Inputting time signatures with the popover

You can input time signatures, including time signatures with pick-up bars, using the time signatures popover, both during step input and by adding them to existing music. You can also input time signatures only on single staves.

Note

In order to input an upbeat or pick-up bar, you must input a new time signature that includes the upbeat you want. For example, entering 4/4,1 into the time signatures popover creates a 4/4 time signature with one quarter note upbeat.

The number after the comma indicates multiples of the rhythmic unit specified by the denominator of the time signature. For example, 4/4,0.75 creates a dotted eighth note (dotted quaver) upbeat, whereas 6/8,2 creates an upbeat of two eighth notes.

Procedure

  1. In Write mode, do one of the following:

    • Start note input.

    • Select a barline immediately to the left of where you want to input a new time signature.

    • Select a notehead or rest immediately to the right of where you want to input a new time signature.

  2. Press Shift-M to open the time signatures popover.
  3. Enter the time signature you want into the popover.

    For example, enter [2+2+3]/8 for a 7/8 time signature with a custom beat grouping, or 4/4,1 for a 4/4 time signature with one quarter note upbeat.

  4. Input the time signature and close the popover in one of the following ways:

    • To input a time signature on all staves, press Return.

    • To input a time signature on the selected staff only, press Alt-Return.

Result

During step input, time signatures are added at the caret position, even if this is in the middle of an existing bar.

When adding time signatures to existing music, they are added immediately to the right of a selected barline, or immediately to the left of a selected note, even if this is in the middle of an existing bar.

All subsequent bars follow the input time signature, until the next existing time signature or the end of the flow, whichever comes first. Dorico Pro automatically inputs and moves barlines as required so that subsequent music is barred correctly.