Difficult to Use

• Oct 22, 2017 - 01:55

The Windows PC Download version of MuseScore is frustratingly difficult to use. I can't find a way to change the key of my score from C major/ A minor to F major/ D minor. I also can't turn my notes staccato or copy and paste measures. Please help.


Comments

As with anything new you purchase, it is advisable to read the instructions - called the handbook in MuseScore. It is easiest to read it using the PDF version since it is more like a book rather than the maze of links in the online version. Read it with the program open so you can see what is being explained without worrying about any goal except to learn how to use it. This will help familiarize you with terminology used, such as "voices" which is probably the most common topic on the forums. As a minimum pay attention to things you may think you will never use perhaps like tablatures and figured bass, so if you decide to use them at some point in the future you know they're there. Doing this will reduce the frustration you may have while learning the program.

An advantage to using the PDF is that the search feature in most PDF readers is far superior to the search feature on this website. Once you have done this, feel free to post questions here so you can enjoy the program more and all of us can improve the documentation so it is easier for the next new user. The people on this forum are very friendly and eager to help you understand the program.

I agree with the general suggestion to read the Handbook and/or watch the tutorial videos. Any sufficiently sophisticated software like MuseScore will require some investment of time learning the the basics.

That said, everything you list is actually very easy

  • To change the key signature of a piece without changing the notes, see the Key Signatures palette (select first measure, double click F major in palette). Or, to actually transpose the score, go to Notes / Transpose and select F major as the new key.

  • To add staccato dots to notes, select the notes you wish to affect then double click the staccato dot in the Articulations palette.

  • To copy and paste measures, first elect them as you would select a range in any other Windows program (eg, click the first, Shift+click the last), then Edit / Copy or Ctrl+C to copy, then click the destination, then Edit / Paste or Ctrl+V to paste.

If after checking out the documentation you have additional questions, feel free to ask!

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