Working with images

Updated 2 months ago

    Images may be inserted into scores by attaching them to score objects or to frames.

    The following image formats are supported: SVG (*.svg), PNG (*.png), JPEG (*.jpg and *.jpeg), Bitmap (*.bmp), and TIFF (*.tif and *.tiff).

    Notes: (1) SVG is the recommended image format as it allows you to adjust the image size without any loss of definition. Note that shading, blurring, clipping or masking is not supported. (2) PNG supports transparency. (3) GIF (*.gif), WebP (*.webp) and X PixMap (*.xpm) formats are not supported.

    Importing images

    To add an image to a Vertical or Horizontal frame:

    1. Right-click on the frame
    2. Select Add→Image
    3. Search for and add the image from the “Insert image” window.

    Note: That method currently doesn't allow for Bitmap (*.bmp), and TIFF (*.tif and *.tiff), but see below.

    To attach an image to a score object:

    • Drag the image file from outside MuseScore and drop it either into a vertical or horizontal frame, or onto a note, rest, or measure.

    Note: Use the latter method for small images associated with music staves, such as symbols.

    Saving images to palettes

    To save an imported image to a palette, see Adding elements from the score.

    Copying imported images

    Once an image has been imported into the score it can be copied/cut and pasted to another location, such as a frame, note or rest, using the standard commands and procedure (see Copy and paste).

    Adjusting images

    Change image height/width

    Select the image and use either of the following methods:

    • Drag either of the image adjustment handles.
    • Edit the “Image height/width” in the Image section of the Properties panel.

    As long as the padlock symbol is active (colored blue in Properties: Image) the aspect ratio (height/width) of the image will be maintained throughout. If you want to adjust a side independently of the other, click on the padlock to break it (colored grey).

    Scale image

    To scale an image to the height of the containing frame:

    1. Adjust the frame to the desired height
    2. Check “Scale to frame size” in the Image section of the Properties panel.

    As long as “Scale to frame size” remains checked the image size will follow the frame height.

    Adjust image position

    The image can be repositioned by dragging, or adjusting the horizontal/vertical offsets in the Appearance section of the Properties panel. Ctrl+R restores the image to its default position.

    Image properties

    The image properties of a selected image can be adjusted in the Image section of the Properties panel.

    • Image height / Padock / Image width: Adjust dimensions of image. The padlock, which is active by default, ensures that the desired aspect ratio (height/width) is maintained.
    • Scale to frame size: See Scale image (above).

    • Use staff space units: When checked (the default setting), the image automatically scales proportionally with the Scaling setting in Format→Page Settings, and uses the staff space unit, sp. If unchecked, the image uses mm and does not scale proportionally. See Page layout concepts.

      Example symbol using 4sp height setting
      This symbol is 4sp in height so it fits perfectly into the space between the top and bottom line of a 5-line staff. Its "Use staff space units" option is checked so it scales proportionally.

    See also