Stems and flags

Stem direction

Default stem direction

MuseScore aligns the stems of voice 1 notes according to the rules of music theory. By contrast, voice 2 and voice 4 stems always point down; and voice 3 stems, up. Voice 1 note 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 X;
   • Click on the "Flip direction" icon in the toolbar,
   • Select a position from the "Stem direction" section of 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 ↑/↓ to extend or shorten the stem;
   • Change "Length" in the Properties panel.

Creating stemless notes

To hide the stems of individual notes:

• Select one or more noteheads and check "Hide stem" in the Note section of the Properties panel.

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. Check "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 panel:

Hide stem:
Stem direction: Choose Auto, Down or Up.
Flag style: Traditional (default) or straight.
Thickness: Stem width.
Length: Stem length.
Stem offset: Move the stem in a horizontal and/or vertical direction.

Stem and flag style

Stem thickness and Flag style (traditional or straight) for the whole score may be set in Format→Style→Notes.

See also

Beams