Barlines

Barlines are vertical lines that cross staves in order to show how music is divided into bars, according to the time signature. The most commonly used barline is the single barline between adjacent bars, but there are different types, such as double or repeat barlines.

Figure 1. The final system in a piece in 12/8 containing a key change with double barline, three normal barlines, and a final barline at the end

Dorico Pro automatically shows barlines as required for the prevailing time signature. For example, Dorico Pro automatically shows dashed barlines between the different meters in aggregate time signatures. If you change the time signature, Dorico Pro moves the barlines as required so that subsequent music is barred correctly.

By default, Dorico Pro uses single barlines in flows and final barlines at the end of flows. You can change the default barline used in and at the end of each flow independently. You can also change the barline shown at key signature changes, which is a double barline by default.

Barlines automatically extend across staff groups that are joined by a bracket or brace.