Tutorials

Tip: Specify the tuplet unit in the popover

1. During note input, press ; to open the tuplet popover.
2. Type the ratio, followed by the shorthand for the unit (separate by a space).
3. The unit can be written as a letter: generally the first letter of the duration value (e.g. q = quarter note, e = eighth note, x = sixteenth note and so on).
4. Or you can use the number that corresponds to Dorico’s default key command (e.g. 6 = quarter note, 7 = half note, 8 = whole note and so on).

1. Use the new dynamics lane in Play mode to emphasise a phrase without changing the written dynamic.
2. Use the Play mode tools to draw in new dynamic levels, including gradual dynamics, to add nuance to your music.
3. This can be very useful when needing to call out a phrase of music that is otherwise directed to be at the same dynamic level as other parts.
4. Editing the dynamics lane does not affect the written notation at all, it purely serves to add nuance to playback.

In Engrave mode, you can drag music items with the mouse to reposition them.
Hold down Shift while you drag to constrain the item’s movement in the direction you are dragging.

1. Remove empty bars at the end of a flow by using Write > Trim Flow.
2. You can also use the Bars and Barlines popover (Shift+B) by typing trim.

1. Some instruments use a different clef in concert pitch score layouts to the one used in transposed pitch instrument part layouts.
2. If you need to change clef in one layout, you can choose whether in shows in other layouts.
3. Open the properties panel and, with the clef selected, enable the Show for transposition property and choose Concert Pitch or Transposed Pitch.

Copy text from text frames, existing lyric lines, or even other applications and easily paste them as new lyrics lines using the Lyrics popover (Shift+L).
Each word or syllable will be pasted as a lyric for each separate note; Dorico will automatically advance the lyric popover when it finds a Space or – (hyphen).
Press Space or – (hyphen) to create any necessary melismas.

Sometimes, when working on a complex project, some of your instrumental parts might end up being repurposed ore removed.
In Setup mode, there is a menu item in the Setup menu, called Create Default Part Layouts. This will generate any instrumental part layouts that are missing.
When invoked, this command will ensure there is a part for each player, with each flow attached.

By default, poco and molto text is positioned next to hairpins.
Change this in Engraving Options by setting an option found on the Dynamics page, under Gradual Dynamics.
You can choose to position modifier text on hairpins either: above or below the hairpin, at the start; or inside the center of the hairpin.
There is also a corresponding property that affects individual instances.

Selecting any tied note selects the entire tie chain, meaning dynamics and other items are created at the start of the tie chain.
You are able to drag the dynamic to the desired position if you like, however you are also able to create dynamics and other music items at any position by using the rhythmic position of the caret when note input is active.
Double-click a note or rhythmic position to show the note input caret. You can also select a note and press Return, or make a selection at the desired rhythmic position and press Shift+N.
When the caret is visible is you can move it by using the arrow keys, which will move it by the amount of the current rhythmic grid resolution. You can also advance the caret by using the Space key, which moves it forward by the currently selected note duration (the note selected in the Notes panel).
Now when you create a dynamic, either by using the Dynamics panel, or the popover, it is created at the current rhythmic position of the caret.
Creating a gradual dynamic such as a hairpin also works when using the popover when note input is active. Advance the caret using the Space bar to lengthen the hairpin, and create an immediate dynamic at the point you would like it to end.