Working order

When you prepare a score, we suggest you do things in the following order, since this minimizes the time needed if you make a mistake somewhere and need to redo a step.

  • Preferably work on copies of recorded tracks.

    If the parts are fairly complex you might have to change them permanently, after which they do not play back as they originally did.

  • If memory is an issue, break the score up into segments.

    You might for example use the Split Loop function from the Functions submenu on the Edit menu to split the parts across all tracks.

  • Arrange the tracks in the Project window in the order you want them displayed in the score.

    You cannot rearrange the order of systems in the Score Editor. However, you can go back and change the order in the Project window at any time.

  • When opening the Score Editor, begin with the adjustments described above.

    You should always begin by setting page margins, etc.

  • If you have recorded music into tracks already, try adjusting the graphic display of the score as much as possible without permanently editing the notes.

    Use the Score Settings, Display Quantize, Grouping, etc.

  • If the tracks are empty, make basic staff settings, enter the notes and then make detailed adjustments, add Display Quantize, etc.

  • If needed, use polyphonic voicing to resolve overlapping notes, create piano systems, handle crossing voices, etc.

  • When all this is done, decide if you need to perform “destructive” editing.

    You might for example have to permanently alter the length or position of some of the recorded notes.

  • Hide unwanted objects and add note-dependent and note-related symbols.

    This includes accents, dynamic symbols, crescendo, slurs, lyrics, “graphic rests”, etc.

  • Work through the score and adjust the number of bars across the page.

  • Adjust the vertical spacing between staves and grand staves.

    The last two steps can be performed automatically by the program using the Auto Layout features.

  • Add layout symbols like endings, page text, etc.

  • Print or export the score.

  • Go back and create alternative layouts to extract voices, for example.