Finale Forum

Hi!
I have a 'Custom Frame' based on something created in th shape designer in one Finale-file.
Is there a way to copy/export this shape and import it to an other score (Finale File)?

I don't want to built this shape from groung everytime I work on another score.
Building a template that includes this shapes is not an option because I have to work on t´score that already exist

ray

You can save a library with your custom shape:

- Make a duplicate copy of the source document (that contains the shape).
- Open the duplicate document, Select All, and clear all the music (so that all measures are empty).
- Go to the Shape Selection, and delete all the other shapes.
- File menu > Save Library… (select Shapes).

You can load this “custom” library into other documents.

Thanks, Peter.

Is there a reason why I have to clear all the music (so that all measures are empty) before saving the library?

Speaking about libraries: When I save a library, currently the system margins are not incuded... is there a way to include the system margins?
Or do I have to set up the system margins over and over again?

ray1234 wrote:… Is there a reason why I have to clear all the music (so that all measures are empty) before saving the library?

No, but you have to clear the music before you delete all the other shapes.
If you do not clear the music first, then you will get a dialog box warning you, that the shape you are about to delete, is in use in the layout.

ray1234 wrote:… When I save a library, currently the system margins are not included... is there a way to include the system margins? …

I think that the default system margin values belong to the Document Options.
To include system margin settings, in the dialog box Save Library, also select Document Options.
You can see a document’s default system margin values in
Document menu > Page Format > …

NB:
When you select Document Options, the library will include all the Document Options, and you may not want that.
It might be a good idea to try on a backup copy document first.

The default values for system margins are used when new systems are created.
Already existing systems are not affected.
To update already existing systems:
Page Layout menu > Redefine Pages > …

O.k.
So that means if I import a library all the smart shapes from the imported library are added to the document (and all current the shapes stay in the document)?

Unfortunately the default system margin values do not belong to the Document Options... :-/
Does that mean there's no possiblility to import the from on file to another?

ray1234 wrote:… So that means if I import a library all the smart shapes from the imported library are added to the document (and all current the shapes stay in the document)? …

Yes.

ray1234 wrote:… Unfortunately the default system margin values do not belong to the Document Options... :-/
Does that mean there's no possiblility to import the from on file to another?

For me, the default system margin values do import via a library.
But I am using v25.
Your version (= 2010) may be different.

Another thought:
In the dialog box Save Library, do you have an option for Page Format?

I have 2010, and for me, the default system margin values do get imported with a Document Options library.
The imported margin values, however, must be applied to the document before you can see any change!

Ere Lievonen wrote:I have 2010, and for me, the default system margin values do get imported with a Document Options library.
The imported margin values, however, must be applied to the document before you can see any change!

And the correct way to apply the imported margins to the document is to go to "redefine pages"?

ray1234 wrote:… And the correct way to apply the imported margins to the document is to go to "redefine pages"?

Yes.

The down-and-dirty way to get a shape from one document to another is by copying a measure from one document to another that has the shape in it. Just a thought for the original question. Often a Library is overkill if it is just one item.

Zuill

P.S.: To clarify, if the Frame was created while in the text tool, then create an expression that has the shape. Copy/paste from one file to another. If you don't need the expression in the destination file, delete it. The shape should remain.

Years ago Jari Williamsson had a plug-in to copy an expression from one file to another. I miss it.

zuill wrote:The down-and-dirty way to get a shape from one document to another is by copying a measure from one document to another that has the shape in it. Just a thought for the original question. Often a Library is overkill if it is just one item.

Good to know. Thanks