This study, by means of an experimental design, examines whether the use of an electronic manual is more effective and efficient than a print manual for the training of novice users with a music score editor program. Differences in access to the two types of manuals were looked for, and information on users' perceptions regarding the materials they used was solicited. A minimalist print manual, a hypermedia manual and two questionnaires were developed. The most prominent difference between the two manuals was the use of digital video to present procedural information in the electronic version. The rest of the information remained the same for the two manuals, as did the training strategy based on guided exploration. The research findings show an effect of the hypermedia manual in learning outcomes, access to manuals and users' perceptions. This effect might have been due to the confluence of several factors differentiating the manuals: the procedural information in the video format and the design of the interface--with limited control elements, fast access to information, and a low complementary interaction between presentation modalities--minimized the potential cognitive overload and allowed the user to start working rapidly. (Contains 26 references.) (AEF)