Finale Forum

Hello!
I've been trying for a while now to find a solution to a problem I have when writing music sheets. I find it easier and quicker to use layers. And I do, but I have a problem with the stems on eights or shorter notes: I sometimes want them to go up on both layers but when I set the direction of the second layer notes up, the combination with the first layer notes look like 16th notes. I've added two images, one containing the desired look of the stems when I use 2 layers, and the other one showing how the stems actually look like on my computer.
So, is there a way to use 2 layers on the same staff and make the stems loom like in the desired picture?
Thanks!

No. As in "no, there's no way for two LAYERS to achieve the result you're expecting".
But then that's not what you want, either.

Write the notes all in one layer. I have no idea why you're trying to write it in two.
Layers automatically means separate stems with separate directions.
What you're trying to do with layers is wrong.

I agree with Michel, that's the hard way to do it. But, if you insist on layers, you can do that, as well.

JW Staff Polyphony > Layers > Merge

Thank you very much for your answers.

Well, my reason for trying to obtain the results I mentioned in my first post is the following:
I use to copy old music sheets (cannot photocopy them, because the notes or text is not that visible) so that they can be used by the choir members in our church. I also have to go to work every day and don't have too much time for this. When I write the notes on the computer I can easily use Simple entry tool to insert the soprano notes, using the arrow keys on my keyboard and selecting notes duration using the mouse. But when it comes to the alto notes I have to insert them one by one using the mouse. It goes a much easier if I use layers, but I don't want the stems to go on opposite directions. And if I set the second layer notes' stems to go up, it's OK when the notes are not too far apart or when their stems are simple straight lines, but when I have 8ths or shorter notes...

So... let me ask a different question then: Is there a way to quickly insert soprano and alto notes using the same layer?

I almost never use Simple Entry -- except for what you describe.

Put in the alto note and then type a number to add the soprano note. So for instance, put in an alto F and if the soprano is A, a third above, type a 3.

Or if you want to do it in the other direction, put in the soprano, then Shift-number to add the alto below.

Bill

Thyan,

I sent you a private message.

Which direction which layer's stems go is a document option.

Bill Stevens wrote:I almost never use Simple Entry -- except for what you describe.

Put in the alto note and then type a number to add the soprano note. So for instance, put in an alto F and if the soprano is A, a third above, type a 3.

Or if you want to do it in the other direction, put in the soprano, then Shift-number to add the alto below.

Bill

This. And use the + - keys afterward to raise or lower the interval if needed.

Hello again. Thank you again for your answers. You already offered me two ways of doing what I want and I am really grateful. I'm sorry it took me so long to get back to this forum, but it's really worth it . I will try to do as you said and will post feedback .

@miker - I received your message but cannot reply (probably because I'm new to this forum and don't have enough posts ). I'm from Romania .