Table of Contents
Notation reference
Holds and pauses
Different notations are used to show where the established rhythmic flow of the music is interrupted, either with a moment of repose or a short silence, before continuing. The most subtle effect is produced by a tenuto mark, with more significant effects denoted with holds and pauses.
Positions of holds and pauses
Holds and pauses are placed above the staff by default in single-voice contexts, and are shown on all staves at the closest rhythmic position available; for example, if a single staff has a fermata on the last beat in the bar, it is shown above the bar rests on the other empty staves. For staves with multiple voices, fermatas are also shown inverted below the staff.
Changing the vertical position of breath marks
You can change the default vertical position of all breath marks project-wide; for example, if you want to place all breath marks immediately above the staff. By default, breath marks are placed halfway between the noteheads on either side.

Changing the vertical position of breath marks

You can change the default vertical position of all breath marks project-wide; for example, if you want to place all breath marks immediately above the staff. By default, breath marks are placed halfway between the noteheads on either side.

Procedure

Press Ctrl/Cmd-Shift-E to open Engraving Options.
In the category list, click Holds and Pauses.
In the Vertical Position section, choose one of the following options for Vertical position of breath mark:
- Outside outermost staff line
- Above notehead
- Halfway between noteheads
Click Apply, then Close.

Result

The default vertical position of all breath marks project-wide is changed.

Example


Figure 1. Breath mark positioned outside outermost staff line	Figure 2. Breath mark positioned above notehead	Figure 3. Breath mark positioned halfway between noteheads