User guide

814 Chapter 33 Working With Notation
Maximum Bars/Line
This parameter can be useful when using small spacing values (see below), to prevent
too many bars from being displayed on one line. The number set here limits the
number of bars that can be displayed per line.
Note: This setting can be overridden when using the Layout tool to change line breaks
(see “Setting Breaks” on page 805).
Constant Spacing and Proportional Spacing
These parameters determine the amount of horizontal distance between notes.
 Constant Spacing affects the distance from note to note, regardless of rhythmic
value.
 Proportional Spacing takes the note durations into consideration.
If you only use Proportional Spacing (and set Constant to 0), every bar receives (more
or less) the same amount of (horizontal) space. A whole note uses as much space as
four quarter notes. In the opposite situation (high constant value, proportional value is
set to 0), the distance from one note to the next is always the same, regardless of note
duration. A half note takes the same amount of space as an eighth note. Other factors,
such as accidentals, ties, and so on, are also considered for note distance calculations.
The settings you should use depend on both your personal preference, and the style of
the piece. You should aim for a good balance between these two parameters, so try
different combinations when working on the final score layout.
Slash Spacing
This is the distance parameter for slashes (used in staff styles that display beat slashes
instead of automatic rests). This is especially important when inserting notes into staffs
that display slashes. As an example, musical styles such as funk use a lot of sixteenth
notes, so you are likely to choose a higher slash distance than you would for music that
doesn’t go beyond eighth notes. This way, the proper relationships between notes and
passages (containing only slashes and chord symbols) can be maintained.
Beaming Slant Factor, Minimum Slant, and Maximum Slant
These three parameters affect the slant angle of beams. As with the Spacing
parameters, these parameters work together. Appropriate settings need to be found by
trying different combinations. The final settings will vary, depending on the style of the
music, and on personal preference.
 Beaming Slant Factor: Determines the general amount of beam slanting, in relation
to the intervals of the notes connected by beams.
 Minimum Slant: Determines the minimum interval of notes that causes beams to be
slanted.
 Maximum Slant: Determines the maximum beaming slant angle.