Master pages

Master pages function like templates in Dorico Elements, allowing the same page formatting to be applied to multiple pages and in different layouts.

All pages in your scores and parts inherit their layout formats from master pages. However, in Dorico Elements, you cannot edit master pages or create new ones; this is only available in Dorico Pro.

Dorico Elements provides default master pages for first (First) and subsequent (Default) pages. This ensures that there is appropriate page formatting for first pages independently of subsequent pages, as the first page typically includes additional information, such as the title, composer, and copyright.

Master pages are contained in master page sets for full score and part layouts. Master page sets are automatically applied to every layout that you create.

Note

Changing individual pages in layouts is considered a master page override in Dorico Elements. This includes, for example, editing the title or running header in Write mode. Pages with master page overrides are not automatically deleted, even if they are empty because the layout became shorter.

If you want to change the information shown at the tops of pages, that is, the title and running header text that you cannot select, we recommend that you do so in the Project Info dialog to avoid master page overrides. The big title at the top of the first page is the project title, and the running header on subsequent pages uses the flow title for the top flow on that page.