Slur curvature direction

Slurs can curve upwards, downwards, or have a multi-segment S-shape.

The following options for slur curvature direction are available when you activate Direction in the Slurs group of the Properties panel:

Up

Forces slurs to curve upwards, and appear above notes.

Down

Forces slurs to curve downwards, and appear below notes.

Up/Down

Forces slurs to comprise two segments: the first curves upwards, the second curves downwards to create a mirrored S-shape. It is typically used when phrases start in the lower staff and end in the upper staff, for example, in piano parts.

Down/Up

Forces slurs to comprise two segments: the first curves downwards, the second curves upwards to create an S-shape. It is typically used when phrases start in the upper staff and end in the lower staff, for example, in piano parts.

Tip

You can adjust the precise shapes of individual slurs, and each slur segment, in Engrave mode using the square handles on each slur.