Galley View vs. Page View in Dorico
Introduction
Dorico provides two distinct score views: Galley View and Page View. Each serves a different purpose in the notation and layout process. Understanding when and how to switch between them will help streamline your workflow, especially for users transitioning from Finale.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Understanding the Difference
- Galley View: Displays all staves in a continuous horizontal layout without system breaks.
- Ideal for composing, arranging, and editing music without concern for page formatting.
- Allows easy access to all instruments in large scores.
- Provides access to the Instrument Filter, a feature only available in Galley View, which allows users to create custom score views by selecting specific instruments to display. This is similar to Finale’s Staff Sets, but more flexible and customizable.
- If the score looks crowded in Galley View, adjust Staff Spacing in Layout Options > Page Setup. This control is located between Ideal Gaps and Minimum Gaps, just under Inter-System Gap. A setting of 125% is often comfortable, especially when chord symbols or lyrics are present.
- The Ideal Gaps setting is not scriptable and is located in a submenu, making it difficult to find through the Jump Bar. To access it manually, navigate to Layout Options > Page Setup, then look under Spacing Gaps.
- Page View: Displays the score in a paginated format, showing system breaks and margins as they will appear in the final printed version.
- Used for final layout adjustments and print-ready formatting.
2. Switching Between Views
- In Write Mode, use the View Menu > Galley View or Page View.
- Alternatively, press Ctrl/Cmd + Alt + 1 for Page View and Ctrl/Cmd + Alt + 2 for Galley View.
- The status bar at the bottom of the window also provides a quick toggle button.
3. Editing in Galley View
- No automatic system breaks or page constraints allow for free-flowing notation.
- Convenient for adding or adjusting notes, dynamics, and other musical elements.
- Useful when working with condensed or hidden staves in orchestral scores.
- Use the Instrument Filter to quickly focus on specific sections of the score without affecting playback or page formatting.
4. Formatting in Page View
- System and page breaks apply as set in Engrave Mode.
- Use Layout Options to fine-tune spacing, margins, and part-specific formatting.
- Adjust the number of bars per system for a professional look.
Tips & Best Practices
- Use Galley View while composing and arranging to avoid unnecessary layout distractions.
- Switch to Page View when preparing a score for printing or export.
- In orchestral scores, Galley View is best for keeping an overview of all instruments.
- Utilize the Instrument Filter in Galley View to create customized working scores for different sections.
- Adjust Staff Spacing in Layout Options > Page Setup if the view appears crowded.
- Ensure system breaks and spacing look correct in Page View before exporting parts.
Common Issues & Troubleshooting
Problem: Music appears cut off in Page View.
- Solution: Adjust frame size in Layout Options or check for hidden system breaks.
Problem: Notes look misaligned between views.
- Solution: Ensure correct voice assignments and spacing settings.
Problem: Unable to switch views.
- Solution: Verify you are in Write Mode and not in Engrave Mode, which restricts view changes.
FAQs
Q: Can I edit system breaks in Galley View?
A: No, system breaks only apply in Page View and Engrave Mode.
Q: Does switching views affect playback?
A: No, it only changes the visual layout, not the MIDI playback.
Q: How do I force system breaks in Page View?
A: Use the Engrave Mode > System Breaks tool to manually adjust line breaks.
Q: Can I hide certain instruments in Galley View without affecting the full score?
A: Yes, use the Instrument Filter to show only selected instruments while composing or editing.