Slur settings question

[bj nick]

I often get this sort of "ballooning" aspect to slurs....I've tried to set the "slur contour," as I'm thinking that would be the logical setting, but it doesn't seem to help achieve a more normal/reasonable-looking slur. Thanks for any tips on this.

ballooning slurs.musx

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[John Ruggero]

It has to do with the contour of the final few notes. Finale's slurs are not sophisticated enough to deal with complex slur shapes automatically. That is where the user comes in. On the other hand, I find shaping slurs one of the most satisfying parts of music engraving from the visual point of view, so it doesn't bother me. It may be some time before software can deal with every possibility.

Your slurs will look better if you set the tips to something other than zero.

You might look at https://notat.io/viewtopic.php?t=107 and other threads about slurs at Notat.io

[N Grossingink]

Here is a possible adjustment that looks better. Note the slur tip on the right is further above the note than usual. That's a common adjustment in situations like this. And, as John Ruggero suggests, make the slur tips a bit wider (Smart Shape Menu - Smart Slur Opions). Try .01 inch.

[John Ruggero]

N's is nice. I tried it with my default slur settings to see what would happen. Then I touched it up to the point where I would leave it and move on, since life is short. Patterns like this are not easy. If you want to see my settings go to the url I gave in my last post.

[bj nick]

Both of your suggestions make sense.....I'm going to try these. I guess I should have figured it's the shape/contours/pattern of the notes that make it difficult for Finale to figure out how to make the slur the perfect shape. Haven't really had this issue much, but this particular piece has that melodic pattern/ shape all over the place, which is why I'm having to adjust so many. Thanks for these suggestions; I'll put them into practice.