Add 'open after creation' checkbox on PDF export dialogue

• Sep 16, 2022 - 08:49

Would it be possible to allow a user to choose to immediately open the PDF after performing an export? I have no opinion on whether it should be checked or unchecked by default, but it would certainly be handy to have it there as an option. As it is, we must seek out the PDF manually after exporting.


Comments

In reply to by Jojo-Schmitz

I work with MS Office documents every day. When converting to PDF, the PDF opens immediately after. Even when converting an image to PDF it opens immediately after. When that doesn't happen in Musescore, it feels deficient.
Having the option unchecked by default makes sense.

In reply to by sunup

It opens because Office checks the box that tells it to do so, by default.

I suppose this could be useful in MusuScore to be able to check if there are problems. Except that if there are problems, you still have to go to where the file is saved to be able to delete it. How often does that happen?

In reply to by bobjp

Not often. My workflow:

  1. complete the score, ready for publication
  2. export to PDF
  3. find PDF, open, proof it
  4. amend score
  5. back to 2, repeat.

At 2. each time, the previously exported score is simply overwritten. Yes I have to seek it out again but if it opened automatically I wouldn't have to.

As a proof reader in my day job, I know that errors are frequently missed in the original format, and exporting to PDF (its final iteration for sharing) is necessary for error checking, sometimes even printing it for proofing.

Everything I create in Musescore is ultimately exported to PDF for sharing/selling in PDF format, so I'm surprised at the sense of "do people really do this?" I'm getting in the reaction to my request.

Thanks for considering.

In reply to by sunup

You wrote:
1. complete the score, ready for publication
2. export to PDF
3. find PDF, open, proof it

In MuseScore, if you put the completed score (the one ready for publication), in 'Page View' does it not "look the same" as PDF?
Can't you can proof the score in 'Page View' and amend the score directly in MuseScore?

You wrote:
I know that errors are frequently missed in the original format, and exporting to PDF (its final iteration for sharing) is necessary for error checking...

For example, if you compose your score in 'Continuous View' (original format) does not switching to 'Page View' show exactly what a PDF page (viewed in a PDF reader) would look like?

In reply to by Jm6stringer

Page View is similar, yes, but not the same at all for me. There is clutter and distraction; it doesn't feel like a 'clean' view. For example, hidden elements, while coloured grey, can still be seen; its easy for the eye to miss something such as a rogue rest or note in cues that should be hidden in the full score, pedal markings, and other elements.

In reply to by bobjp

Yes, and I do; I switch between show/hide frequently.

Regardless, proofing in the PDF is how I work; I almost always find things to be corrected that I didn't see on the score (perhaps I'm not observant enough, shrug). People work differently; I accept my way may be thought odd, but there it is.

If my simple feature request is not feasible, then so be it.

In reply to by sunup

There is clutter and distraction; it doesn't feel like a 'clean' view.

FWIW:
As mentioned, you can use the View menu and untick "Show" for invisible, unprintable, and frames.
Regarding the clutter and distraction of toolbars, palettes, etc.
See:
https://musescore.org/en/node/326775
and try jeetee's workspace

Here's some background info. about creating such a workspace:
https://musescore.org/en/node/308773#comment-1017291

With a single click in MuseScore, this allows score pages to be viewed uncluttered (like pdf). Upon proofreading, if editing is required, a single click restores access to all tools.

Do you still have an unanswered question? Please log in first to post your question.