How to create vertical text

[Assali]

Hello all,
How can I create a text block in which the text is running vertically rather than horizontally? Comparable to Sibelius' text style function of writing text at a specified angle.
Using Finale 2008 on windows xp.
Thx for your help.
Assali

[Peter Thomsen]

1) If the vertical text is a staff group name, you can also "cheat" by doing it this way:

C
H
O
R
U
S


2) True vertical text can be created in two ways:

- as a smart shape. Use the Custom Line Tool, and put the text on a zero-thickness line.

- as a Shape Designer shape.
You can attach the shape as an articulation or as an expression.
In the Shape Designer, create a line with zero thickness.
- On the end of the line, create a custom arrowhead. This can be a single font character, a whole load of text or even a mixture of text and shapes.
- Rotate the invisible line to put the text at whatever angle you wish.

[Assali]

@ Peter Thomsen:
Thx a bunch! Helped me a lot.
A.

[Peter Andorka]

I'm facing the same problem now. But I would like to have the vertical text as a group name, and doing it as a smart shape or an expression causes problems when doing the parts. I always want to have the group name next to the bracket, but a smart shape or an expression could be attached only to a measure. Or not? Any idea?

(I would like to have the text rotated 90 degrees, not written in a column, it would be too long that way.)

[Peter Thomsen]

Then you should consider a vertical font.

This question was recently discussed on the the other Finale forum (on MakeMusic's web site).

Threads:

http://forum.makemusic.com/default.aspx?f=6&m=278511

http://forum.makemusic.com/default.aspx?f=5&m=339215

[Peter Andorka]

Why is it good to have 2 forums on the same thing?...

OK, thank you, now vertical font seems to be the easiest solution. A shame...

[Warren Barnett]

This forum was created by Finale users. Sometime later, I believe, CodaMusic, or whoever it was at the time, created an official forum. They both still exist, and they are both good resources.