MuseScore Studio 4.5 introduced a powerful new feature designed for composers and arrangers who prefer an efficient, keyboard-driven workflow: Input by Duration. Whether you’re entering music using a computer keyboard or a MIDI keyboard, this new mode offers faster and more intuitive score writing—especially for users transitioning from Finale’s Speedy Entry.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to use Input by Duration in MuseScore 4.5 and how to customize it to match your preferred notation style.

What Is ‘Input by Duration’ in MuseScore?

Input by Duration is a new note input mode that reverses the traditional order of notation. Instead of selecting duration first and then choosing a pitch, this method allows you to:

  • Choose the pitch first
  • Assign the duration second

This simple switch can make a significant difference in speed and flow, particularly for those accustomed to Finale’s Speedy Entry method.

How to Enable Input by Duration

To get started:

  1. Launch MuseScore Studio 4.5.
  2. Press the M key on your keyboard to activate Input by Duration.
  3. A notehead will appear at the center of the staff, with a beat marker showing your current position.

Once active, you can use your arrow keys or letter shortcuts (A–G) to move the notehead to the desired pitch. Then, press a number (1–7 by default) to enter the note with the corresponding duration.

Changing the Default Duration Shortcuts

By default, MuseScore maps durations as follows:

  • 1 = 128th note
  • 2 = 64th note
  • 3 = 32nd note
  • 4 = Eighth note
  • 5 = Quarter note
  • 6 = Half note
  • 7 = Whole note

To customize these mappings:

  1. Go to Preferences → Shortcuts.
  2. Adjust the number assignments to suit your personal workflow.

Example: Writing a Melody Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Here’s a practical example of how to notate a melody using only your computer keyboard:

  1. Press M to enter Input by Duration mode.
  2. Enter a sequence like:
    ↑ 4 → ↑ 3 → ↑ 3 → 4 ↓ 4 → ↑ 4 → ↓ 4 → ↑ 4 → ↑ 4 → ↑ 4 → = ↑ 3 → ↑ 3 → ↓ ↓ 4 → ↑ ↑ 4 → ↑ 6

This sequence creates a complete melodic phrase without ever touching the mouse. With some practice, this method becomes second nature.

Entering Chords in Input by Duration Mode

There are multiple ways to add chords:

  • Using arrow keys: Navigate back and forth with left/right arrows to add stacked notes.
  • Using intervals: Hold Alt (Windows/Linux) or Option (Mac) while pressing a number to add intervals (e.g., Alt+3 adds a third).

Manual input: Select durations from the toolbar and use the mouse to place pitches.

How to Enter Rests

To insert a rest:

  1. Press 0 to toggle the rest symbol.
  2. Press a number (1–7) to enter a rest of the desired duration.

For example, pressing 0 followed by 5 will insert a quarter note rest.

Diatonic vs. Chromatic Movement

In Input by Duration mode, arrow key movement is diatonic, meaning it stays within the key signature. This contrasts with the chromatic movement used in MuseScore Studio’s traditional Input by Note Name mode.

Using a MIDI Keyboard with Input by Duration

You can rapidly repeat this process:

Chord → 5 → Chord → 5 → Chord → 5 → Chord → 7

This enters three quarter-note chords and one whole note.

New MIDI Behavior in MuseScore 4.5

By default:

  • If a measure is selected, pressing a key on your MIDI keyboard inputs the note immediately.
  • If nothing is selected, MuseScore treats the MIDI input as audition-only, allowing you to play without writing notes.

To revert to the older behavior where you must enter note input mode before using MIDI:

  1. Go to Preferences → Note Input.

Uncheck “Enable MIDI input when a note is selected” under MIDI devices.

Customizing Note Input Settings

MuseScore Studio 4.5 allows detailed customization to support your notation habits. Under Preferences → Note Input, you can adjust:

  • Whether Input by Duration should be your default.
  • Whether augmentation dots and accidentals apply to the note you’ve just entered or the one you’re about to enter.
  • Whether you hear pitch preview sounds while moving the notehead up or down.

These settings help align MuseScore with your own expectations and workflow.

Is Input by Duration Right for You?

The answer depends on how you naturally think about entering music:

  • If you tend to hear a pitch first and decide duration second, Input by Duration may feel more intuitive.
  • If you’re migrating from Finale, this mode closely mirrors Speedy Entry and will likely ease the transition.

You can try both modes—Input by Duration and Input by Note Name—and decide which suits you best. MuseScore also lets you toggle between them easily in the top toolbar or through the customizable Toolbar Widget.

How to Get MuseScore Studio 4.5

If you already have MuseScore Studio 4 or above:

  • You’ll receive an update notification the next time you open the app.
  • If you use MuseHub with automatic updates, MuseScore 4.5 will install automatically.

If you’re new to MuseScore Studio:

This guide should help you get up and running with Input by Duration quickly and confidently. Try it with your next score and see how it fits into your composition process.