To mask a portion of the score using the Graphics Tool

You can also create a white mask using the Graphics Tool. While the procedure is much easier with the Graphics Tool, one potential downside is that it involves the creating of a graphic file, separate from Finale, which you must remember to include should you transport your Finale file to print elsewhere. Also, the Graphics Tool method works like an expression in that it will always cover anything you place it on top of.

1. Select the Graphics Tool   and then, from the View menu, choose Page View.
2. In a blank area of the page, double-click and drag the mouse down and to the right, creating a square or rectangle approximately the size of the area you wish to mask. Since you’re going to paste this box on top of unwanted items in your file, be advised that anything that appears within the lines of the box will appear in your score. So, if you inadvertently drew the box on top of something, try it again.
3. From the Graphics menu, choose Export Selection.
4. Click OK.
5. Type in the name you would like to call your file in the dialog box that appears and click Save.
6. From the Graphics menu, choose Place Graphic.
7. Select the file you just created and click Open. Note that the cursor changes to a box with and X inside.
8. Place the cursor in the upper left hand corner of where you’d like the white mask to appear, and then click the mouse. Note that the white mask now has eight handles on it. If you need to fine tune its position, you can do so by dragging these handles.

Keep in mind that in addition to pasting in blank material you can use this same procedure to copy and paste musical examples–incipits for example. See Graphics Tool for more information.

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