Moving time signatures graphically

You can move individual time signatures to new graphical positions without affecting the positions of any other items.

Note
  • These steps do not apply to time signatures shown at system object positions, which you can move when Graphic Editing is selected in the Notes toolbox.

  • You cannot move time signatures shown at the start of systems. You can only move time signature changes that occur partway through systems or at the end of systems.

Prerequisite

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

Procedure

  1. In Engrave mode, select a square note spacing handle at the rhythmic position of the time signature you want to move.

    A circular handle appears beside the time 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 time signature is moved graphically to the right/left.

Tip

You can also change the value for Spacing offset in the Time Signatures group of the Properties panel to move time signatures horizontally. However, this also affects global note spacing around the rhythmic position of the time signature.

The Spacing offset value is independent of note spacing changes.