Double accidental cancellation

There are two generally accepted practices for the cancellation of double accidentals, which are archaic and modern. You can use either practice in each flow independently in Dorico Pro.

By default, Dorico Pro uses modern cancellation. This means that if a double sharp is cancelled by a single sharp, or a double flat is cancelled by a single flat, then no natural sign is shown in front of the single sharp or single flat, as these accidentals are unambiguous.

You can change how double accidentals are cancelled in each flow independently in the Basic section of the Accidentals page in Write > Notation Options. You can use this option with any accidental duration rule.

  • If you choose Use archaic cancellation, natural signs are shown before new accidentals that come after double accidentals.

  • If you choose Use modern cancellation, double accidentals are replaced immediately with a new accidental without showing a natural sign first.

Example

Figure: Archaic cancellation

Figure: Modern cancellation