Key commands

Key commands are sets of keys that perform defined tasks when pressed together. They are also known as “keyboard shortcuts” or “hotkeys”. Many key commands are the same on different operating systems but some are not, and this guide distinguishes them.

When key commands use equivalent modifier keys depending on the operating system, the modifier keys are indicated separated by a slash, with the Windows modifier key first and the macOS modifier key second.

Example

Ctrl/Cmd-Alt/Opt-Down Arrow means: press Ctrl-Alt-Down Arrow on Windows, Cmd-Opt-Down Arrow on macOS.

When key commands require entirely different keys depending on the operating system, they are indicated with the Windows key command first, followed by the macOS key command.

Example

# (Windows) or \ (macOS) means: press # on Windows, \ on macOS.

Dorico provides multiple ways of inputting many items in order to cater for users who prefer to use the mouse for input as well as those who prefer only to use their computer keyboard.

This guide focuses on using the keyboard in order to provide a simpler sequence of steps for you to follow, and because Dorico’s key commands have been designed to be logical, consistent, and accessible using a standard computer keyboard, without needing a number pad.

However, this guide also includes references to the mouse input methods along the way.

Example

  • The arrow keys on their own navigate the selection around the music area.

  • Alt/Opt modifies selected items.

    For example, in Write mode, adding Alt/Opt to the up/down arrow keys transposes notes by staff position; adding Alt/Opt to the right/left arrow keys moves notes/items rhythmically. In Engrave mode, adding Alt/Opt to any arrow key moves items a small amount graphically.

  • Shift-Alt/Opt changes the duration of notes/items in Write mode.

    For example, Shift-Alt/Opt-Right Arrow lengthens notes/items by the current rhythmic grid resolution.

  • Ctrl/Cmd increases the amount by which selected items are modified.

    For example, in Write mode, adding Ctrl/Cmd-Alt/Opt to the up/down arrow keys transposes notes by an octave; Ctrl/Cmd-Shift-Alt/Opt-Right Arrow doubles the duration of notes. In Engrave mode, adding Ctrl/Cmd-Alt/Opt to any arrow key moves items a large amount graphically.

  • Shift plus letter keys opens popovers in Write mode.

    For example, Shift-D opens the dynamics popover; Shift-O opens the ornaments popover.

  • Ctrl/Cmd-Shift plus specific letter keys opens options dialogs.

    For example, Ctrl/Cmd-Shift-L opens Layout Options; Ctrl/Cmd-Shift-N opens Notation Options (Dorico Pro and Dorico Elements).