Dynamics
Dynamics are symbols indicating the relative loudness or softness of a note or phrase of music. They can be found in the Dynamics palette.
There are two types of dynamics: standard ones, such as p and ff etc., which apply to the score from the point where the dynamic appears; and single-note dynamics, such as sfz, which apply only to the note to which the dynamic is attached
Dynamics can be edited just like other text objects.
They have playback effect depending on each instrument's Sound setting selected in the Mixer, see MuseScore 3 features not implemented in MuseScore 4: Velocity controls.
Adding dynamics to your score
Dynamics palette
To apply a dynamic to the score, use one of the following methods:
- Select one or more notes and click a dynamic symbol in a palette.
- Drag a dynamic symbol from a palette onto a note.
Combining dynamics with expression text
If the dynamic you want is not available in the palette, like poco f, you can do one of the following:
To snap expression text to a dynamic
- Select a dynamic or a note with a dynamic
- Add an Expression text element from the Text palette and it will snap to the right of the dynamic
Snap to dynamic can be turned off in the Properties panel.
To add text to a dynamic
- Select a dynamic
- Enter edit mode (double click)
- Type text before or after the dynamic text
Dynamic text and expression text can be styled independently in the Properties panel.
Adding text to a dynamic marking does not affect playback.
Keyboard shortcuts for adding dynamics
| Dynamic | Windows & Linux Shortcut | Mac Shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| Piano p | Ctrl+Shift+P | Cmd+Shift+P |
| Forte f | Ctrl+Shift+F | Cmd+Shift+F |
| Mezzo m | Ctrl+Shift+M | Cmd+Shift+M |
| Rinforzando r | Ctrl+Shift+R | Cmd+Shift+R |
| Sforzando s | Ctrl+Shift+S | Cmd+Shift+S |
| Niente n | Ctrl+Shift+N | Cmd+Shift+N |
| Z z | Ctrl+Shift+Z | Cmd+Shift+Z |
Dynamics properties
Select a dynamic marking and open the Properties panel to adjust its properties individually. To edit default dynamics styles in the score, see Dynamics style (below).
- Scale: Control the size of the dynamic marking.
- Avoid barlines: By default, dynamic markings avoid colliding with barlines, but this can be turned off..
- Position: Choose whether a dynamic sits above or below the stave
- Alignment with notehead: For dynamic markings with custom text added, choose whether the dynamics symbol or the entire string of text centers to its attached note (under Show more)
- Frame: Add a square or circular frame to the dynamic marking and customize its styling (under Show more)
Dynamics style
The default positioning of all dynamics in the score can be adjusted from Format→Style…→Dynamics.
