Time signatures popover

The table contains the entries for the time signatures popover that you can use to input the different types of time signatures available.

You can open the time signatures popover in Write mode in any of the following ways when either an item is selected or the caret is active:

  • Press Shift-M.

  • Select an existing time signature and press Return.

  • Choose Write > Create Time Signature.

The icon on the left-hand side of the popover matches the corresponding button in the Notations toolbox on the right of the window.

Figure: Time signatures popover with an example entry

Figure: Time Signatures (Meter) button in the Notations toolbox


Type of time signature

Popover entry

Simple time signatures

For example, 2/4, 6/8, 3/4, 5/4 and so on

2/4, 6/8, 3/4, 5/4, and so on

Time signatures with a pick-up

For example, a 4/4 bar with a dotted quarter note pick-up, or a 6/8 bar with a pick-up of two eighth notes (quavers).

4/4,1.5, 6/8,2, and so on

Alternating time signatures, such as 6/8+3/4

Note

You must include spaces either side of the plus sign.

6/8 + 3/4

Common time, the equivalent of 4/4

c

Cut common time, the equivalent of 2/2

cutc or ¢

Open meter indicated by X

X or x

Open meter with no indication

Note

A time signature signpost is shown at the position of the open meter.

open

Additive time signature with explicit beat grouping

3+2+2/8, 3+2/4, and so on

Beat grouping specified but not shown in the time signature

For example, a time signature of 7/8 is shown but beams are subdivided into 2+3+2 eighth notes.

[2+3+2]/8

Aggregate time signature: a dashed barline is shown in the bar to show the division between the different meters

2/4|6/8

Interchangeable time signature with different styles: parenthesized, slash, equals sign, and dashed

Note

You must include spaces either side of the slashes, equals signs, or dashes, and before opening parentheses.

2/4 (6/8), 2/4 / 6/8, 2/4 = 6/8, or 2/4 – 6/8


This list is not comprehensive, as there are many possible time signatures. It is intended to illustrate how you can structure your entry to input different time signatures.