User manual

Play mode
A workspace that allows you to assign VST instruments, to adjust the mix, to apply automation,
and to tweak note data. See also modes.
playthrough
A single time playing from the beginning of the piece to the end. Music that contains multiple
possible endings, such as music with repeat endings or codas, requires multiple playthroughs.
plug-in
A software program that can operate within another software program. Dorico Elements
supports VST instruments and effects and script plug-ins written in Lua.
pointer
The symbol on the computer screen that follows movements made by the user with a mouse or
on a touchpad. It is most commonly an arrow pointing towards the top left corner of the screen.
polymeter
Music containing multiple simultaneous meters, for example, one instrument in the ensemble
plays in 6/8 and another plays in 7/4.
preamble
The notations typically drawn before the rst note or rest on each system of music. The preamble
usually includes clefs, key signatures, and time signatures. In Dorico Elements, the preamble is
drawn automatically and so you cannot select any items included in it.
Print mode
A workspace that allows you to print to your printer, export to PDF, and export to other graphics
les. See also modes.
print preview area
The main part of the window in Print mode where you can see a preview of what is going to be
printed or exported as a graphic. See also Print mode.
project
A Dorico Elements le that can contain multiple ows and layouts. See also ow and layout.
properties
The characteristics of individual items and fragments of items in your project that can be edited
via the Properties panel. Properties are layout-specic, meaning changing the properties of an
item in one layout does not affect the same item in other layouts.
R
rastral size
The size of a full ve-line staff, measured from the bottom line to the top line. The term comes
from the rastra engravers historically used to draw ve-line staves on blank paper. Because the
rastrum is a xed object, people became used to their set sizes and Dorico Elements continues
this tradition by offering users a selection of rastral staff sizes.
reducing
The process of taking music for more than one instrument and assigning it to fewer instruments,
such as a keyboard reduction of a choral piece. A piece of music that has been reduced is known
as a “reduction”. See also exploding.
rhythmic grid
A unit of rhythmic duration whose value affects certain aspects of inputting and editing, such as
the amount by which items move. Its current value is shown by the note value in the status bar,
and by ruler markings indicating beat divisions and subdivisions above the staff on which the
caret is active. See also caret.
Glossary
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