Alternating time sig question

Dorico
1

I’m trying to create an alternating time signature 3/4 6/8 without a “+” (plus) sign between the two time signatures. The only setting I can find that even comes close is in the Engrave options under the “separator between interchangeable time signatures.” Since I’m using an alternating time signature I wouldn’t expect it to make any difference. I can’t find any other setting (and nothing in the properties panel) to remove the “+” from between them.

When I change it to an interchangeable time sig (using the create a time sig in the right panel) it puts an “=” sign between them no matter what option I choose in the Engrave option. Is this a bug or am I missing something somewhere? (Dorico 5.1 on windows)

2

Open the Music Symbol editor and delete the plus sign. You have to search for the right one.

3

Thanks. That works good. It’s the first time I’ve run across a hymn with that type of time signature. (It was in an English/Nepali hymn from Sound the Bamboo hymnal).

But I am confused about the Engraving options “separator between interchangeable time signatures” options. No matter what I set it to, when I enter an interchangeable time signature (from the right side panel) it always shows an equal sign instead. What is that option for if not to change the separator between the two time signatures?

4

“Space” is already an option with alternating time sigs! You don’t need to alter a music symbol. Select the meter and look in Properties for “Separator”. (In the menu the space is in single-quotes.)

5

For me, that option has no affect at all with alternating time sigs, only interchangeable ones.

2 Likes
6

Yes, in this case you really do have to delete the connecting symbol to achieve it.

7

That option also has no affect for me.

But nobody seems to be answering my other question. That is, in the Engraving options “separator between interchangeable time signatures” options. No matter what I set it to, when I enter an interchangeable time signature (from the right side panel) it always shows an equal sign instead. Yes, I can change it in the properties, but what’s the point of the Engraving option if it doesn’t change it?

8

Yes, apparently the panel will always give you the equals sign. You can get straight to the form you want using the popover. (Except if you want square brackets; there doesn’t seem to be any way to get those without going to Properties.) The syntax is in the documentation and the popover reference.

9

Thanks. That makes some sense. I rarely use interchangeable or alternating time sigs so I just used the panel.