Grappling with graphics in Finale
Picture yourself using the Graphics tool in Finale. We draw out its highlights and illustrate some functions lurking in the shadows that might be more useful than you first think.
Export PDF to true black in Finale, and a macro for all parts [updated for any PDF]
A reliable way to actually create true 100% black output in PDFs from Finale, and a Keyboard Maestro script to automate the process for an entire set of parts. Plus, how to convert existing PDFs to true black, regardless of what software was used to create them.
An Expression Tool expedition in Finale
Understanding how expressions work in Finale is essential for creating dynamics, tempo indications, and so much more. These detailed video tutorials cover every aspect of expressions, including design, placement, positioning, playback, as well as how to transfer them between files and get creative with their use.
Preparing teaching materials in music notation software
How to prepare learning materials like quizzes or scale sheets using music notation software, whether you're printing traditional worksheets or creating assignments for students to complete in the software directly.
Graphic notation workflow with Sibelius and Adobe Illustrator
In this video tutorial, David MacDonald demonstrates his current workflow for creating graphic elements using the basic drawing tools in Adobe Illustrator and placing them in his scores in Sibelius.
Lines and line style editors in Dorico
Dorico offers a wide selection of horizontal lines, vertical lines and end caps, and its predefined library is comprehensive. And with the power of Dorico's line style editor, the possibilities to design your own custom line are virtually unlimited.
Sibelius techniques for aleatoric music
Neil Radisch collects tips from across many aspects of Sibelius into a tutorial on creating aleatoric music notation. Some are less commonly used Sibelius features, while others are hacks to stretch Sibelius beyond its originally intended use. You'll want to bookmark this post and keep it handy!
Creating custom line ends in Sibelius with SVG files and Illustrator
Cory Davis from Dunvagen Music shares the detailed method that he used to create custom line ends in Sibelius for a new edition of Philip Glass's Music in Twelve Parts, by taking SVG files made in Illustrator and importing them into Sibelius.
Plug-in Developer’s Notebook: The Colored Notehead Style Project
Bob Zawalich takes us inside the process of creating a way to color individual noteheads within a chord, eventually resulting in the development of the Colored Notehead Styles plug-in suite.
Use graphics as symbols in Sibelius, and define them as custom articulations
In Sibelius, you can import and use graphics directly in your score. This alone is terrific, but you can even make a graphic more powerful by importing it into your score as a symbol, and then making that symbol into an articulation, with all the benefits that entails.
