Program Structure and Workflow: Global First, Local Last
Introduction
Dorico is designed around a global-first, local-last philosophy, meaning that most settings affecting notation, playback, and layout are governed by broader system rules rather than immediate, visible controls. This structured approach contrasts with Finale, where users often make manual adjustments directly on the score. Understanding how to navigate Dorico’s menus and settings efficiently is key to mastering the software.
Global vs. Local Controls
In Dorico, many features are controlled globally via Notation Options, Layout Options, Engraving Options, and Playback Options. These settings dictate default behaviors, ensuring consistency across the project.
- Global settings affect an entire score or layout (e.g., note spacing, instrument condensing, default slur positioning).
- Local adjustments (e.g., manual staff spacing, note placement tweaks) should be applied only when necessaryafter setting global rules.
Finding the Right Menu
When looking for a solution in Dorico, the answer is usually not directly in front of you but governed by a setting in one of its structured menus. If something isn’t behaving as expected, consider:
- Library > Notation Options (Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + N) for rules governing note grouping, beaming, and accidentals.
- Library > Engraving Options (Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + E) for graphical spacing, ties, and positioning.
- Library > Layout Options (Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + L) for part formatting, staff spacing, and page layouts.
- Library > Playback Options (Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + P) for dynamics interpretation, humanization, and swing feel.
- Context Menus (Right-Click) often provide quick access to frequently used settings.
- The Properties Panel (bottom of the window in Write Mode) allows local overrides of some engraving and notation settings.
Using the Jump Bar for Fast Navigation
Navigating menus manually can be time-consuming. The Jump Bar (J) allows you to quickly locate and open menus without searching through dropdowns.
- Press J, then start typing the menu name (e.g., “Notation Options” or “Engraving Options”).
- Use arrow keys to select the correct item and press Enter to open it.
- The Key Commands Editor also allows users to create Jump Bar aliases for frequently accessed menu items, providing an even faster way to navigate Dorico.
Key Commands for Efficient Workflow
The Key Commands Editor, found in Preferences, allows users to assign shortcuts to nearly any menu item in Dorico. This is particularly useful for repetitive tasks and navigating complex menus efficiently.
- Default shortcuts for popovers (e.g., Shift + B for Bars, Shift + M for Meters) originate here.
- Users can create custom key commands for functions that don’t have default shortcuts.
- While modal windows and dropdowns are not directly accessible via shortcuts, most menu-based actions can be assigned a command.
- The Jump Bar Alias Field in the Key Commands Editor allows users to define shortcuts for calling specific functions via the Jump Bar.
Best Practices for Efficiency
- Before making a manual adjustment, check if a global setting can address the issue.
- Use the Jump Bar to locate and open settings instantly.
- Customize Key Commands in Preferences to streamline frequent actions.
- Use Context Menus and the Properties Panel for quick local changes.
- Structure workflow left to right, moving through Setup → Write → Engrave → Play → Print.
Conclusion
Dorico’s global-first approach ensures consistency, minimizes manual corrections, and streamlines professional notation workflows. Mastering menu navigation, using the Jump Bar, and leveraging key commands will greatly enhance efficiency when working in Dorico.