8va ad lib

[Mats_Frendahl]

Which is the best way to create this

(It is made with ‘ad lib.’ as normal text with a white background, but it is not an optimal method.)

Can I extend the default 8va lines ‘library’ to include this format?

[Christian_R]

Hi @Mats_Frendahl, here two possible methods:

1. create a line with a custom line annotation and the appropriate settings (for the line body, the annotation, and the positioning) to imitate an 8va line:

Screenshots (click to expand)

2. customise an unused octave line (under Music Symbols), here I used the 22bassa, deleting the content, and adding the 8 from Octaves range, and the ad lib. as text with a custom Font style. You need to change some Engraving options, too:

Screenshot (click to expand)

Dorico file example:
8-ad-lib-2 methods.dorico (1.3 MB)

Result:

[Mats_Frendahl]

A perfect description.

A small note: The inward ‘hook’ also needs line width adjustment to fit the dashed line width. But perhaps best to add a new end cap ‘hook’ if the default is used in other places (which was not my case in the project)

[Christian_R]

@Mats_Frendahl

The inward ‘hook’ also needs line width adjustment to fit the dashed line width

Ah, yes, I did it but I forgot to post the screenshot. The width should be 1/12 thought.

[Mats_Frendahl]

Yes, 1/12 to match your previous images.

(I have mine set to 1/6 since I don’t like the ‘Finale thin’ lines. I’ve also increased the width of the stave lines for the same reason.)