While preparing files for a client last week, I noticed that simply performing a MusicXML export altered the score I was working on. This is how the first bar of my score looked before and after the export:
Hiding then showing the top staff in the layout was able to restore the score, though I can’t say why that worked. (FWIW the “X X X X” is staff text, the punch symbols are custom playing techniques, and the “G” streamer is a custom line.)
Assuming this is a bug, I’d consider it very serious. Exporting MusicXML shouldn’t alter anything about the file being exported from—in this case, it almost led to me sending faulty PDFs to my client. Attached is a stripped file that can be used to replicate the bug.
It seems to be just an annoying graphic glitch, though: after exporting the xml (and the issue happening in the source opened file, as you describe) switching to Print mode, or (in Write mode) switching into Galley view and back to Page view reestablishes the original look.
I tried importing the exported xml into musescore - it arrived blank. My guess is that a file with no musical material will not fare very well when using musicxml.
Appreciate this sleuthing! I’ve can reproduce that here as well. Saving (with the glitch visible) then reopening the file also restores the original look.
Even if it’s just a graphics bug, it’s disconcerting.
Yes, the score is blank (I cleared it out of any musical info before posting for the client’s sake), but I can assure you the same bug happened with a score full of musical material.
Also: I just tried swapping out the one-line percussion staff (which I’m using as a guide staff for bar numbers and LTP markings as per the client’s requirements) for other instruments (Violin, Trumpet, 1-line Bass Drum), and the disappearing content glitch did not occur.
I also noticed that when it’s doing the actual export, the “Concert Score” boxed text flashed to “Transposed Score” and back. Seems like Dorico is making some behind-the-scenes changes, exporting the XML, then trying to put everything back how it was?
This is getting above my pay grade, but I thought it should be on the developers’ radar.
