Getting the shape and score right is what separates a beautiful

artisan loaf from a messy one. This guide covers every shaping

and scoring problem — from dough that tears during shaping to

scores that sink back into the loaf instead of opening up.

Find your specific problem below and get a clear fix.

More guides being added weekly.

--- CURRENT GUIDES ---

Shaping Problems

Coming soon — Sourdough dough won't hold its shape after shaping

Coming soon — Dough tears when shaping sourdough

Coming soon — Sourdough sticking to hands during shaping

Coming soon — Pre-shape vs final shape — does it matter?

Coming soon — Bench rest too long or too short — what changes

Scoring Problems

Coming soon — Sourdough score not opening up in oven

Coming soon — No ear on sourdough loaf — why and fix

Coming soon — Scoring too shallow — what happens

Coming soon — How deep should you score sourdough?

Coming soon — Scoring cold dough straight from the fridge

Coming soon — Decorative scoring not showing after baking

High Hydration Dough

Coming soon — How to score high hydration sourdough

Coming soon — Shaping wet sourdough dough without tearing

Coming soon — Sourdough seam bursting open in oven