Moving string indicators graphically

You can move string indicators graphically without changing the rhythmic positions or notes to which they apply. You can also move the start/end handles of string indicator duration lines independently of each other, meaning you can lengthen/shorten string indicators graphically.

Procedure

  1. In Engrave mode, select one of the following that you want to move:

    • String indicators

    • Individual handles on string indicator duration lines

    Tip

    You can show handles on all items, not just selected items, by choosing Engrave > Show Handles > Always. This can make it easier to select individual handles on multiple items.

  2. Move the string indicators or handles in any of the following ways:

    • Press Alt/Opt-Right Arrow to move them to the right.

    • Press Alt/Opt-Left Arrow to move them to the left.

    • Press Alt/Opt-Up Arrow to move them upwards.

    • Press Alt/Opt-Down Arrow to move them downwards.

      Tip

      If you want to move items by larger increments, you can press Ctrl/Cmd as well as the standard key command, for example, Ctrl/Cmd-Alt/Opt-Left Arrow.

    • Click and drag them in any direction.

Result

The selected string indicators or handles are moved to new graphical positions. Moving string indicators with duration lines moves them both together. Moving string indicator duration line handles moves the duration lines independently of the string indicator.

Tip

Offset in the String Indicators group of the Properties panel is activated automatically when you move string indicators inside the staff.

  • Offset X moves string indicators inside the staff horizontally.

  • Offset Y moves string indicators inside the staff vertically.

The following properties in the Playing Techniques group of the Properties panel are activated automatically when you move the corresponding item:

  • Offset moves string indicators. X moves them horizontally, Y moves them vertically.

  • Start offset moves the start handle of string indicator duration lines. X moves them horizontally, Y moves them vertically.

  • End offset moves the end handle of string indicator duration lines. X moves them horizontally, Y moves them vertically.

You can also use these properties to move string indicators and duration lines by changing the values in the value fields.

Deactivating the properties resets the selected string indicators to their default positions.