Moving key signatures graphically

You can make individual changes to the graphical position of key signatures without affecting the positions of any other items.

Prerequisite

Note Spacing Note Spacing button is selected in the Engrave toolbox.

Procedure

  1. In Engrave mode, select the square note spacing handle above the key signature you want to move.

    A smaller circular handle appears beside the key signature.

  2. Press Tab to select the circular handle.
  3. Move the handle in any of the following ways:

    • To move it a standard amount to the right or left, press Alt/Opt plus the corresponding arrow key. For example, press Alt/Opt-Left Arrow to move handles to the left.

    • To move it a large amount, press Ctrl/Cmd plus the standard key command; for example, Ctrl/Cmd-Alt/Opt-Left Arrow.

    • To move it a moderate amount, press Shift plus the standard key command; for example, Shift-Alt/Opt-Left Arrow.

    • To move it a small amount, press Ctrl/Cmd-Shift plus the standard key command; for example, Ctrl/Cmd-Shift-Alt/Opt-Left Arrow.

    Note

    You cannot move note spacing handles with the mouse, you can only move them using the keyboard.

Result

The key signature is moved graphically to the right/left.

Tip

When Graphic Editing is selected in the Engrave toolbox, you can also change Spacing offset in the Key Signatures group of the Properties panel to move key signatures horizontally. However, this also affects global note spacing at the rhythmic position of the key signature, including moving cancellation naturals.

You can also move cancellation naturals graphically, independently of the subsequent key signature and without affecting the spacing of any other item using the Cancellation naturals X offset property.