Hello, I’m new to Dorico, and I’m using Dorico Pro 6 on an iMac. When creating multiple versions of an arrangement in Finale (whether to keep old ideas handy or to actually create separate versions of an arrangement, e.g. an instrumental version, and a version with a vocal lead), I would simply “Save as” the first version as another program file with a different name, this creating two separate program files. After that, I could copy and paste, or delete and add various instruments as needed, as both versions could be open at one time . Does Dorico Pro 6 allow a user two have two files open at once and with the ability to copy and paste music between the two like in Finale?
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Hi Bruce!
I don’t know how Finale works, but you can have 2+ files open at the same time in Dorico. It will be very slow in reaction as it changes/loads audio when you change from one file to another. More than five open files get really slow (depending on the computer, obviously).
You can turn off the automatic switching of audio, though, which gets rid of the “very slow” switching between files.
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Thanks Mats. Yes, I just discovered as you were writing. Finale’s response time is quicker, but yes, it does appear I can cut, copy and paste lines between files. Until I master the “Flows” verses “Layouts” system in Dorico, I will probably resort to the two file system. My goal in this first project is two create three separate but related score versions of this arrangement: A full score with instrumental only leads, a full score with a solo vocal lead (which will necessitate orchestration changes even though the basic arrangement concept will be the same) and a Piano/vocal arrangement. What would you recommend doing to most efficiently achieve this in Dorico Pro 6?
Thanks, pianoleo! Where can I do that, and if I do turn off automatic switching, will it keep the first audio setup activated in the file I’ve switched over to?
Not sure how it handles different audio setups. I only use the same instrument in all my scores so it works well.
It was good information from @pianoleo that I did not know.
Since I only work with one instrument and one layout I probably is not the right person to recommend setups for more advanced instrumentation. If you need different layouts for the same music Flows would probably be the best as single-sourcing is always best.
Dorico’s Flow idea is interesting, useful and powerful in many ways, but my particular “m.o.” is using separate project files. I don’t want to open a 300p project with 50+ flows. I mount them into editions in external programs later.
Thanks, Mats. I tend to work the way you do as well–with separate files.
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Got it! Thank you.
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Hi @Bruce_Wermuth, and welcome to the Forum and to Dorico.
Dorico capabilities for such projects are astoundly clever and powerful. I made some time ago a Project where, in the same one file, I hade the same piece for Big orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and Small Ensemble, all using the same flows (was a 10 Flows , and 40 minutes long piece). You can separate the different group of instruments for the different arrangements, using Player Groups (in Setup Mode), and then Create Different Full Score layouts (each one with the desired Grouped Players), and also for the Parts, you can freely create layouts with just one player or any combination of other players. I create dummy separator players (they separates the groups visually in the music area, thanks to inserted green slash regions; and also separates the layout list for orientation. A Full Score layout (All) includes all the groups, so that you can easily copy and paste between the future different arrangements, or have them at view, exactingly synchronised visually.
If your different arrangements are not of the exact same length, you can of course create new flows, that you connect to the appropriate players and Full Score layouts, and so on… Infinite possibilities.
Here an example empty project “template” that shows a possible Setup:
Project with different arrangement and same flows.dorico (3.7 MB)
Besides, the suggested Preference, you can anytime deactivate the Playback from each project:
…and the status of each opened file will be maintained during the whole session, and saved with the file as you then save. If you maintain only one project active, there are no lags switching between windows, because no Sounds loadings occurs 
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Thank you, Christian! Very helpful. I will try to set up a project file with three score versions using the procedures you’ve described. My overriding concern is making changes or deletions of music material in one instrument and having that affect all three scores, but I think what you’re describing makes sense now. I’ll keep you posted here on my progress or if any problems arise. Thanks again!
Hi Christian, So for clarity, you used “add group” to create your three player group versions. How would “add ensemble” differ from “add group?”
@Bruce_Wermuth
First you need to add players (one by one, or using the wonderful Add Ensemble functionality), then you can create groups selecting the desired players and clicking on Add Group icon the lower left of Setup mode. The Players in the different groups are totally independent from the similar named players in other groups, as they are separate players and instruments, and the layouts are also independent.
Hear a short video showing how to add ensemble and group and score layout (the parts layouts will be created automatically). The extra added separator dummy player with green slash region is optional, but helps keeping track of the boundaries between groups in the Full Score (All) layout, and in the Layout lists:
