Functions of the modes

Each mode represents a different phase in the workflow of preparing scores and parts, so contain different toolboxes, panels, and functionality from each other.

Setup mode

In Setup mode, you can create players and groups of players, and assign instruments to them. You can define different layouts for your project that you can print or export independently. For example, you can print or export a layout for the full score and separate layouts for each instrumental part.

You can view music in the music area and switch between viewing other tabs and layouts, but you cannot select or interact with anything in the music area.

You can switch to Setup mode in any of the following ways:

  • Press Ctrl/Cmd-1.

  • Click Setup in the toolbar.

  • Choose Window > Setup.

Write mode

In Write mode, you can 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.

You can switch to Write mode in any of the following ways:

  • Press Ctrl/Cmd-2.

  • Click Write in the toolbar.

  • Choose Window > Write.

Engrave mode

In Engrave mode, you can make fine adjustments to the music that you input in Write mode and determine how the pages of your project are laid out.

Because Engrave mode is focused on the formatting and appearance of layouts, you cannot delete any notes or items, change their rhythmic positions, or change the pitch of notes in Engrave mode.

You can switch to Engrave mode in any of the following ways:

  • Press Ctrl/Cmd-3.

  • Click Engrave in the toolbar.

  • Choose Window > Engrave.

Play mode

In Play mode, you can assign virtual instruments and effects for playback to instruments and playing techniques. You can make adjustments to how individual notes are played back in order to produce a more realistic performance.

You can switch to Play mode in any of the following ways:

  • Press Ctrl/Cmd-4.

  • Click Play in the toolbar.

  • Choose Window > Play.

Print mode

In Print mode, you can print your layouts or export them as graphics files. You can also set the information you want to include in their exported file names.

You can switch to Print mode in any of the following ways:

  • Press Ctrl/Cmd-5.

  • Click Print in the toolbar.

  • Choose Window > Print.