Tips & Tricks

Here are two different ways to use Common Time and 4/4 time signatures in the same document.

First method can be used only if you don't use "alla bréve" (2/2) in your piece - here's how to do it:

1. Go to the Options/Document Settings/Time Signature Options... dialog box.
2. Make sure that Abbreviate Common Time to is unchecked.
3. Make sure that Abbreviate Cut Time to is checked. Also, change the character to use for cut time to the Common Time symbol. Normaly, you should enter c in that entry box (instead of C).
4. Now you can use both 4/4 and Common Time. To display common time, use the time signature of 2/2.

Second method can be used in any document:

1. Go to the Options/Document Settings/Time Signature Options... dialog box. Make sure that Abbreviate Common Time to is checked. Close the dialog box.
2. When you later want 4/4 instead of the default Common Time, click on the Options >> button to expand the time signature dialog. Check Use a Different Time Signature for Display and uncheck Abbreviate. 4/4 will now show up instead of Common Time.