A slur is a curved line between two or more notes that indicates they are to be played without separation. If you mean to join two notes of the same pitch, see Tie
Leave Note input
mode and select the first note:
S creates a slur:
Shift+Right moves the slur end to the next note:
X flips the slur direction:
Esc ends Slur Edit mode:
Note input
mode and select the first noteNote input
mode, key in the first note in the slurred sectionThe handles (displayed in the images for steps 2-4 above) can be adjusted with the mouse. The two outer ones adjust the start and end of the slur, whilst the two inner handles adjust the contour.
A slur can span several systems and pages. The start and end of a slur is anchored to a note/chord or rest. If the notes are repositioned due to changes in the layout, stretch or style, the slur also moves and adjusts in size.
This example shows a slur spanning from the bass to the treble clef. Using the mouse, select the first note of the slur, hold down Ctrl (resp. ⌘ on a Mac) and select the last note for the slur, and press S to add the slur.
Dotted slurs are sometimes used in songs where the presence of a slur varies between stanzas. Dotted slurs are also used to indicate an editor's suggestion (as opposed to the composer's original markings). To change an existing slur into a dotted or dashed slur, select it and then in Inspector (F8) change Line type
from Continuous
to Dotted
or Dashed
.
X flips the direction of a selected slur.