I would have a feature request with regard to the placement of bar numbers and was wondering whether anyone else would love to see this implemented:
In this part the default setting for bar numbers placement is “Show above top staff of system”, which in this case is the best option for the most time.
However, I manually repositioned bar numbers 174-176 and 186-190 because I think it simply looks better when those are sitting below the staff. There’s more space and I can keep them aligned:
Unfortunately, this process is very laborious since I have to position every single bar number manually.
So, I was thinking whether it’s a good idea to implement an overwrite for bar numbers placement on a per system (or even per bar?) basis in the properties panel?
I regularly come across these types of situations. Sometimes there’s more space for bar numbers above the staff (i.e. when there are lots of dynamics below like in bars 199ff.) sometimes it’s the other way round.
You can reposition selections of bar numbers. (Do a marquee selection in Write and Filter for Time Signatures (!). Reposition in Engrave. For consistency I set the position using the bar number XY properties)
So, each bar number’s distance to the staff varies because Dorico was moving them because of the slur – that’s why I have to move them individually to have them back in one line.
Or am I missing something here?
I think for the human performer reading this, having a consistent placement of bar numbers will be more important than finding the “perfect” placement on a per-system basis. In a recording session context, players are sight-reading so predictability is key. In a context with more rehearsal time, they might not even need (or want) bar numbers every bar anyway.
If the part tends to have notes above or in the top half of the staff, I’d suggest putting the bar numbers below. Conversely, if it’s a generally low part (notes below or on the bottom half of the staff), put the bar numbers above.
There’s also now an option for whether bar numbers should go inside or outside of dynamics.
Thanks, Lillie, for your valuable input as always!
I completely agree with this:
This is my philosophy as well – however, there are cases where stuff is happening both above as well as below the staff. This is where I deviate from that general rule in order to keep things clean as is the case with the part I’ve posted above.
Beyond that, I respectfully but firmly disagree with this:
Having worked on hundreds of sessions where players were sight reading and having asked them on numerous occasions what their preferences are, they actually prefer a clean part with as little distractions as possible.
Players want bar numbers to be inconspicuous (therefore aligned) but close to the staff should they need them. Most players didn’t even notice that bar numbers weren’t consistently placed above or below the staff before I mentioned it.
Thanks for pointing out the “inside/outside of dynamics” option. I’ve realised that this has been implemented.