Parts

MuseScore not only allows you to create and print the full score but also the individual instrument parts.

Note: In the current version of MuseScore, only one part can be generated per single staff (or grand staff or staff/TAB system). If you want to create a part for a particular voice, you need to ensure that it has its own staff as well.

Set up all parts at once

This is the most straightforward method. Parts are generated on a one-to-one basis from the corresponding Instruments in the score:

1. From the menu, select File → Parts...;
2. Click the New All button (parts are named with the instrument name, and a number added to differentiate parts that have the same label in the main score);
   
3. Click OK.

The parts can now be accessed by clicking on tabs above the document window.

Define specific parts

This method allows you to generate specific parts (rather than all-at-once), or to alter a previous parts set-up. It also allows you to specify multi-instrument parts, and define part names differently from the corresponding instruments, if needed.

The following instructions use a string quartet as an example, but the same principles apply for any other ensemble:

1. From the menu, select File → Parts...;
   
2. In the Parts window click New to create a "part definition;"
   
3. In the right pane, type the words you want to use for the "Part title" (this also serves for the corresponding part of the filename when exporting);
4. Pick the instrument that you want to appear in your part by marking the relevant box in the right-hand pane. Usually, you only want one instrument per part, but sometimes you might need a part that includes more than one instrument (such as multiple percussion staves). MuseScore allows you to mark as many instruments per part as you need;
   
5. Repeat steps two through four (above) for each part as needed;
   
6. Once you're done, click OK to dismiss the Parts window.

You have now finished setting up the parts. You do not need to do this again, unless you add or remove an instrument from your full score.

Delete a Part

1. Open the Parts dialog (File → Parts...);
2. Select the relevant Part in the "Select Part" section;
3. Press Delete.

Export the parts

1. From the menu, select File → Export Parts...;
2. Navigate to the place you want them to be exported to and select the file format (PDF is the default);
3. For filename just enter whatever prefix is useful for all parts, or leave the default (the filename of your score);
4. Click OK.

This will generate files with the names "<title>" + "-" + "<part name>.<extension>". In addition, when exporting as PDF, this will also generate "<title>" + "-Score_And_Parts.pdf".

Save the parts

Parts and score are "linked", which means that any change to the content in one will affect the other, but changes to the layout will not. When you have the parts created, they are saved along with the score (if you open the score you have tabs for the score and every part you created).

However, if you wish to save a part individually:

1. Make sure the part is "active." Select its tab if not;
2. From the menu, select File → Save As....

Print a part

1. Make sure the part is "active." Select its tab if not;
2. From the menu, select File → Print to open the print dialog.