Here is a list of HOWTOs, and common problems and their solutions, for Coda Music software (finale, printmusic, etc...)

And a quick shout-out to Clarinetist that did all the work for this (in which I brutally stole from here).

[link] Open .MUS Files
[link] .MUS -> .PDF conversion
[link (http://forum.makemusic.com/default.aspx?f=5&m=105373)] Limitations of Finale Notepad
[link] Deleting Staves (NOT in Notepad and Songwriter)
[link] Straight-line Glissandi Instead Of Squiggly (Finale only)
[link] Notating Double Flat/Sharp in Notepad
[link] Adding Staves (NOT in Notepad and Songwriter)
[link] Weird Symbols (fix)
[link] Cadenzas (Finale Only)
[link] Playing Garritan Sounds in Finale 2006 only
[link] Playing MIDI Sounds Instead Of Garritan (Finale Only)
[link] Getting Rid Of Isolated Measures, i.e. one measure left in one page, separated from others
[link] Deauthorizing Printmusic/Songwriter/Allegro And Placing It On A Different Computer
[link] Glissando Playback Without Delay
[link] Tempo Changes (1st part: Finale Only, 2nd part applies to all programs Printmusic and up)
[link] Extracting MIDI notes (Notepad 2008, and all other programs after)
[link] Inside-measure Clef Changes (Finale Only)
[link (http://forum.makemusic.com/default.aspx?f=6&m=221952&g=221954#m221954)] Unable to Undo (fix)
[link] Typing in rallentando and rall. in Finale Notepad


// Note from Noir7:

Please use this thread for any music composing/arranging software issues. You can ask for advice or give troubleshooting tips here! Your help will be very much appreaciated.

Over!

Thanks for putting this up as a Sticky. There is one error on there that I forgot to change: Extracting MIDI notes applies to all programs Finale Notepad 2008 and after, also with all other Makemusic notation programs (Finale, Printmusic, Allegro, Songwriter, etc.) of all years (just thought I'd note that to make it clear). I'll edit this post with more topics if needed...

[link (http://forums.ichigos.com/showthread.php?p=354927)] Hide Rests (Finale Printmusic and up)
[link (http://forums.ichigos.com/showpost.php?p=409895&postcount=61)] Multiple Parts in one Staff (applies to all)
[link (http://forums.ichigos.com/showthread.php?p=414308)] Duplets, Quadruplets, etc. (applies to all)
[link (http://forums.ichigos.com/showthread.php?p=417816)] Adding Measures in between Music (applies to all)
[link (http://forums.ichigos.com/showthread.php?t=13290)] Blue Triangle Problem
[link (http://forums.ichigos.com/showthread.php?p=417817)] Finale- Changes in Function (upgrading from 2007 to later products)
[link (http://forums.ichigos.com/showthread.php?p=416790)] Finale 2007/2008 and later: not being able to save Garritan sounds into a .mp3 file.
[link (http://forums.ichigos.com/showthread.php?t=11778)] Finale Glissandi Play Notes too quickly (only can be fixed in Finale)
[link (http://forums.ichigos.com/showpost.php?p=416849&postcount=6)] Finale - Converting from .wav to .mp3 using VST sounds
[link (http://forums.ichigos.com/showthread.php?p=417816)] Inserting Measures between Two Measures
[link (http://forums.ichigos.com/showthread.php?p=426090)] Differentiating between Solo Strings and Full String Orchestra (Softsynth sounds only; does not apply to VST sounds)
[link (http://forums.ichigos.com/showthread.php?p=426720)] Sorting Staves that Are Added after Using the Setup Wizard
[link (http://forums.ichigos.com/showthread.php?p=426720)] Preventing Staves from Going off of the Page
[link (http://forums.ichigos.com/showthread.php?p=429588)] How to Cross-Staff notes (Finale only)
[link (http://forums.ichigos.com/showthread.php?p=429609)] .PDF --> .MUS conversion (click [here (http://forums.ichigos.com/showthread.php?p=429664)] for an alternate option for Finale 2006 or later users)

How about the most important one, How To Make a Mid.

Err...

File>Save as>Save as type>MIDI File (*.MID) instead of: Finale Notation File (*.MUS).

My Finale doesn't convert to MP3's, only WAVs??

My Finale doesn't convert to MP3's, only WAVs??

I think it started in 2007 or 2008, don't remember; but you're going to have to get a .wav -> .mp3 converter. This only applies when you're using Garritan Instruments or anything else with Kontakt.

is there any way to hook my violin up to the computer :P haha..... yeah.... I'm a violinist :p or at least... use to be. I think If I were able to write music with my violin it would be better. I hate the sound of it on the computer.. sounds like a dying cat XD

This is not related really to finale, but the only ways are if your violin is electric, to buy the cable for connect it to your computer. If is the acoustic one, you will have to buy a decent mic for record it.

This is not related really to finale, but the only ways are if your violin is electric, to buy the cable for connect it to your computer. If is the acoustic one, you will have to buy a decent mic for record it.

... and also, as soon as you do connect it, put it through HyperScribe (Songwriter (I think) and higher valued programs have this function). Click on the keyboard-like tool and click a measure. Then just play.

Does Finale has actually have a pitch-to-MIDI converter built-in to it? If not though, you need some sort of converter to do the job, and most of these are hardware based I think. Of course, if you've got a Zeta electric violin with MIDI capabilities, you're all set :).

Does Finale has actually have a pitch-to-MIDI converter built-in to it? If not though, you need some sort of converter to do the job, and most of these are hardware based I think. Of course, if you've got a Zeta electric violin with MIDI capabilities, you're all set :).

Yes, it does. However, I can't guarantee that the rhythms one tries to play will be extremely accurate. -_-

http://forums.ichigos.com/showthread.php?t=13290

You might want to add the fix the the blue triangle of death to this list. :P

I am having problems with finale, the damn thing crashes every time there more than a couple of instruments......is there a way to fix this? and also, is there a way to emulate a tremelo type thing on the stringed instruments

Aaron, I'm pretty sure that happens when you don't have enough RAM/hard drive space to run finale. (this happened to me all the time on my old computer that only had 447 MB of ram xD) I think you can upgrade RAM, but if it turns out you can't, the only way to get more is to buy a new computer that has more. X_X

I thought so too, (i have 448mb of ram) but it was working fine the day before i posted that O.o so im not sure

That could be your problem...makemusic recommends at least 1-3 GB of RAM. :heh: If you have access to a newer computer with vista 64 bit (it's faster than 32 :P) and more ram, I would recommend using that for finale instead.

You could download ccleaner though, and clean up your temp. files and registry errors, to keep your computer running at a tolerable speed. This is certainly not a better solution than getting more RAM, but it will improve performance on your computer quite a bit, and may fix your slow finale problem. (this worked for my old computer too...:P)

With that RAM your PC seem old. And I am impressed you was running FL Studio with it! I guess you don't use many VST plug-ins that eat the whole RAM.

Hey, is there a way to use japanese kanji/hiragana/katakana for titles in finale 2009? I arranged tori no uta, and I want the title in japanese. :P Finale tells me you need to use a truetype font, but MS gothic is truetype....XD

You need the Japanese fonts. Look around the internet to see if you can find them. This reminded me I forgot to install it.

I do have the fonts. I have MS mincho, and MS gothic. Both of them are truetype, and should work. But finale tells me it's not truetype. :angry: wtf?

edit: Oh, to anyone wondering where I got the fonts, they came on my computer. If you don't have them, they should be on the disc your computer OS came on, otherwise I think you can download it on microshit's website. XD

Hi^^

How can I insert a measure between two measures?

Right click on the second of the two measures and click on the "insert measure stack" option.

Is anybody else having this problem with finale? I am using my 30" or so vizio as a monitor, and sometimes playback on finale causes loud popping noises to come out instead of music. (although sometimes if I mess around with the music it works) You do not know how sad of a sight it is to see me in the middle of making music, and all the sudden I jump out of my chair scared shitless because of a loud pop noise from the speaker. XD

Does it only happen in Finale? If it happens to everything, then it could be a sound card problem or some EMI that the sound card or speaker is picking up. If it's the drivers, try testing ASIO drivers on ASIO enabled applications such as winamp (Finale 2009 is compatible with ASIO too, but anything before 2009 isn't), or update your drivers. Oh and most importantly when did it happen? What did you do or change that caused it? You mentioned monitor so I was just saying; they could emit EMI who knows.

On Finale Printmusic 2008, how do you make certain parts louder? I have about 10 instrument parts on FF, but I want to hear 2 parts louder for the melody.

And zippy, do you mean like feedback sounds on Finale? I think that usually happens when parts in the music are too loud that it plays a weird sound instead of the note.

Finale sucks for this sole reason. Great for visual presentation in creating sheet music, bad for audio playback. The playback is mostly done in DAW applications, but that's out of question.

Have you tried upping the volume controls in the mixer? The master volume control is usually set to 64. You might want to push that to the max.

I tried but I still can't hear the two parts I want to hear. I agree with you brncao. Bad in audio playback. So I guess I just have to use my mind instead of my ears.

I'm having this exact same problem with hearing the viola section in Finale. If you have a set of speakers, turn the two parts you want to hear way up and turn the rest way down. Then turn the speakers up. Why don't you see how that works?

Can't you just put them at a louder dynamic?

Drag0ncl0ud's idea works. Never thought of that. I see how it works. Thanks Drag0ncl0ud.


deathraider, My finale only supports a max dynamic of FFFF. I tried that and it improved a little bit, but it was still hard to hear the melody.

Then I think you have the other instruments at too high of a dynamic.

In finale '09, how do you get just a solo instrument to play versus the whole section? :\ Is there a way without making another staff for it?

ok, after fiddling around a little, I got it.

1.You have to open the expression menu (click the button that says mf and double click where you want your solo to begin) then,

2.create a new expression (I recommend putting it in Technique texts but it doesn't matter where you put it). label it solo and put the instrument it's for in the description box. This is because you will have to create a new one for each different instrument you want soloing

3. Go to the playback tab then select "Patch" in the drop down menu next to where it says type

4. more drop down menus will appear, choose the solo instrument under GM (violin is 41, viola is 42, cello 43, contrabass 44, tremolo 45) and leave the patch menu as it is

5. make another expression titled "tutti" and set the patch to whichever string ensemble you were using before the solo entrance (the string ensembles are 49 and 50)

NOTE: all instruments except the string ensembles, choir, and the brass section sounds are solo by default unless you write more than one note at a time

you can do the same thing if you want a guitarist to change fingering techniques or a synth to change sounds in the middle of a piece

Also you have to recreate these each time you open a new file, annoying I know

P.S. this does not work for VSTs in Finale

Er, how can I sort the instruments, if I've added them with the "New Staves (with Setup wizard)"?
And the staffs of the instruments sometimes go over the page o.O
How can I get rid of this?

1. click the staff directly under where you want to enter the new staff and then use "New Staves (with Setup Wizard)"

2. After you've added the staves click on the resize tool (the one that looks like a percent sign) then right click and select "resize system." Then change the staff height to fit the staves.

http://s12.directupload.net/images/090725/6pdegu9v.jpg (http://www.directupload.net)

How can I do something like that?

http://s12.directupload.net/images/090725/6pdegu9v.jpg (http://www.directupload.net)

How can I do something like that?

Note: This function is only in Finale.

1) Type all of the eighth notes in the bass clef since the four eighth notes with the cross staff start in the bass clef.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/1-13.png

2) Hide any rests you want hidden by typing 'h' after selecting the rest. These rests will show up, but will not print.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/2-5.png

------

There are two ways to do this:

1a. If you are using Finale 2008 or later,

select your notes using the selection tool that you want cross-staffed.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/3-4.png

2a. Go to Plug-ins > TG Tools > Cross Staff... then click "Go."

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/4-3.png
3a. Use the Beam Angle Tool (http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/5-3.png) to adjust the beam of the notes. Since the beam starts on the bass clef staff, click on the bass clef staff. Then, click on the left side of the beam that has a square, and drag it.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/6-2.png

4a. Notice the stems are not placed correctly. Use the Reverse Stem Tool (http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/7-2.png), and click on the bass clef to change the stems.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/8-1.png

Note how there are two squares per note; do not highlight both of them, for that doesn't change the effect. Instead, click the two boxes that are shaded so that the stems are facing the right way. (Note that this is the same thing as only shading the bottom two boxes.)

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/9-1.png

5a. Use the Beam Mover Tool (http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/5-3.png) to adjust the beam.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/10-1.png



1b. If you are using Finale 2007 or earlier,
use the Note Mover Tool (http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/11-1.png) and click on the bass clef staff.

2b. Click and drag each note that you want to the treble clef staff (sometimes this doesn't work; make sure that you are dragging the notes at straight lines).
3b. Use the Beam Angle Tool (http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/5-3.png) to adjust the beam of the notes. Since the beam starts on the bass clef staff, click on the bass clef staff. Then, click on the left side of the beam that has a square, and drag it.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/13-1.png

4b. Notice the stems are not placed correctly. Use the Reverse Stem Tool (http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/7-2.png), and click on the bass clef to change the stems.

Note how there are two squares per note; do not highlight both of them for every note, for that doesn't change the effect. Instead, click the bottom four boxes that are shaded so that the stems are facing the right way.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/14-1.png

5b. Adjust with the Beam Angle Tool (http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/5-3.png) if desired.

Don't forget that when using the "cross staff" tool you need to define whether you want it to cross to the "previous" or "next" staff--in this case, chose "previous" (this is probably a no-brainer, but I thought I'd say it anyway).

You said how to turn a .mus to a pdf. If possible, how do you turn a pdf into a .mus?

You said how to turn a .mus to a pdf. If possible, how do you turn a pdf into a .mus?

You would have to manually put in every note, dynamic, etc.

Unless you have one of the newer full versions of Finale (not sure what year it started, but I know at least 2006 and above), in which you can use "SmartScore Lite"--which is built in--to scan it into Finale. That's only somewhat reliable, though, and it's probably almost just as easy to do everything manually.

Can you walk me through it please?:teeth: I have Finale NotePad 2007. Will it work there?

Can you walk me through it please?:teeth: I have Finale NotePad 2007. Will it work there?

Nope, I believe it's only Finale Printmusic and higher-end products that have that function. :\

Yes indeed.

Note: This function is only in Finale.

1) Type all of the eighth notes in the bass clef since the four eighth notes with the cross staff start in the bass clef.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/1-13.png

2) Hide any rests you want hidden by typing 'h' after selecting the rest. These rests will show up, but will not print.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/2-5.png

------

There are two ways to do this:

1a. If you are using Finale 2008 or later,

select your notes using the selection tool that you want cross-staffed.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/3-4.png

2a. Go to Plug-ins > TG Tools > Cross Staff... then click "Go."

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/4-3.png
3a. Use the Beam Angle Tool (http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/5-3.png) to adjust the beam of the notes. Since the beam starts on the bass clef staff, click on the bass clef staff. Then, click on the left side of the beam that has a square, and drag it.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/6-2.png

4a. Notice the stems are not placed correctly. Use the Reverse Stem Tool (http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/7-2.png), and click on the bass clef to change the stems.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/8-1.png

Note how there are two squares per note; do not highlight both of them, for that doesn't change the effect. Instead, click the two boxes that are shaded so that the stems are facing the right way. (Note that this is the same thing as only shading the bottom two boxes.)

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/9-1.png

5a. Use the Beam Mover Tool (http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/5-3.png) to adjust the beam.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/10-1.png



1b. If you are using Finale 2007 or earlier,
use the Note Mover Tool (http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/11-1.png) and click on the bass clef staff.

2b. Click and drag each note that you want to the treble clef staff (sometimes this doesn't work; make sure that you are dragging the notes at straight lines).
3b. Use the Beam Angle Tool (http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/5-3.png) to adjust the beam of the notes. Since the beam starts on the bass clef staff, click on the bass clef staff. Then, click on the left side of the beam that has a square, and drag it.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/13-1.png

4b. Notice the stems are not placed correctly. Use the Reverse Stem Tool (http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/7-2.png), and click on the bass clef to change the stems.

Note how there are two squares per note; do not highlight both of them for every note, for that doesn't change the effect. Instead, click the bottom four boxes that are shaded so that the stems are facing the right way.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/14-1.png

5b. Adjust with the Beam Angle Tool (http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Bbclarinetist/5-3.png) if desired.

I've been wanting to know how to do this for a long time. Stupid finale guide never explains things easily.

Thanks a bunch Clari. ^_^

No problem. :) NOTE: Front page of this thread is updated.

ok so for finale 2009

the site says it is not free, but the demo is.
i already used up the demo on my computer.
but someone said its still free.....
the site says you cant download the earlier versions of finale anymore...

CONFUSED!?!? help please ^_^

ok so for finale 2009

the site says it is not free, but the demo is.
i already used up the demo on my computer.
but someone said its still free.....
the site says you cant download the earlier versions of finale anymore...

CONFUSED!?!? help please ^_^

Finale 2009 isn't free :)
If you want that program, you have to buy it.

Er...
How can I get rid of that lock thing that appears if I created a coda system or moved a measure?

Er...
How can I get rid of that lock thing that appears if I created a coda system or moved a measure?

Highlight the system, then go to (I think) Utilities > Unlock Systems.

Thank you again :D

What's that for a symbol at the top on the right?

http://s3.directupload.net/images/090805/n29ytrlj.jpg (http://www.directupload.net)

And how can I undo a coda system D:?

Thank you again :D

What's that for a symbol at the top on the right?

http://s3.directupload.net/images/090805/n29ytrlj.jpg (http://www.directupload.net)

And how can I undo a coda system D:?

The symbol on the right is "Allow Individual Staff Spacing." This can be turned on/off (for the whole file) by clicking on the Page Layout Tool and right clicking on it.

To understand its function, click the Staff Tool. Notice that when "Allow Individual Staff Spacing" is on, there are two spots on which to click on the clef. The top one changes the placement of the staff on the whole file, whereas the bottom one changes the placement of the staff for just the system in which the clef is. (Personally I don't get why this isn't just automatic in Finale.)

To remove that coda, I think you would have to use the Repeat Tool to get rid of the text, but you'd probably have to figure it out from there, sorry; I haven't used Codas in a long time.

To delete the coda, just select the repeat tool, and click the Coda and press DELETE :) along with the text or anything else you want to delete (repeat wise)

However, for some reason, you can only delete repeat bars by clicking on the bar and ONLY the bar...doesn't work if you highlight more than that...it's weird lol

I own Finale 2007 and would like to install it on my new(ish) computer. However, I have lost disk 1! I have the box and serial number and everything but the disk itself...I tried downloading the demo and then registering it, but the demo doesn't even let you do that. I have no idea what to do. I don't have any money to spend right now and legally purchased the software.

Then just download it using a torrent and then legally register it. That seems legal enough to me.

I agree with deathraider. Also, you could try contacting Finale via e-mail and tell them what happened and give them your info. They should be able to do something.

Is there a site where I could download a torrent without getting a bunch of viruses? I'm a bit hesitant to just pick a site off google.

Is there a site where I could download a torrent without getting a bunch of viruses? I'm a bit hesitant to just pick a site off google.

Use http://www.thepiratebay.org

or http://www.torrentz.com

Those two sites are pretty reliable, for me anyway. I just scan everything I download anyway, just to be safe :)

I like how I cannot Deauthorize Finale 2007. It's impossible. I've tried it on three other computers that I've put it on and it never works. Even uninstalling the program, I cannot authorize it on my new PC. Therefore, I'm "getting" Finale 2009, unless someone can tell me another way to ACTUALLY authorize Finale 2007.

I like how I cannot Deauthorize Finale 2007. It's impossible. I've tried it on three other computers that I've put it on and it never works. Even uninstalling the program, I cannot authorize it on my new PC. Therefore, I'm "getting" Finale 2009, unless someone can tell me another way to ACTUALLY authorize Finale 2007.

You could email their tech staff with the serial code and ask them to reset the licenses.

I'll try it.

OK, so my page numbers randomly disappeared in my score. A ) Why would this happen and B ) how do I get them back? (Finale 2008)

[img=http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/381/wtfzvy.th.jpg] (http://img188.imageshack.us/i/wtfzvy.jpg/)

Can someone tell me why this keeps happening to me every 5 seconds? :realmad: I have a quad core computer with 8GB of RAM, so this shit really shouldn't happen...T_T

That really almost tells you nothing. Your processor has nothing to do with that, and neither does your memory. It's probably just Finale screwing up. Simply re-install it; remember to erase your Finale files in the Program Files folders after you uninstall it.

OK, so my page numbers randomly disappeared in my score. A ) Why would this happen and B ) how do I get them back? (Finale 2008)

Finale (at least on mine) has a tendency every now and then to automatically "Select All" of whatever tool you're using (in my case, articulations), so if you delete one text box, all of them may have been deleted.

You would then probably have to retype them all to put them back onto the score.


[img=http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/381/wtfzvy.th.jpg]

Can someone tell me why this keeps happening to me every 5 seconds? I have a quad core computer with 8GB of RAM, so this shit really shouldn't happen...T_T

This happens to me all of the time; make sure you save your work often. >_<

Hey^^

How can I do brackets around a note?

Uh,

how can I do a swing and a human playback at the same time?

Not sure what you mean. Isn't swing part of the human playback options?

Here's a question: for some reason when I switch between pizz and arco, human playback no longer works on those parts (so the dynamics don't play back...). Is there something I'm doing wrong or some way to fix this? I've never noticed this problem before... XD

How can i make some staves be invisible on some pages?
Like, i.e. I have a full orchestra, but the brass doesn't play for like 40 measures, how can i make their staves not be there for that, so they don't take up space?

Do you mean for a full score (Condensed score), or for the individual parts (multi measure rests)?

You would use the "Optimize Staff Systems" option under the "Page Layout" tool.

Ok. Thanks! Got it working!

How do you get Japanese fonts to work with Finale? I used to know, but I forgot. I have all the correct fonts installed.

Try this: http://www.finaleforum.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=16531&highlight=japanese#16531 .

There seems to be a tendency that only single-byte fonts will work on Finale, and not unicode ones. (Sorry I couldn't help too much.)

Yeah, I figure that much out. Thanks for your help though! I know before I got it to work by putting the Japanese characters in a text file and then saving it under some encoding, but I forget which it was.

Is there a way to set the music spacing (Finale) to automatic?
The programm used to do it automatically but recently I have to do it manually...

http://www.lehrklaenge.de/assets/images/NotenRegeln06.jpg

Is there a way to set the music spacing (Finale) to automatic?
The programm used to do it automatically but recently I have to do it manually...

http://www.lehrklaenge.de/assets/images/NotenRegeln06.jpg

That's really weird - I'd contact Makemusic Tech. Support.

It could also be a font issue. I don't remember what the name of the font Finale uses to display each note, but it might be worthwhile to reinstall just the font.

I noticed that it happens when two different voices are colliding. Besides, grace notes aren't been spaced too...
Is there a function in finale that resets all changes that I've made? Maybe I did something that led to this problem...


It could also be a font issue. I don't remember what the name of the font Finale uses to display each note, but it might be worthwhile to reinstall just the font.

I'll try it.


That's really weird - I'd contact Makemusic Tech. Support.

Ok.

Finale is a touchy program. First off, look to see if you are having the same problem in other scores. If not, then the problem is a glitch in your .mus file. It happens at times when dynamics play backwords, or notes don't space right. Double check that this is the only score that it happens in. If this is NOT the only score it happens in reinstall the program and start a fresh score and see if it happens again. If it doesn't happen but when you open the problem score and it still is a problem then it is a corrupt .mus file and you will have to re-enter it (print it out and re-enter it by hand in a new score).

Also, check and see if the problem happens on the same staff but using layers one and two (Located in bottom left hand corner of screen Layer buttons 1-4. 1st layer Black, 2nd layer red, 3rd layer green, 4th layer blue). See if collsion happens when using layers 1 and 2 in the same measure.

But I would consider reinstalling the program and NOT updating it after it is installed and testing it out.

Finale is a touchy program. First off, look to see if you are having the same problem in other scores. If not, then the problem is a glitch in your .mus file. It happens at times when dynamics play backwords, or notes don't space right. Double check that this is the only score that it happens in. If this is NOT the only score it happens in reinstall the program and start a fresh score and see if it happens again. If it doesn't happen but when you open the problem score and it still is a problem then it is a corrupt .mus file and you will have to re-enter it (print it out and re-enter it by hand in a new score).

Also, check and see if the problem happens on the same staff but using layers one and two (Located in bottom left hand corner of screen Layer buttons 1-4. 1st layer Black, 2nd layer red, 3rd layer green, 4th layer blue). See if collsion happens when using layers 1 and 2 in the same measure.

But I would consider reinstalling the program and NOT updating it after it is installed and testing it out.

Finale is a touchy program. First off, look to see if you are having the same problem in other scores. If not, then the problem is a glitch in your .mus file. It happens at times when dynamics play backwords, or notes don't space right. Double check that this is the only score that it happens in. If this is NOT the only score it happens in reinstall the program and start a fresh score and see if it happens again. If it doesn't happen but when you open the problem score and it still is a problem then it is a corrupt .mus file and you will have to re-enter it (print it out and re-enter it by hand in a new score).

Also, check and see if the problem happens on the same staff but using layers one and two (Located in bottom left hand corner of screen Layer buttons 1-4. 1st layer Black, 2nd layer red, 3rd layer green, 4th layer blue). See if collsion happens when using layers 1 and 2 in the same measure.

But I would consider reinstalling the program and NOT updating it after it is installed and testing it out.

Yes, it happens in other scores, too. This problem happens when I use different layers and it seems that clef changes aren't spaced, too, when they collide with notes.
I think, I'll reinstall the programm...

I'm surprised at how many people here have enough money to buy an expensive program like Finale! We're a rich forum, for sure.
Anyway, this seems like a decent place to ask, so:
Do any of you guys know of any good choir vocal libraries for Finale? I'm looking to do some choir songs. =D

I just use the one that comes with GPO, which is all I need...

There are some good and EXPENSIVE choir libraries. No idea if would work with Finale though. You can always go with the cheap route with choirs like me. Out dated soundfont that sounds a bit better than the N64! =D Unless your plan is to pirate, lol.

Voxos:

http://cinesamples.com/products/voxos/

Requiem:

http://www.tonehammer.com/?p=4276

Symphonic Choir (Old):

http://www.soundsonline.com/Symphonic-Choirs/

Edit:

The sound font I use is: "RealSound GS 2.0" 8mb xP

http://www.sf2midi.com/soundfonts/file-detail/realsound-gs-2-0-sf2-2990.html

Doesn't Finale Support using VST plugins?

Yup.

First time Finale user (2010 version), did a search but didn't find much help vs. I didn't search well enough:

I have a piece with a number of different instruments, e.g. trumpets, flutes, etc. and I know how to extract individual parts in order to create a separate file for each instrument for printing purposes (e.g. extract the flute part, print off the flute score). But is there any way to combine two instruments onto the same file or score? I'd like to link the snare drum and bass drum parts together, as I'm sure that the drummer would appreciate seeing them simultaneously.

First time Finale user (2010 version), did a search but didn't find much help vs. I didn't search well enough:

I have a piece with a number of different instruments, e.g. trumpets, flutes, etc. and I know how to extract individual parts in order to create a separate file for each instrument for printing purposes (e.g. extract the flute part, print off the flute score). But is there any way to combine two instruments onto the same file or score? I'd like to link the snare drum and bass drum parts together, as I'm sure that the drummer would appreciate seeing them simultaneously.

Yes, it is possible:

Document -> Manage Parts -> New Part -> Choose the instruments you want to have in a part (you can edit the part name, too)-> Click "Ok"


And I have a question, too: What can I do to make the pedals work properly?

I don't think Finale uses pedals in its playback; it's there primarily as 'Performance Techniques', so I suppose they think it's unneeded to have pedal during playback...?

Then again, if you're making a piece that uses pedal in a not unnecessary way, you're probably better off actually playing it or hiring someone to do so.

Did you solve the colliding notes problem? I remember reading about it somewhere, and clicking a certain button would respace everything, but it's useless to tell you that if you've solved it :P

And I have a question, too: What can I do to make the pedals work properly?
What exactly do you mean?

I don't think Finale uses pedals in its playback; it's there primarily as 'Performance Techniques', so I suppose they think it's unneeded to have pedal during playback...?

Then again, if you're making a piece that uses pedal in a not unnecessary way, you're probably better off actually playing it or hiring someone to do so.

Finale does use pedals in the playback, but it seems like it isn't working right.
However, in this video the pedal is very good: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZ1ojeq2yb4
I want this, too :/



Did you solve the colliding notes problem? I remember reading about it somewhere, and clicking a certain button would respace everything, but it's useless to tell you that if you've solved it :P

Yes, I use that "button" :) That's what I meant by "doing it manually" ;)


What exactly do you mean?

I can't place the pedal right. It sounds choppy somehow...

Are you using the articulation tool or the smart shape tool to place the pedal markings? It looks to me like the person in the video is probably using the smart shape tool to place the pedal markings, which tends to give you more freedom with where you place pedal lifts. If you don't already know how to do that, all you have to do it use the "custom line tool" (the question mark with the line under it), and pedal markings should be the default.

Yep, as deathraider said, it's best to use the custom line tool for specific placement for pedals. Also, if you really want to get picky about how the pedal sounds, make sure you switch the Human Playback to "Custom..." and uncheck the automatic pedal function (I don't have Finale with me right now - I forget what it's called).

Are you using the articulation tool or the smart shape tool to place the pedal markings? It looks to me like the person in the video is probably using the smart shape tool to place the pedal markings, which tends to give you more freedom with where you place pedal lifts. If you don't already know how to do that, all you have to do it use the "custom line tool" (the question mark with the line under it), and pedal markings should be the default.


Yep, as deathraider said, it's best to use the custom line tool for specific placement for pedals. Also, if you really want to get picky about how the pedal sounds, make sure you switch the Human Playback to "Custom..." and uncheck the automatic pedal function (I don't have Finale with me right now - I forget what it's called).


I've already used the custom line tool, but somehow it sounds still choppy...
Maybe I'm too petty...

Is there way to create new pedal functions? If yes, I could define myself how the pedals should work...

Hey guys, is anyone else getting a REALLY loud beeping/whooshing/explosion noise randomly when playing something back on finale? I'm using the '09 version, and this happens quite a lot. I also have garageband and the sibelius demo, and it rarely happens on those too, but only when I use the garritan for finale instruments. When I emailed makemusic about it, their "solution" was for me to buy the finale 2011 edition, so I want to know if anyone has an actual solution. XD

edit: BTW, this has happened to me on my mac AND my PC. So I don't think it's platform exclusive if that helps. :P

I get that sometimes when I play midis back with Quicktime, but not when I am using Finale. Odd...

After some suggestions from a few Composition majors, I'm considering trying Lilypond. Does anyone know of a good GUI (Graphic User Interface) to go with this? I've tried LilyPond Tool, but I can't get it to work.

Offically, lilypond does not have a GUI for composition. But there exists several guis out there that can export what you write in them to a lilypond file, which you can tweak after generation.

Rosegarden (http://www.rosegardenmusic.com/) (linux only) is pro'lly the most intuitive, but it also doesn't implement all of the unique attributes of Lilypond, such as macros and modern scoring. Denemo (http://www.denemo.org/index.php/Main_Page) works great for prototyping your score out and then going through the generated score and amend the technical details.

And there's always lilypond-mode for emacs (http://www.geoffhorton.com/lilymacs.html), but that will almost certainly make you more confused about lilypond.

So there is this weird glitch in my PC version of Finale 2008 where if you try to run the softsynth soundfonts through VST the recording ends up all glitchy. Usually, it's only the first measure, but then when I try to add some measures of filler as a buffer, it messes up all of those filler measures and STILL makes that first measure glitchy. It's like Finale just decides to have a hissy-fit. If I try to save it by running it through MIDI instead of VST, it works fine, but in cases where I have a mix of softsynth and GPO instruments, this is a pain.

I would probably bet that there is something wrong with the softsygms (something like that) file in the FinaleVST folder, and that it needs to be replaced. Have you tried contacting MakeMusic?

I posted on their forum a while ago and didn't really get any helpful responses, but I haven't called in (mostly because I hate calling customer service and only do it as a last resort XD)

If you prefer, Makemusic has a text customer service system: http://www.finalemusic.com/support.aspx . (Click "Contact Support" and log in.)

Heads up; makemusic's customer support SUCKS. Their "solution" for my problem was to buy finale 2011. <_<

I was wondering if anyone can tell me if I can adjust the sound of the VST playback in Finale. I have 2009. My problem is that whenever I playback through VST the instrument always sounds like it's echoing instead of clear notes. I don't know if it's supposed to sound like that or not? I'm trying to save a WAV file of some sheets I have. I've always noticed the echoing sound of the vst playback but never did anything about since I never save wav files. I have no knowledge of the audio side of finale, so help would be greatly appreciated.

After some suggestions from a few Composition majors, I'm considering trying Lilypond. Does anyone know of a good GUI (Graphic User Interface) to go with this? I've tried LilyPond Tool, but I can't get it to work.
What's wrong with the way regular music programs export sheets? I just checked out lilypond, and I don't see anything too special looking about how it prints...is it supposed to be easier to use or something?

What's wrong with the way regular music programs export sheets? I just checked out lilypond, and I don't see anything too special looking about how it prints...is it supposed to be easier to use or something?

I thought I might as well give it a try - I'm still learning (haven't had the time to sit down and learn the thing yet). One of my friends, who speaks highly about Lilypond, composes twelve-tone non-metrical music - and when I was performing one of his pieces, I wondered what notation program he used since the notation didn't look like it was from Finale or Sibelius - he told me that he uses Lilypond, and that it's the best program he's ever had for notation.

I'll give an informed review as soon as I have the time.

I thought I might as well give it a try - I'm still learning (haven't had the time to sit down and learn the thing yet). One of my friends, who speaks highly about Lilypond, composes twelve-tone non-metrical music - and when I was performing one of his pieces, I wondered what notation program he used since the notation didn't look like it was from Finale or Sibelius - he told me that he uses Lilypond, and that it's the best program he's ever had for notation.

I'll give an informed review as soon as I have the time.
Ah, cool. I'll look forward to your review then, hahah. =D

Hey guys,

I would like to combine CVPiano and Finale 2010, so that the playback of the pianos goes through CVPiano. I've already installed CVPiano and I've put the vst.dll (CVPiano-GVI-Modeled.dll) of CVPiano in the FinaleVST folder, but it doesn't work...
Did I forget something?

Im using finale 2011
Garritan sounds didnt work for the first couple days
Then it stated working for a couple days
Now it doesnt work again wont work

My friend who has finale 2011 sent me mus files which cant be open with my finale 2010
Is there anyway to remedy this without having save them as xml files and sending them to me

First of all, please ask all future Finale related questions in the "Finale/Music software -- Support" thread, which is stickied. Second of all, no, there is no way to remedy it without upgrading or using an XML. If you just wanted to open the file to look at it, you could use Finale Reader 2011, but I don't think that's the answer you were looking for.

*Moved*

Eh
Finale is so #^%^& with compatibilty

How To Make a Mid?

I just got MacBook Pro, but my garritan sound library ain't working. Do I have to do something or get something in order for it to work?

Really big and huge informative post. This is really GREAT, I found really useful things. +10 points to everyone here XD
I have my own question. Is it possible to write in finale 2010 a guitar tab? You know, with numbers, six lines, and all this things. And, when I try to add a chords, appear an option to include a little guitar tab with the chord position over the score... However, I can´t put it. How can do it?
Thank you


How To Make a Mid?

In my Finale (2010 version) I choose File > Save as and change .mus by .mid. After that, select the midi file you want to create. If not, maybe is in something like Export > MIDI file... try it out ^.^

Is it possible to write in finale 2010 a guitar tab? You know, with numbers, six lines, and all this things.

If I'm not mistaken, then you can choose it from the instrument list (Guitar TAB or something like this)

If I'm not mistaken, then you can choose it from the instrument list (Guitar TAB or something like this)
It´s there, yes. I prove it and it works perfectly. Thank you ^.^
What about the guitar tabs on the Chords tool? Does anybody know how it works?

Hey,

How can I temporary hide a staff? (Piano, 4 staffs, I want to hide one staff)

Seeing as I just got a job that I can work from November until Christmas, I was wondering something. Is $80 worth it for Sibelius 6? I'm not sure myself, so I would like some help please. :/

For 80 USD it's a steal.

Really? How much did you guys all pay for it?

In Finale i need swing on in the middle of the piece i know how to turn it on in the middle but I cant seem to turn it off. Any ideas?

Nevermind. I figured it out XD

Since this is a support thread, maybe someone can shed some light on a problem I'm having with Finale 2011.

I can load instances of VST plug-ins just fine; however, when I load certain instruments from the library (I'm using East West's Symphonic Orchestra) Finale crashes. Says something about APPCRASH in the details, whatever that is. Is there any way to fix this so it won't crash when loading instruments?

Does it happen with the same instruments always? It could be a corrupted patch in EWQLSO. I've experienced problems with a patch from Ra that crashes my sequencer anytime I load it. Check if there is any new PLAY or SO updates available (Or maybe your problem lies with the latest PLAY version, if you updated it). From the side of Finale, I really have no idea what could be causing it.

As a matter of fact, it does only happen with certain patches. Namely timpani hits and Keyswitch horns. I'm using the Kompakt version of SO, so I'm not sure if there are any updates for that. I could just buy the PLAY version, but that's money I don't have at the moment, heh...

A friend of mine is giving me Finale. It's obviously a lot better than what I'm currently using (MuseScore), but will it be hard for me to adjust to Finale after being so used to MuseScore?

Also, I'm working on talking my mom into getting me Sibelius in the near future. Sibelius is better than Finale, right?

Make sure your friend unauthorizes their copy first before giving it to you. Can't have it on more than 2 computers I believe...as for which program is "better," that's personal preference. Finale is meant to be tool based, and sibelius is meant to be key command based. But both can be used the opposite way if you really want it to. Me personally, I like the UI of sibelius better, which is why I use it. If you talk your mom into getting you sibelius, make sure to point out that you can get it for $250 instead of 500+ by getting the competitive crossgrade version. :P

Both will give you great results and both have all the necessary tools to create a good sheet music. It is a matter of preference as Zippy said. However, Sibelius seem to be easier than Finale to some people.

Clarinetist created a threat about Sibelius, and he pointed out some good things of it:

http://forums.ichigos.com/showthread.php?16655-On-using-Sibelius...

Thanks guys. And I didn't know about authorizing it, I better shoot him a text to remind him to do that.

lols now for some extremely tricky problems in Finale.

I have a score which needs to be engraved in two different timing, one in 2/4, the other in 3/4. However the sync in the score are lousy and they display the measures perfectly aligned (Wrong musically as they should not be aligned). any idea how to fix this?? (I used Finale for 6 years and still have troubles figuring this out lols?)

I also have a problem XD

I want to make a band arrangement. But, if I am not using a instrument, I don't want its staff to appear. I mean, if I have a part with only flutes and clarinets playing, I want to hide all the remaining staffs, to reduce the number of pages. But I don't know how can I do that.

DunNotCome, sorry, but I can't help you with your problem >.<