Finale Quick Tips: One-Click Mid-Measure Clef Changes

10/8/2009 6:07:38 AM #

The title of this post makes you think it's about clef changes, but the post is really more about metatools, no?

I recently discovered metatools and now use them extensively.  I don't know how I ever worked without them.  My only beef is that they can only be assigned to numbers and letters and not any other character, like say ; or ' or ] or [ etc.  Maybe in a future version?

DM

Daniel Menjivar

10/13/2009 7:01:43 PM #

Hi Daniel,

You are correct, sir. It is more about the metatools, but I think folks that would benefit from this post might more likely search the web for "Finale" and "clef" than "metatool". Anyway, that seems like a plausible theory as to why "metatool" wasn't emphasized in the title (although adding "metatool" couldn't have hurt).

I am less able to come up with a plausible theory as to why metatools can only be assigned to numbers and letters. I'll certainly forward your suggestion and let you know if anyone can cite a plausible theory for that.

Thanks (as always) for the close reading!

Scott Yoho

11/9/2009 10:56:48 PM #

Hi Scott,

I'm currently using the Finale 2010 version, and i'm curious about methods on how i can change keys mid-piece? Everytime i use the key signature tool and change a key, it applies to the WHOLE piece. I want it to be for specific parts that i choose, because the song i'm writing incorporates different keys in different parts.

I've read tutorials on using the "staff tool", but there doesn't seem to be one for the Finale 2010, no treble clef signs, nothing. Help me out?
It would mean a lot to me, as it is essential that i complete writing this piece soon.

Thanks in adavnce!

Nitha

11/20/2009 12:50:13 AM #

Hi people,

I'm using this for the first time and I can't find the clef tool. In addition, is this Finale Notepad that this feature is in? I've looked everywhere and can't find it on Finale Notepad.

If you can help me, I would greatly apprecate it,

Thanks

Jeremy

11/20/2009 1:50:15 AM #

Hi Nitha,

You can have different time signatures -- simultaneously -- in different staves, as long as the barlines line up -- so you could have 2/2 and 4/4 but not 3/4 and 4/4. If this could work for you, select the Staff tool, click on each staff, and put a check next to Time Signature under Independent Elements.

The icon for the Staff tool is indeed a treble clef sign -- you can also select it from the Tools menu. I hope this helps!

Scott

11/20/2009 1:53:07 AM #

Hi Jeremy,

This post is talking about features in the full version of Finale. Finale NotePad doesn't have a Clef tool, and only lets you indicate a starting clef, for each staff, in the Setup Wizard.

Please let me know if questions remain!

Scott

12/7/2009 6:57:29 PM #

Hi Scott,

So is there any way that you can change it in NotePad? I have looked everywhere and cant find it, I would like to make some changes to the music. If not, that is a little disappointing.

Ryan

12/12/2009 3:26:00 AM #

Hi Jeremy,

Sorry, that's a built-in limitation of NotePad.

Best wishes, Scott

Scott

12/17/2009 2:59:21 PM #

using Finale NotePad, how do i change lower stave from bass to treble clef?

steve v

12/19/2009 4:54:04 PM #

Hi Steve,

NotePad doesn't have a clef tool. Your only choice of clefs occurs at the start of the piece and is specific to each instrument (so piano is going to have bass clef in the left hand). On the other hand, Finale SongWriter does allow you to specify a different starting clef (as do PrintMusic and Finale).

I hope this helps -- best wishes!

Scott