Barlines

Updated 4 years ago
This page shows old instructions for MuseScore 2.
For MuseScore 4 users, see Barlines.

Barline symbols are available in the Barlines palette:

Barline palette (Advanced)

Change barline type

To change an existing barline, use one of the following:

  • Select a barline, then double click on a symbol in the Barlines palette.
  • Drag a symbol from the Barlines palette onto a barline in the score.
  • Drag a symbol from the Barlines palette onto a measure.
  • Select a measure, then double-click on a symbol in the Barlines palette.
  • Select a barline then adjust "Style" in the "Barline" section of the Inspector.

To change a non-single to a single barline:

  • Select the barline and press Del.

To hide a barline:

  • Select the line and press V, or uncheck Visible in the Inspector.

Insert barline

To insert a new barline between existing ones, either:

  • Drag a symbol from the Barlines palette onto a note or rest.
  • Select a note or rest, then double-click a symbol in the Barlines palette.

Custom barlines

It is possible to create custom barlines by selecting one or more barlines, and adjusting the properties in the "Barlines" section of the Inspector:

  • Style: Chose from a range of preset barlines.
  • Spanned staves: The maximum equals the number of staves in the system.
  • Span from: Sets the position of the top of the barline. "0" is the top staff line. Positive numbers start lower down the staff, negative numbers above.
  • Span to: Sets the position of the bottom of the barline (see "Span from").
  • Span preset: Set a span preset option.

See also, Mensurstrich.

Changes to color and horizontal/vertical offset can also be made in the Inspector.

Connect barlines

Barlines may extend over multiple staves, as in the grand staff of a piano, or in an orchestral score to join instruments in the same section. To join barlines:

  1. Double-click on a barline to enter Edit mode.

    Barline edit mode

  2. Click on the lower blue handle and drag it down to the staff you wish to connect to. The handle snaps into position so there is no need to position it exactly.

  3. Press Esc to exit edit mode. This will update all other relevant barlines as well.

    Connected barlines

See also

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