Splitting beam groups

You can split beams into two beam groups at specific rhythmic positions. You can also split secondary beams within beamed groups.

Prerequisite

If you are in Engrave mode, Graphic Editing Graphic Editing button is selected in the Engrave toolbox.

Procedure

  1. Select the noteheads to the right of where you want to split beams. You can do this in Write mode and Engrave mode.
  2. Split the beam or secondary beam in one of the following ways:
    • Choose Edit > Notations > Beaming > Split Beam.

    • Choose Edit > Notations > Beaming > Split Secondary Beam.

    Tip

    You can also choose these options from the context menu.

Result

Beams/Secondary beams are split to the left of each selected note, but the notes either side of the split remain grouped if there are at least two beamed notes on each side that can be in a beam group.

Tip
  • To unbeam the entire selection and give all notes in the group individual tails, you can make all notes unbeamed.

  • You can change how beams and secondary beams are split by default in each flow independently on the Beam Grouping page in Notation Options

  • You can assign key commands for Split Beam and Split Secondary Beam on the Key Commands page in Preferences.

Example

Figure 1. Phrase with default beaming
Figure 2. Two beams split at the second 16th note