Inputting key signatures with the popover

You can input key signatures using the key signatures popover, both during note input and by adding them to existing music. You can also input key signatures only on specific staves.

Note

  • You cannot input custom key signatures using the popover, you can only input them using the panel.

  • It is not necessary to input different key signatures for transposing instruments, as Dorico Pro automatically shows the appropriate key signatures for transposing instruments in transposing layouts.

Procedure

  1. In Write mode, do one of the following:

    • Start note input.

    • Select an item at the rhythmic position where you want to input a key signature. If you want to input a key signature on specific staves, select items that only belong to those staves.

  2. Optional: During note input, if you want to input notes and notations onto multiple staves, extend the caret to those staves.
  3. Open the key signatures popover in any of the following ways:

    • Press Shift-K.

    • In the Notations toolbox, click Popovers Popovers button, then Key Signatures Key Signatures button.

  4. Enter the key signature you want into the popover.

    • For major keys, enter capital letters or the corresponding number of sharps/flats, such as G or 1s for G major.

    • For minor keys, enter lowercase letters, such as g for G minor.

    • For an atonal key signature, enter open.

  5. Input the key signature and close the popover in one of the following ways:

    • To input a key signature on all staves, press Return.

    • To input a key signature only on the selected staves or staves across which the caret extends, press Alt/Opt-Return.

Result

During note input, key signatures are input at the caret position, even if this is in the middle of a bar.

When adding key signatures to existing music, they are added at the rhythmic position of the earliest selected item. If you selected an existing key signature, the new key signature directly replaces the existing one.

All subsequently input notes follow the input key signature, until the next existing key signature or the end of the flow, whichever comes first. When you input notes using a MIDI keyboard, accidentals are spelled according to the key signature.

Key signatures that do not show accidentals, such as A minor or open key signatures, are indicated by signposts.

Note

An individual key signature on a single staff is not intended for transposing instruments. Transpositions of notes and key signatures are done automatically for transposing instruments.