Inputting dynamics with the popover

You can input dynamics and modifiers using the dynamics popover, both during note input and by adding them to existing music.

Tip

You can also change dynamics during note input by following these steps when the caret is at the rhythmic position of the dynamic you want to change.

Procedure

  1. In Write mode, do one of the following:

    • Start note input.

    • Select an item on the staff and at the rhythmic position where you want to input dynamics. If you want to input dynamics across a duration, select items on the staff that span that duration.

  2. Open the dynamics popover in any of the following ways:

    • Press Shift-D.

    • In the Notations toolbox, click Popovers Popovers button, then Dynamics Dynamics button.

  3. Enter the dynamic you want into the popover.

    For example, p, p<f>p, or f>.

  4. Press Return to close the popover.
  5. Optional: During note input, advance the caret and extend open-ended gradual dynamics, such as p<, in any of the following ways:

    • Press Space.

    • In the Keyboard, Fretboard, or Drum Pads panel toolbar, click Advance Caret Advance Caret button.

    Open-ended gradual dynamics also extend automatically as you continue inputting notes.

  6. Optional: During note input, stop open-ended dynamics by pressing ? or by opening the dynamics popover again and inputting another immediate dynamic, such as f.

Result

The specified dynamics are input. They apply to all staves belonging to a single instrument, including grand staff instruments.

Adjoining dynamics, or dynamics that were input together or in sequence, are automatically grouped together, both during note input and when adding dynamics to existing music.

During note input, dynamics are input at the caret position, and extend automatically if you included an open-ended gradual dynamic.

When you add dynamics to existing music, immediate dynamics are added to the first item in the selection while gradual dynamics are added across the selection.

Note

  • If you entered a dynamic phrase into the popover during note input, such as p<f>p, each gradual dynamic lasts a quarter note (crotchet). You can lengthen/shorten gradual dynamics and groups of dynamics later.

  • Some modifiers, such as molto, appear before immediate dynamics rather than after them, even if you do not enter them in that order. This follows the generally accepted practice for the placement of that text.

    You can add modifiers before and after existing dynamics. You can also hide immediate dynamics later if you only want to show the modifier.

After Completing This Task

You can move dynamics within dynamic phrases and change the placement of dynamics relative to the staff.