Inputting key signatures with the panel

You can input key signatures using the Key Signatures, Tonality Systems, and Accidentals panel, both during note input and by adding them to existing music. You can also input key signatures only on single staves.

Note

  • These steps describe inputting with the default mouse input preference Create item at selection.

  • It is not necessary to input different key signatures for transposing instruments, as Dorico Pro automatically shows the appropriate key signatures for transposing instruments in transposing layouts.

Prerequisite

You have created any custom key signatures, in custom tonality systems if required, that you want to input.

Procedure

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

    • Start note input.

    • Select an item at the rhythmic position where you want to input a key signature. If you want to input a key signature on a single staff, select an item that belongs to that staff only.

  2. In the Notations toolbox, click Key Signatures, Tonality Systems, and Accidentals to show the Key Signatures, Tonality Systems, and Accidentals panel.
  3. Optional: If you have not already used the key signature you want in the current flow, create the key signature you want using the Key Signatures editor in the Key Signatures, Tonality Systems, and Accidentals panel.
  4. Input the key signature you want in one of the following ways:

    • To input a key signature on all staves, click it in the Key Signatures, Tonality Systems, and Accidentals panel.

    • To input a key signature on the selected staff only, Alt/Opt-click it in the Key Signatures, Tonality Systems, and Accidentals panel.

Result

During note input, key signatures are input at the caret position, even if this is in the middle of a bar. However, it is preferable to input key signature changes at barlines.

All subsequently input notes follow the input key signature, until the next existing key signature or the end of the flow, whichever comes first. If playing in notes using a MIDI keyboard, accidentals are spelled according to the key signature.

When adding key signatures to existing music, they are added at the rhythmic position of the earliest selected item. They appear to the right of barlines and clefs, and to the left of other items, even if this is in the middle of an existing bar. If you selected an existing key signature, the new key signature directly replaces the existing one.

Note

An individual key signature on a single staff is not intended for transposing instruments. Transpositions of notes and key signatures are done automatically for transposing instruments.