User manual

Table Of Contents
Beams according to time signatures
Default beam groupings are determined by the time signature, which you can customize by
specifying the subdivision of beats within bars.
Dorico Elements has default beaming settings for common time signatures, based on general
conventions. For example, phrases are beamed in quarter notes (crotchets) when in 3/4, but in
dotted quarter notes when in 6/8.
For situations where you want to control the beam grouping in more detail, you can input a
custom time signature with an explicit rhythmic subdivision. Dorico Elements then automatically
beams phrases according to this subdivision. For example, entering [7]/8 into the time signatures
popover means all seven eighth notes (quavers) are beamed together, whereas entering
[2+2+3]/8 subdivides the seven eighth notes into two, then two, then three.
RELATED LINKS
Note and rest grouping on page 413
Creating custom beat groupings for meters on page 414
Splitting beam groups
You can split beams and secondary beams into two beam groups at specic rhythmic positions.
You can also split secondary beams within beamed groups.
PROCEDURE
1. Select the noteheads to the right of where you want to split beams.
2. Split the beam or secondary beam in one of the following ways:
Choose Edit > Beaming > Split Beam.
Choose Edit > Beaming > Split Secondary Beam.
TIP
You can also choose these options from the context menu.
RESULT
Beams/Secondary beams are split to the left of each selected note, but the notes either side of
the split remain grouped if there are at least two beamed notes on each side that can be in a
beam group.
NOTE
To unbeam the entire selection and give all notes in the group individual tails, you can make all
notes unbeamed.
RELATED LINKS
Unbeaming notes on page 401
Resetting beam grouping
You can remove all changes made to the beam grouping of notes and chords.
PROCEDURE
1. Select the notes/chords whose beaming you want to reset.
Beaming
Beam groups
402