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 set up the fundamental elements of the project: instruments and the players that hold them, flows, layouts, and videos. You can also determine how they interact with each other, for example, by changing the players assigned to layouts.

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 in Setup mode.

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.

By design, you cannot move notes and items graphically in Write mode. Graphical adjustments are only possible in Engrave mode.

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 notes and items and determine how the pages of your project are laid out. By design, you cannot delete any notes or items, change their rhythmic positions, or change the pitch of notes in Engrave mode; this prevents mistakes when engraving.

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 change how your music sounds in playback, including by changing the playback template and assigning VST instruments, inputting automation, adjusting the mix, and changing the sounding duration of notes in playback without affecting their notated duration.

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. When printing layouts, you can specify the paper size and other options, such as duplex or booklet printing. When exporting layouts, you can specify different graphics file types, such as PDF or PNG, and 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.