Fixing the number of bars per system

You can define a fixed number of bars you want included in each system in each layout independently.

Procedure

  1. Press Ctrl/Cmd-Shift-L to open Layout Options.
  2. In the Layouts list, select the layouts in which you want to fix the number of bars per system.

    By default, the layout currently open in the music area is selected when you open the dialog. You can select other layouts by using the selection options in the action bar, Shift-clicking adjacent layouts, and Ctrl/Cmd-clicking individual layouts.

  3. Click Staves and Systems in the category list.
  4. In the Casting Off section, activate Fixed number of bars per system.
  5. Change the number of bars you want in each system by changing the value in the value field.
  6. Click Apply, then Close.

Result

The number of bars automatically contained in each system in the selected layouts is changed. If any of the layouts contain two-bar or four-bar repeat regions, Dorico Elements automatically adjusts casting off to ensure phrases are not split across systems.