Table of Contents
Write mode
Write mode allows you to input and edit your music, including changing the rhythmic positions of items, changing the pitch of notes, and deleting notes and items. The available toolboxes and panels allow you to input all the notes and notation items that are most commonly used.
Note input
In Dorico Elements, you can only input notes during note input, which is when the caret is activated. This allows you to input notations at the caret position at the same time as inputting notes, and also reduces the risk of you adding notes to staves accidentally.
Caret
In Dorico Elements, the caret is a vertical line that extends above and below five-line staves but appears shorter on percussion staves and tablature. It shows the rhythmic position at which notes, chords, or notation items are input.
Activating/Deactivating the caret
When the caret is activated, you can input notes and notations at the caret position, for example, if you want to input a dynamic in the middle of a tie chain. When the caret is deactivated, you cannot input notes, instead you can select and edit items in the music area.

Activating/Deactivating the caret

When the caret is activated, you can input notes and notations at the caret position, for example, if you want to input a dynamic in the middle of a tie chain. When the caret is deactivated, you cannot input notes, instead you can select and edit items in the music area.

Procedure

Activate the caret in any of the following ways:
- Select an item and press Shift-N.
- Double-click a rhythmic position on a staff.
Deactivate the caret in any of the following ways:
- Press Shift-N, Return, or Esc.
- If you have deactivated mouse input, click any selectable item in the music area.
- Switch to another mode.