I’m wondering how to change the default of how extended notes appear in Dorico. (See attached image). Is there a way to change the default to Option 2?
These sorts of beat divisions are controlled at a top level by a combination of the meter (is it 3/4 or 6/8 etc) and the beam/note grouping settings you’ve set for the flow in Write>Notation Options>Beam Grouping/Note Grouping. In this case, the note grouping setting “Notes starting after the start of the bar of multiple beats in duration” allows for both of your examples - if you want the 2nd one, choose “Notate as a single note”.
These settings apply throughout a flow, so if it changes how things are notated elsewhere that you don’t like, and overall it’s easier to change this instance, you can use force duration to get the note values you want, then tie them.
Thank you so much. Changes have been made as you have outlined.