Table of Contents
Notation reference
Bar numbers
Bar numbers provide crucial reference points in music and make the chronological sequence of music clear. By providing a unique number for each bar, they enable accurate references to specific parts of pieces and allow players to co-ordinate themselves easily in rehearsals and concerts.
Positions of bar numbers
Bar numbers are typically shown at the start of each system, above the staff, and aligned with the initial barline.
Changing the system-relative placement of bar numbers
You can show bar numbers either above or below each system in each layout independently. For example, bar numbers can appear below the system in full score layouts but above the system in individual part layouts.

Changing the system-relative placement of bar numbers

You can show bar numbers either above or below each system in each layout independently. For example, bar numbers can appear below the system in full score layouts but above the system in individual part layouts.

Note

This does not affect the placement of bar numbers shown above specific staves.

Procedure

Press Ctrl/Cmd-Shift-L to open Layout Options.
In the Layouts list, select the layouts in which you want to change the bar number placement.

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, clicking and dragging across multiple layouts, Shift-clicking adjacent layouts, and Ctrl/Cmd-clicking individual layouts.
In the category list, click Bar Numbers.
In the Placement subsection, choose one of the following options for Placement relative to system:
- Show above top staff of system
- Show below bottom staff of system
Click Apply, then Close.

Result

The placement of bar numbers relative to the system is changed in the selected layouts.