Finale Quick Tips: Fast Dynamic Alignment

by Justin Phillips 12. November 2009 06:43

When I'm composing and inspiration strikes, I move fast, and don't even think about how things look. Sometimes the results of such a session might sound great but look like this:

Finale allows for intricate placement of Expressions and SmartShapes. This means you can place them anywhere you desire. This also means you can inadvertently place them in a haphazard manner as I've done above. This is a bit of an extreme example, but now I can demonstrate a great time-saving feature in Finale.

With the Selection Tool, select a measure or region of measures (Shift + click) that include some misaligned dynamic markings. From the Plug-ins menu choose TG Tools and select the Align/Move Dynamics plug-in. This plug-in allows for alignment of dynamic markings to a number of different points, and also lets you select what markings you wish to adjust.

Choose the alignment option that applies best for your score. With one click of Go, the markings will be beautifully aligned:

What are TG Tools? They're a collection of powerful plug-ins, like this one, created by German composer/software engineer Tobias Giesen. To learn more about other time-saving plug-ins included with Finale, go to Finale's Help menu, select User Manual, and search for Plug-ins.

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Comments

10/27/2009 9:47:18 PM #

Carlton L. Winston

Thank you so much for this. This really saves me from a huge headache.

Peace,

C.L. Winston

Carlton L. Winston United States

10/29/2009 2:37:16 AM #

Su Buchignani

This is an excellent tip, especially for those of us on tight deadlines.

Su Buchignani United States

11/17/2009 5:47:24 PM #

Julia

nice one can you compose a song for me

Julia United States

11/26/2009 5:32:57 AM #

Tom Johnson

Oh Justin, my friend, this is a GOOD one...

Tom Johnson United States

12/2/2009 12:16:05 PM #

Justin W. Phillips

That plugin has saved me countless times! Without that, I'm sure I'd be in the advanced stages of carpal tunnel syndrome from dragging stuff around with my mouse in a panic to get parts out.

Justin W. Phillips United States

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