"MuseScore File" string (under File -> Save As...) does not indicate which version you are about to save as
(I initially logged an issue, #283063: "MuseScore File" string (under File -> Save As...) does not indicate which version you are about to save as but did not get much traction and thought to come to the forum. This issue also relates to the much bigger problem, V3 file extension should not be the same as V2 . which #283063 tries to ameliorate.)
There is no indiation that the file you are about to save, is saving version 3 format (on MS3), or version 2 format (on MS2). This is dangerous, especially when opening a V2 file in MS3 and hoping to keep the ability to edit the .MSCZ file in MS2.
What would make it more transparent, is to change the string in Transifex
from MuseScore File
to MuseScore 3 File
I do not regard the following as very good arguments for the current behaviour
a) It has always been like that. It was the same when transitioning from V1 to V2. (Counter argument: this is just repeating the same mistake)
b) The user is using MuseScore 3. They should know that they are saving in a MuseScore 3 specific format.
but you are welcome to try and convince me otherwise.
ps: I don't know if there are other places where an explicit version number would make sense.
#### Even though I don't like duplication, to have everything in one place, and give this conversation a boost I will reproduce the reply and counter-reply
Jojo-Schmitz • Jan 30, 2019 - 12:25
Status active ⇒ by design
If you save in MuseScore 3 it is a MuseScore 3 file
If you save in MuseScore 2 it is a MuseScore 2 file
If you save in MuseScore 1 it is a MuseScore 1 file
Simple as that. There is no way in any MuseScore version to save in the format of any other version
Riaan van Niekerk • Feb 8, 2019 - 15:28
The main problems with the above argumentation is It assumes knowledge of the program and what the capabilities and limitations are, e.g. that
a) A specific version cannot save older and newer file formats.
b) mscz files are not compatible between versions.
what the user sees is (since the version is implied, and relative to the version of MuseScore you are using)
If you save in MuseScore 3 it is a MuseScore file
If you save in MuseScore 2 it is a MuseScore file
If you save in MuseScore 1 it is a MuseScore file
due to lack of clarification in the string or a distinguishing file extension. Could you provide reasons why
a) adding the version number to the string would confuse things, complicate things or make them less clear (other than having to define a new string for Musescore 4 in a year or three)
b) how leaving out the version number serves any purpose and makes the program easier to use.