Finale Forum

Hi,
I'm running Finale ver. 25.4.1.152 on Windows 10. I'm trying to create a vocal SATB score that has various time signatures in the different parts that change at different times. For instance the soprano part might have two bars of 3/2, while the alto stays in 4/4, before and after the soprano time change. The quarter note stays the same in all parts, so the 3/2 bar needs to be physically longer than the 4/4 bar(s) in order for the notes to line up between parts. Finale insists on making all the bars the same size. I've tried altering the music spacing (note, beat and time) but no joy. Can I move the barlines on different staves to different places? I think that would solve my problem. The measure tool doesn't work because it changes all the barlines in the stack.
Thanks,
Jim Barrett

I suppose that the Soprano part and the Alto part do not share one staff, but rather are notated on two separate staves, right?

To get staggered barlines, use a workaround.

In this example let us say that the Soprano has two measures in 3/2 while the Alto has three measures in 4/4:

Create one measure in 12/4.
In the dialog box Time Signature you can choose a different time signature for display only.
Set the “Display Only” time signature to 3/2.

In the Staff Attributes for the Alto staff, in the pane Independent Elements, select “Time Signature”.

Go back to the Time Signature Tool, and change the Alto’s “Display Only” time signature to 4/4 (let the real time signature remain 12/4).

Enter the notes in Soprano and Alto.

Use the Expression Tool to add false barlines.
You can create a new “False Barline” expression category, and set up the category with default positioning settings as needed.
Since these false barlines do not cancel note accidentals, pay attention to the note accidentals!

I hope that this is clear?
If not, ask again.

By The Way:
Where the layout has staggered barlines, it does not make sense to use measure numbers.
Instead, use rehearsal marks.

Thank you, I'll try that, but...oy!

And yes, all the parts are on different staves.

If only I could drag the barlines and notes! Sigh.

You can, but it's a lot more trouble than Peter's method.

It's possible to achieve this without fake barlines using independent time signatures (for display) and hidden barlines.It's a bit of a hassle to set up, but it might be worth it if the pattern is regular and can be copied. The advantage is that barline expressions don't have to be carefully squeezed in between notes.

The downside of the {hidden barlines} solution appears if (and only if) you need a duration - or a beam - across a hidden barline.
It can be done, but it is time consuming.

Good point.

I've tried with some success at making fake barlines as articulations rather than expressions, and using the document option "avoid collision of articulations." You can make an articulation with the shape designer that includes a barline and some white space surrounding it. It wasn't completely successful, but might save time over dragging notes apart.