Dynamics
Dynamics are symbols indicating the relative loudness or softness of a note or phrase of music. They can be found in the Dynamics palette.
There are two types of dynamics: standard ones, such as p and ff etc., which apply to the score from the point where the dynamic appears; and single-note dynamics, such as sfz, which apply only to the note to which the dynamic is attached
Dynamics can be edited just like other text objects. They also have a playback effect on the score.
Adding dynamics to your score
Dynamics palette
To apply a dynamic to the score, use one of the following methods:
- Select one or more notes and click a dynamic symbol in a palette.
- Drag a dynamic symbol from a palette onto a note.
Custom dynamics
If the dynamic you want is not available in the palette, you can customize an existing one in the score. Since a dynamic is a form of text, you can edit it as such.
- Enter edit mode.
- Edit the text just as you would in a word processor.
Dynamic indications such as p, mf, f etc., are actually special characters and need to be entered from the special characters box. Alternatively you can use shortcuts from the following table:
Dynamic | Windows & Linux Shortcut | Mac Shortcut |
---|---|---|
Piano p | Ctrl+Shift+P | Cmd+Shift+P |
Forte f | Ctrl+Shift+F | Cmd+Shift+F |
Mezzo m | Ctrl+Shift+M | Cmd+Shift+M |
Rinforzando r | Ctrl+Shift+R | Cmd+Shift+R |
Sforzando s | Ctrl+Shift+S | Cmd+Shift+S |
Niente n | Ctrl+Shift+N | Cmd+Shift+N |
Z z | Ctrl+Shift+Z | Cmd+Shift+Z |
Changing playback of dynamics
[To be added]
Dynamics properties
[To be added]
Dynamics style
The default positioning of all dynamics in the score can be adjusted from Format→Style→Dynamics.