Changing the key signature, time signature, and clef

While entering with Simple Entry, you can use keyboard shortcuts to change the key and meter.

1. Hold down (Mac: ) and click on any note in measure 1. For this example, we’ll select a note with the mouse. In the future, you can use this method at any time while entering with the Simple Entry Caret, or whenever a note is selected in the score. The key and time signature change appears at the beginning of the measure you are editing (unless specified otherwise in the Key or Time Signature dialog box). Clef changes appear at the position of the caret, or to the left of a selected note.
2. Hold down (Mac: ) and press K. A “Waiting for input” message appears that tells you Finale is ready to enter a key change. The Key Signature dialog box appears.
3. Click Select. The Key Signature dialog box appears.
4. On the scroll bar to the right of the key signature display, click the up arrow twice. We’ll change the key signature to A major.
5. Click OK. The key change appears at the beginning of the first measure. You’ll learn more about the Key Signature dialog box in chapter 2. Now let’s say we want to change the time signature.
6. Hold down (Mac: ) and press T. The Time signature dialog box appears. Here, you can change the number of beats and beat duration using the arrows on the right. For now, leave the time signature set to common time. You’ll learn more about this dialog box in chapter 2.
7. Click Select. The Time Signature dialog box appears. Here, you can change the number of beats and beat duration using the arrows on the right. For now, leave the time signature set to common time. You’ll learn more about this dialog box in chapter 2.
8. Click OK. Now, let’s say we want to change the clef.
9. Hold down (Mac: ) and press C. The Change Clef dialog box appears.  
10. Click Select. The Change Clef dialog box appears.
11. Select a new clef and click OK. You return to the score. Finale creates a clef change in front of the note that was highlighted. Finale creates a mid-measure clef unless the Caret is placed at the beginning of a measure or the first note of a measure is highlighted; in which case the clef change will appear at the beginning of the measure (just to the left of the barline). You’ll learn more about clef changes in chapters 1c and 5.

Note that when you see the Waiting for Input message, you can also use a metatool to quickly enter a key clef or time change. See Metatools for information on assigning metatools.

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