Creating a custom text symbol

[Karen Smithson]

I am inputting lyrics that require symbols that do not appear in the list of of over 3,000 choices available. How does one create, and save for future use, a custom text symbol? As an example, I need to create an "o" with a macron (horizontal line) above it. Thanks for your help!

[miker]

I’m sure there is one in almost every font; you just need the ALT code. Then, you can save it as a text expression.

A quick google says that ALT+0332 gives an capitol O with macron; ALT+0333 is lowercase.

I find the PopChar app a tremendous help.

(Ō and ō are very easy on a Mac and iPad!)

[zuill]

For me, in Finale, ALT-0332 gives L and Alt-0333 gives M. However, you can choose character 332 and 333 from the Insert/Symbol menu item and get the needed letters.

Zuill

[motet]

Alt-0332 and Alt-0333 give O's with macrons in just about any other Windows app. Another Finale deficiency. In addition to Zuill's solution, you can copy and paste from elsewhere if that's easier (probably not).

[Karen Smithson]

Thanks so much! I will give these solutions a try. Many thanks!

[Karen Smithson]

I just tried the first two suggested solutions and it looks like I may be stuck with the pasting method. The "Alt" solution didn't work at all and in my "Finale Lyrics" font (apparently the default) characters 332 and 333 are squiggles in a language I'm not familiar with. Any other suggestions before I horse around with a paste-up? Thanks!

[motet]

Change the lyrics font to a better font (Document options / Fonts / Lyrics). Here's Times New Roman. You still need to use Insert Symbol.

[Karen Smithson]

Perfect! Using Times New Roman and selecting # 333 of the choices was the answer. Thanks so much, all!