Rhythmic grid

The rhythmic grid is a unit of rhythmic duration whose value affects certain aspects of inputting and editing, such as the amount by which items move. However, it does not control the duration of notes and items that you input.

Figure: Rhythmic grid set to eighth notes (quavers) shown above the staff

The current rhythmic grid value is shown by the note value in the status bar, and by ruler markings above the staff on which the caret is active. Longer lines in the rhythmic grid indicate beat divisions, while shorter lines indicate beat subdivisions. In Play mode, the rhythmic grid is shown by the frequency of vertical lines in tracks and in the ruler at the top of the event display.

The rhythmic grid helps you to identify the following:

• The exact input position when using the caret or the mouse

• The amount by which the caret moves when using Right Arrow/Left Arrow

• The amount by which notes and items are lengthened/shortened

• The amount by which notes and items move

It also allows you to control how precisely notes and items are positioned when inputting them with the mouse or when copying and pasting. For example, setting the rhythmic grid value to 32nd notes allows you to input notes and items at a greater number of possible rhythmic positions than when the rhythmic grid is set to quarter notes.

You can change the rhythmic grid value at any time.