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Table Of Contents
Chapter 20 View and edit music notation 640
Change stem direction, length, and beaming
By default, a notes stem direction and length depend on the setting in the Sta Style window.
You can change these attributes to improve readibility; for example, to group notes meant to be
played as a voice in a polyphonic passage.
The beaming of notes depends on the chosen time signature, the Beat Grouping setting in the
Time Signature dialog, and the sta styles Beam parameter. You can change the beaming of
individual notes to improve readibility by clarifying the rhythmic structure or phrasing of notes.
When Additional Score Options is selected in the Advanced preferences pane, additional
options for changing note attributes become available.
Change a notes stem direction and length
Do one of the following:
m Double-click a note, then choose a value from the Stem Direction pop-up menu in the Note
Attributes window.
Note: The stem length cannot be changed in the Note Attributes window.
m Choose Functions > Note Attributes > Stems from the Score Editor menu bar, then choose one of
the following options:
Default: The stem direction is set in accordance with the default (sta style) setting.
Up: Forces the note’s stem upward.
Down: Forces the note’s stem downward.
Hide: Hides a note’s stem, and the corresponding beam or ag.
Stem Position: Default: Uses the default setting.
Stem Position: Center: Moves the stem to the center.
Stem Position: Side: Moves the stem to the side.
Stem Position: Automatic: Moves the stem to the side.
Stem End: Default Length: Uses the default setting.
Stem End: Move Up: Moves the stem end upward. Depending on the direction, this shortens or
lengthens the stem.
Stem End: Move Down: As above, but moves the stem end downward.
m Control-click a note head, choose Attributes > Stems from the shortcut menu, then choose an
option from the submenu.
m Use one of the following key commands:
Stems: Default
Stems: Up
Stems: Down
Stems: Hide
Stem End: Default Length
Stem End: Move Up
Stem End: Move Down