Finale Forum

Wondering how prevalent this is and what is causing it. It has happened to me twice so far in Finale 25, never in previous versions. Of course, I am now on OS 10.12, so that might be a factor.

On opening the first file of the day, the Smart Shapes seem to be "stuck" on one symbol and refuse to change to anything else. For example, I attempted to insert a slur by selecting the slur icon in the palette (actually I used a hot key, but it worked properly and selected the icon), but I got a pedal mark instead. No amount of selecting and deselecting the icons, closing and reopening the file, or starting and restarting the program changed behavior. Even changing to Finale 2014.5 didn't correct the problem, it just changed to a different wrong Smart Shape when the slur icon was selected!

The solution was a restart of the computer. Then all was well.

Not an uncommon cure, to many "sudden onset" problems.

It's been called the "Virtual Stuck Key Syndrome". It can also happen with the Expression Tool–merely clicking anyplace on the score results in an Expression appearing, as if a Metatool key is being pressed. It's usually one of the odder expressions, like a ffff.

It's been said that logging out and then back in to your User Account will clear things–that might be worth a try. The good news is that it seems to happen rarely. I don't think I've seen it for a few years now and I use Finale heavily.

N.

Thanks Mike and N. It's always good to know it isn't my system malfunctioning.

I also get that problem from time to time. Usually the metatools work normally.

In addition to the solutions already mentioned, using Windows, I've found that closing Finale and then deleting the files inside the Temp folder often, but not always, solves the problem.

The temp folder is hidden by default and can be found in C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Local\Temp.

I once found a solution on Make Music's site that suggested deleting the FINALE.INI file. This has always seemed too drastic and unnecessary to resolve this problem since it also wipes out many optimizations.

I have something similar happen from time to time, but in my case switching to a different tool--e.g. the Selection Tool--and then back solves it.