tips for a pc user?

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jjvibes
Posts: 20
Joined: Mon Jul 08, 2019 3:06 pm
Finale Version: V.26
Operating System: Windows

Post by jjvibes » Thu Jul 11, 2019 5:16 pm

Hello all,
Windows 10 finale version 26.
I'm just wondering if there are shortcuts to activate – simple entry, speedy entry. In other words not always going for the mouse and clicking those items. I know that Mac users can create a master toolset and was wondering if any PC users have any tips or tricks.
Thank you


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motet
Posts: 8228
Joined: Tue Dec 06, 2016 8:33 pm
Finale Version: 2014.5,2011,2005,27
Operating System: Windows

Post by motet » Thu Jul 11, 2019 5:31 pm

If anything, shortcuts are even better on Windows than the Macintosh. Start by reading the manual section on "keyboard shortcuts." There's also a key remapper under Plug-ins/TG Tools/Menu shortcuts, which is perhaps the easiest way to assign keystrokes to invoke various tools.

jjvibes
Posts: 20
Joined: Mon Jul 08, 2019 3:06 pm
Finale Version: V.26
Operating System: Windows

Post by jjvibes » Thu Jul 11, 2019 11:21 pm

I always thought Macs were much better with music and in this case, with Finale. So many users use them...
I will look into what you suggested hopefully that will help and thanks!!

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motet
Posts: 8228
Joined: Tue Dec 06, 2016 8:33 pm
Finale Version: 2014.5,2011,2005,27
Operating System: Windows

Post by motet » Fri Jul 12, 2019 3:12 am

That may have been the case 20 or 30 years ago; it would be harder to make that argument now.

jjvibes
Posts: 20
Joined: Mon Jul 08, 2019 3:06 pm
Finale Version: V.26
Operating System: Windows

Post by jjvibes » Fri Jul 12, 2019 11:33 am

That is good to know as I can't pull the trigger and spend lots of money anyway! :)

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HaraldS
Posts: 229
Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2016 11:46 am
Finale Version: 25.5
Operating System: Windows

Post by HaraldS » Fri Jul 12, 2019 7:57 pm

Especially with Autohotkey and Bome's MIDI Translator, we PC users do have some very strong tools for hotkeys. These possibilities don't exist similarly for the Mac. If used wise, Autohotkey can save lots of time.
Finale 3.0-25.5, German edition, Windows 7
trombonist, pianist, conductor / Recklinghausen, Germany

BuonTempi
Posts: 1297
Joined: Fri Aug 20, 2010 8:59 am
Finale Version: Finale 27
Operating System: Mac

Post by BuonTempi » Sun Jul 14, 2019 2:16 pm

HaraldS wrote:These possibilities don't exist similarly for the Mac..
Except for apps like Keyboard Maestro, which can trigger sequences of keystrokes from key commands or MIDI input. The OS also has scripting capabilities and user-defined key shortcuts built-in.

There's also Metagrid, which works for Mac and Windows with iPad, turning your iPad into a configurable keypad that can trigger command sequences, including MIDI.

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motet
Posts: 8228
Joined: Tue Dec 06, 2016 8:33 pm
Finale Version: 2014.5,2011,2005,27
Operating System: Windows

Post by motet » Sun Jul 14, 2019 4:43 pm

For an external keyboard macro program to be useful in Finale for all but the simplest things one needs to be able to insert delays, wait for windows to open, and the like--if you just send a string of keystrokes or mouse clicks there can be timing issues. (Keyboard Maestro looks pretty full-featured!)

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FwL
Posts: 86
Joined: Sun Dec 17, 2017 10:53 pm
Finale Version: 2010, 25.5
Operating System: Windows

Post by FwL » Sun Aug 11, 2019 5:22 pm

jjvibes wrote:Hello all,
Windows 10 finale version 26.
I'm just wondering if there are shortcuts to activate – simple entry, speedy entry. In other words not always going for the mouse and clicking those items. I know that Mac users can create a master toolset and was wondering if any PC users have any tips or tricks.
Thank you

You can program the function keys (F1-F12 excluding F2) to switch between tools, but it has to be done every time you start a new document. I set up templates with the tools already programmed.

To program a function key to select a tool, first select the tool manually then press shift-and the function key you want to program.

.
A composer is a guy who goes around forcing his will on unsuspecting air molecules... often with the aid of unsuspecting musicians - Frank Zappa

austinbiel
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Oct 02, 2019 6:21 pm
Finale Version: v26
Operating System: Mac

Post by austinbiel » Wed Oct 02, 2019 6:25 pm

Timely thread - Used Finale a ton back in the day, but have been away for 10+ years.

Just installed v26 for Mac... and I'm looking for a way to bind the function keys to tools as requested above. Two issues:

1) from above "There's also a key remapper under Plug-ins/TG Tools/Menu shortcuts" - ummm... not on my newly installed v26...? any thoughts here?

2) paraphrase from above "Hold down Shift while tool selected and press Fn key to bind that key to that tool" - ummm not working for me. Currently on MacBook Air, and have checked System Prefs - Keyboard for Fn key behavior...? any thoughts here?

Happy that the Celine Dion song "It's all coming back to me now" has been the theme so far in getting back into Finale, but this one has me stumped...

Thanks in advance

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zuill
Posts: 4418
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Finale Version: Finale 2011-v26.3.1
Operating System: Windows

Post by zuill » Wed Oct 02, 2019 7:10 pm

Menu Shortcuts is a PC only feature.

Zuill
Windows 10, Finale 2011-v26.3.1
"When all is said and done, more is said than done."

austinbiel
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Oct 02, 2019 6:21 pm
Finale Version: v26
Operating System: Mac

Post by austinbiel » Wed Oct 02, 2019 7:17 pm

AWw... Geeezz!!

Any Mac users got a workaround?

(thanks for reply Zuill)

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David Ward
Posts: 814
Joined: Thu Dec 01, 2016 4:48 pm
Finale Version: F 25.5 & 26.3
Operating System: Mac

Post by David Ward » Wed Oct 02, 2019 8:44 pm

This is one way: System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts > App Shortcuts > Finale. Note that for some you may need -> in the name path (this seems to vary according to the individual computer setup) and that the tool names must be typed exactly - any errors or even minor variation and the shortcut won't work.

Once set up they should work in all your files in that version of Finale, but may need redoing if you install a new version.
Finale 25.5 & 26.3
Mac 10.13.6 & 10.14.6

austinbiel
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Oct 02, 2019 6:21 pm
Finale Version: v26
Operating System: Mac

Post by austinbiel » Thu Oct 03, 2019 2:43 pm

DAVID WARD IS THE COOLEST IN THE HISTORY OF ALL THAT IS COOL!

Bro, thank you SO MUCH. You are my new best friend!

That works super well. Thanks again

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