and-editing-text.md) chapter. Guitar articulation is covered in chapters under [Idiomatic notation: Guitar](/idiomatic-notation/guitar.md). Brass or woodwind articulation (fall, doit, plop, scoop) is covered in [Arpeggios and glissandi](/notation/expressive-markings/arpeggios-and-glissandos.md#bends).

## Adding articulations to a score

### Keyboard shortcuts

To add an articulation with a keyboard shortcut:

1. Select one or more notes
2. Apply the relevant shortcut from the list below:
   * Marcato: <kbd>Shift</kbd>+<kbd>O</kbd>
   * Accent: <kbd>Shift</kbd>+<kbd>V</kbd>
   * Tenuto: <kbd>Shift</kbd>+<kbd>N</kbd>
   * Staccato: <kbd>Shift</kbd>+<kbd>S</kbd>.

### From the toolbar

<figure><img src="/files/ZkhxdMCu5e7uDV9Oqu2D" alt="Articulations toolbar"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Certain articulations (accent, marcato, staccato, and tenuto) can be added from the note input toolbar:

1. Select one or more notes
2. Click on the desired icon in the articulations toolbar area.

### Articulations palette

<figure><img src="/files/X5fzdHmjPpBIcnQmwJZQ" alt="Articulations palette"><figcaption><p>The Articulations palette</p></figcaption></figure>

To add an item to a score:

1. Select one or more notes
2. Click on the desired articulation in the **Articulations** palette.

Alternatively, drag and drop an articulation symbol from the palette to a notehead.

## Articulations playback

Certain articulations affect note playback - such as staccato, staccatissimo, louré (tenuto + staccato), and accents. This is handled automatically by the program.

## Articulation properties

Editable properties of selected articulations on the score are shown in the [**Properties** panel](/basics/properties-panel.md).

<figure><img src="/files/vpBhNeySpd6VFoSFI5pQ" alt="Articulation placement"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **Placement**: This alters the position of the symbol above or below the note.

## Articulation style

*See the main chapter* [*Templates and styles*](/customization/templates-and-styles.md)

* Values of the "Style for Articulations & Ornaments" can be edited in **Format -> Style -> Articulations & ornaments**.

<figure><img src="/files/Mj25n7nYLwTJ6GoTQiMI" alt="Align with stem"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Shown below are the result of some options on the score.

### Alignment options

<figure><img src="/files/SFLw9aPMDPu9t2qnXTOX" alt="Align with stem" width="227"><figcaption><p>Align with stem</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/JanuE625NtBqLGbqfrKL" alt="Align with notehead" width="227"><figcaption><p>Align with notehead</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/l2VNKojkRikY0ECfVIE1" alt="Center between stem and notehead" width="227"><figcaption><p>Center between stem and notehead</p></figcaption></figure>

### Combined articulation options

<figure><img src="/files/eebaQdbnEnGpo8QxiLOh" alt="Always keep together"><figcaption><p>Always keep together</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/iN22wSW7bdJgFdgozygv" alt="Prefer closeness to notehead"><figcaption><p>Prefer closeness to notehead<br>(combined articulations may become separated)</p></figcaption></figure>


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