Time Signature Tool

Click this tool, then double-click a measure where you want to insert a meter change; the Time Signature dialog box appears, from which you can create the new meter. You can also use the mouse to select a region of music with the Time Signature Tool.

You can create Time Signature Metatools—one-key equivalents for meter changes—that can save you time if you need to insert many meter changes into your music.

To program a Time Signature Metatool

Click the Time Signature tool. Press shift and a number key or a letter key. Finale displays the Time Signature dialog box; create the time signature you want to correspond to the number or letter you pressed. Click OK (or press ENTER).

To use a Time Signature Metatool

Click the Time Signature tool. Select a region of music. While pressing the number or letter corresponding to the Metatool you programmed, double-click a measure. Finale changes the meter over the region you have selected.

Contextual menus are reached by right-clicking on the handle of an object. A contextual menu will be displayed where you can select various items.

Menu item	What it does
Edit Time Signature	Display the Time Signature dialog box
2/2	Change the time signature to 2/2 until the next time change
2/2 (Beamed as 4/4)	Change the time signature to 2/2 beamed as 4/4
Cut Time (Beamed as 4/4)	Change the time signature to cut time beamed as 4/4
2/4	Change the time signature to 2/4 until the next time change
3/4	Change the time signature to 3/4 until the next time change
4/4	Change the time signature to 4/4 until the next time change
5/4	Change the time signature to 5/4
3/8	Change the time signature to 3/8 until the next time change
5/8 (Beamed as 2+3)	Change the time signature to 5/8 beamed as 2+3
5/8 (Beamed as 3+2)	Change the time signature to 5/8 beamed as 3+2
6/8	Change the time signature to 6/8 until the next time change
7/8 (Beamed as 2+2+3)	Change the time signature to 7/8 beamed as 2+2+3
7/8 (Beamed as 3+2+2)	Change the time signature to 7/8 beamed as 3+2+2
9/8	Change the time signature to 9/8 until the next time change
12/8	Change the time signature to 12/8 until the next time change