System indents

Systems indents control the distance between the left page margin and the start of systems of music. According to tradition, the first system in part layouts is indented, however, in modern use this is not always necessary.

In Dorico, system indents automatically adjust to accommodate staff labels. For example, if a system contains a staff label that is significantly longer than the minimum system indent, Dorico increases the indent on that system to ensure the staff label remains legible and is not cut off on the left edge or collide with the music.

You can change both the minimum indent on systems with staff labels and the first system indent in each layout independently. You can also adjust the system indent at both the start and end of individual systems, independently of your per-layout settings.