Staff, Player and Instrument Names and Labels in Dorico
Introduction
Correctly naming players, instruments, and layouts in Dorico is essential for clear notation and part extraction. Unlike Finale, where users directly edit staff names, Dorico dynamically manages labels based on the assigned instruments and player settings.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Editing Player and Instrument Names
- In Setup Mode, select a player in the left panel.
- Click on the three dots to the right of the instrument name and choose Names from the dropdown menu.
- Modify the instrument’s display name as needed.
- To rename the player itself (without affecting the instrument name), double-click the player’s label and enter a new name.
2. Customizing Layout Names
- In Setup Mode, select a layout from the right panel.
- Double-click the layout name to modify its label.
- Ensure that part names reflect instrument assignments correctly for efficient part extraction.
3. Managing Staff Labels
- By default, Dorico assigns staff labels dynamically based on the instrument and player settings.
- Adjust label display settings in Engraving Options > Staff Labels.
- For custom labels, use the Layout Options > Staves and Systems to override defaults.
4. Editing Flow Titles and Numbers
- In Setup Mode, click on a flow title in the bottom panel.
- Enter a new title for better organization of multi-movement or sectional works.
- Adjust numbering settings in Project Info > Flow Titles.
Tips & Best Practices
- Use player names for clear organization, especially in large ensembles.
- Ensure layout names match part assignments to prevent confusion in extracted parts.
- Customize staff labels if working with unconventional instrumentations or transcriptions.
Common Issues & Troubleshooting
Problem: Instrument names appear incorrectly in parts.
- Solution: Check Setup Mode to confirm correct instrument assignments.
- Ensure layout names are distinct from player names.
Problem: Staff labels don’t update when renaming instruments.
- Solution: Verify settings in Engraving Options > Staff Labels and Layout Options > Staves and Systems.
Problem: Flow titles appear incorrect or missing.
- Solution: Edit flow titles in Project Info and confirm their visibility in Layout Options.
FAQs
Q: Can I rename a player without changing the instrument label?
A: Yes, rename the player directly in Setup Mode without modifying the instrument name.
Q: How do I add a custom staff label?
A: Override the default staff label in Engraving Options > Staff Labels.
Q: Can I hide flow titles in the score but keep them in the parts?
A: Yes, adjust flow title visibility separately in Layout Options for each layout.