Moving clefs graphically

You can move individual clefs graphically without affecting the positions of any other items.

Prerequisite

Note Spacing Note Spacing button is selected in the Engrave toolbox.

Procedure

  1. In Engrave mode, select the square note spacing handle above the clef you want to move.

    A circular handle appears beside the clef.

  2. Press Tab to select the circular handle.
  3. Move the handle in any of the following ways:

    • To move it a standard amount to the right or left, press Alt/Opt plus the corresponding arrow key. For example, press Alt/Opt-Left Arrow to move handles to the left.

    • To move it a large amount, press Ctrl/Cmd plus the standard key command; for example, Ctrl/Cmd-Alt/Opt-Left Arrow.

    • To move it a moderate amount, press Shift plus the standard key command; for example, Shift-Alt/Opt-Left Arrow.

    • To move it a small amount, press Ctrl/Cmd-Shift plus the standard key command; for example, Ctrl/Cmd-Shift-Alt/Opt-Left Arrow.

    Note

    You cannot move note spacing handles with the mouse, you can only move them using the keyboard.

Result

The clef is moved graphically to the right/left without affecting other items at the same rhythmic position.

Tip

  • You can also change Spacing offset in the Clefs group of the Properties panel to move clefs horizontally. However, this also affects global note spacing around the rhythmic position of the clef.

    The Spacing offset property in the Clefs group of the Properties panel is not available when Note Spacing is activated.

  • You can change the default gaps before and after all clefs project-wide on the Spacing Gaps page in Engraving Options.