Time signatures popover

The table contains the entries for the time signatures popover that you can use to input the different types of time signatures available.

You can open the time signatures popover in Write mode in any of the following ways when either an item is selected or the caret is active:

  • Press Shift-M.

  • In the Notations toolbox, click Popovers Popovers button, then Time Signatures (Meter) Time Signatures (Meter) button.

  • Select an existing time signature and press Return.

  • Choose Write > Create Time Signature.

The icon on the left-hand side of the popover matches the corresponding button in the Notations toolbox on the right of the window.

Figure 1. Time signatures popover with an example entry
Figure 2. Time Signatures (Meter) button in the Notations toolbox

Time signatures

Type of time signature

Popover entry

Simple time signatures

For example, 2/2 (two half notes per bar), 2/4 (two quarter notes per bar), 6/8 (six eighth notes per bar), 3/4, 5/4, and so on

2/2, 2/4, 6/8, 3/4, 5/4, and so on

Alternating time signatures, such as 6/8+3/4

6/8 + 3/4

Note

You must include spaces either side of the plus sign.

Common time, the equivalent of 4/4

c

Cut common time, the equivalent of 2/2

cutc, cut, or ¢

Open meter indicated by X

X or x

Open meter with no indication

Note

A time signature signpost is shown at the position of the open meter.

open

Additive time signature with explicit beat grouping

3+2+2/8, 3+2/4, and so on

Beat grouping specified but not shown in the time signature

For example, a time signature of 7/8 is shown but beams are subdivided into 2+3+2 eighth notes.

[2+3+2]/8

Aggregate time signature with dashed barlines shown in each bar, indicating the divisions between the different meters

2/4|6/8

Aggregate time signature without dashed barlines shown in each bar

2/4:6/8

Interchangeable time signature with different styles: parenthesized, slash, equals sign, and dashed

2/4 (6/8), 2/4 / 6/8, 2/4 = 6/8, or 2/4 – 6/8

Note

You must include spaces either side of the slashes, equals signs, or dashes, and before opening parentheses.

Pick-up bars

Example time signature with pick-up bar

Popover entry

4/4 time signature with a dotted quarter note pick-up

4/4,1.5

6/8 time signature with a pick-up of two eighth notes

6/8,2

2/2 time signature with a quarter note pick-up

2/2,0.5
Tip

The number after the comma indicates multiples of the rhythmic unit specified by the denominator of the time signature.

These lists are not comprehensive, as there are many possible time signatures and pick-up bars. They are intended to illustrate how you can structure your entry to input different time signatures and pick-up bars.