Add system-attached text to a bar which is not above the staff

[jerrykrinock]

I am using the lastest Dorico Pro Version 6.2.30.6245 (May 29 2026).

I still cannot find any way to add system-attached text without Dorico assuming that this text needs its own dedicated vertical space above its staff, and therefore mucking with my vertical system positions. (Example: I want italicized text after the last word in some verses indicating some kind of jump.)

I understand it is a known limitation that Dorico will not do a re-layout in response to any manual repositioning of elements like text in Engrave mode. I was hoping that if I did an infinitesimal vertical offset on all systems, thus turning the vertical positioning handles red, and then clicked “Lock Systems”, that would lock the vertical position of systems, but it does not. So I must almost always do a manual vertical positioning of systems.

Does anyone know a workaround?

[asherber]

@jerrykrinock

and then clicked “Lock Systems”, that would lock the vertical position of systems

In Dorico, Lock System locks the measures on that system; it does not lock the vertical spacing of the systems.

If you want to add system or staff text without affecting vertical spacing, then you can select the text in Engrave mode, and in the bottom Properties panel toggle on the Avoid Collisions override but leave the checkbox unticked.