Inputting notes with rhythm dots

The Dotted Notes tool allows you to input notes with rhythm dots and add rhythm dots to existing notes. You can input notes with up to four rhythm dots.

Procedure

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

    • Start note input.

    • Select existing notes to which you want to add rhythm dots.

  2. Press the number on your computer keyboard that corresponds to the note value you want to input.

    For example, press 5 for eighth notes (quavers), 6 for quarter notes (crotchets), 7 for half notes (minims), and so on.

  3. Press . (period) to activate Dotted Notes.
  4. Optional: Press Alt-. (period) to change the number of rhythm dots.

    Dotted Notes in the Notes toolbox updates to indicate the current number of rhythm dots. You can input notes with up to four rhythm dots.

  5. Optional: Press O to activate Force Duration.

    If Force Duration is not activated, the notes you input might be shown as tied notes rather than dotted notes, depending on their position in the bar and the prevailing meter.

  6. Input the dotted notes you want.

    Dotted Notes remains activated until you either select a different note duration or deactivate it.

  7. Press . again to deactivate Dotted Notes.
  8. Press Esc or Return to stop note input.

Result

During step input, notes are input as dotted notes until you deactivate Dotted Notes or change the note duration.

If you add rhythm dots to multiple existing notes that would then overlap, Dorico Pro adjusts the duration of notes in the selection to avoid deleting notes at the end of the selection.

Example

Figure: A phrase containing eighth notes

Figure: After adding rhythm dots to the whole selection