# Stems and flags

## Stem direction

### Default stem direction

MuseScore aligns the stems of [voice](https://handbook.musescore.org/basics/working-with-multiple-voices) 1 notes according to the conventions of music theory. By contrast, voice 2 and voice 4 stems point *downwards* by default, while voice 3 stems point *upwards*. Voice 1 stems automatically flip upwards in the presence of voice 2 or 4 notes.

### Flipping stem direction

1. Select either the notehead, stem or attached beam (if any)
2. Use any of the following methods:
   * Press <kbd>X</kbd>
   * Click on the "Flip direction" icon in the **Note input** toolbar
   * Select a stem direction from the **Stem** tab in the **Properties** panel

This action will flip any attached beam as well.

## Changing stem length

1. Select the stem
2. Use one of the following methods:
   * Press <kbd>Up</kbd> or <kbd>Down</kbd> to extend or shorten the stem
   * Change **Length** in the **Properties** panel

## Creating stemless notes

To hide the stems of individual notes:

1. Select one or more noteheads
2. Go to the [Properties](https://handbook.musescore.org/basics/properties-panel) panel
3. Select the **Stem** tab
4. Select the checkbox next to **Stemless**

To hide all stems in an instrument part:

1. Right-click on the staff and select **Staff/Part properties**
2. Click on **Advanced style properties**
3. Select the checkbox next to **Stemless**

## Stem and flag properties

Properties specific to stems and flags can be edited from the **Stem** tab in the **Note** section of the [Properties](https://handbook.musescore.org/basics/properties-panel) panel:

* **Stemless** removes the stem (and associated beams) from the selected note(s)
* **Stem direction**:
  * **Auto** determines the direction of the stem according to the voice of the selected note(s)
  * **Up** and **Down** override the default stem direction
* **Flag style** sets the appearance of flags for the entire score to either **traditional** (default) or **straight**
* **Thickness** determines the stem's width
* **Length** determines the stem's length
* **Stem offset** can be used to move the stem in a horizontal and/or vertical direction

## Stem and flag style

Global settings for **Stem thickness** and **Flag style** may also be set in **Format→Style→Notes**.

## See also

[Beams](https://handbook.musescore.org/notation/rhythm-meter-and-measures/beams)