Option to add augmentation dot once the note is entered
Some people prefer/are used to adding the dot after entering the note, maybe because of the way it looks (note first then dot) or because of language (dotted quarter is reversed in latin language.. "seminima pontuada", the equivalent would be something like "quarter dotted").
I suggest a shortcut function that could default as maybe "Shift + ." to add/remove the dot while in note entry mode. At the moment you would have to get out of note entry mode, place the dot, get back to entering notes..
From my experience, the dot is the only thing right now that can't be adjusted in note entry mode.
Comments
I guess I don't get it. You want to augmentation dot to be placed on the score before the note? I never saw this notation.
I think there might be a slight language issue here, let me try to rephrase based on my offline discussions woith the OP.
In MsueScore, a dot is part of duration, just as surely as whether it is a quarter or half. So of course, just as in Sibelius or Finale, you select the dot *first* before entering the pitch, just like you select the other aspect of duration (eg, quarter versus half). But apparent some programs (eg, Guitar Pro) encourage you to think of a dot as just another symbol you enter after entering the note - like a fermata or dynamic marking, I guess. And if you are accustomed to that type of thinking, it is difficult to adjust to the idea that a dot is indeed part of duration and hence needs to be entered first. Thus, you end up forgetting to select the dot before entering the note and find yourself constantly have to correct your own mistakes.
Currently, correcting this particular mistake requires either leaving note entry mode, entering the dot, and re-entering note entry mode, or else undoing the note, selecting the dot, and re-entering the note. Either way, fixing the mistake requires three keystrokes. For people just starting out with MsueScore after coming from Guitar Pro and hence not accustomed to thinking of dots as duration, this mistake will presumably be fairly common. So the request is for a feature to make it possible to fix one's own mistake using a single keystroke rather than requiring three as it currently does.
Right now we have Q and W commands to alter the halve/double duration of a note - or, more accurately, to change to the next duration type. But you can't use them to add a dot. A relatively simple change would be to have Shift+Q and Shift+W (or whatever) move to the next *dotted* duration. So Shift+W would basically add a dot, and I guess Shift+Q would change from quarter to dotted eighth.
To me, more useful would be a *general* command to change a note duration while in note entry mode - like if Shift+Ctrl plus any duration key (including dot) applied that duration to the selected note. Such a command would be useful in far more situations than just if you happen to forget a dot.
"adding the dot after entering the note"
I've rephrased this part, sorry about the trouble.
"To me, more useful would be a *general* command to change a note duration while in note entry mode - like if Shift+Ctrl plus any duration key (including dot) applied that duration to the selected note. Such a command would be useful in far more situations than just if you happen to forget a dot."
I wouldn't use this because I find Q & W easier and I prefer to press a key one or two times than having to press three at once (but that's just me). As long as there's a way to overcome this with a shortcut, I'll be happy.. and others too! :p
That's mainly why offline discussion are bad and that we should discuss on the forum first :)
In reply to #2 by Marc Sabatella
I know this is a 10 year old topic, but it's what came up when I did a search.
Marc said:
So of course, just as in Sibelius or Finale, you select the dot first before entering the pitch, just like you select the other aspect of duration (eg, quarter versus half).
Sorry, Marc, but not so. In Finale, the dot can easily be added after the note is entered. Yes, it can be preset as the duration (great for 3/4 time) but otherwise, a simple . (period, full stop, whatever) is pressed to add a dot. Tap it twice for a double. I've taught many people this sequence for Simple note entry: duration, pitch, alteration. Duration=number key, pitch=A-G, and alteration=flat, sharp, natural, dot, start tie, parenthesized (or not) courtesy accidental. A shortcut to add a dot to an entered note would be a very helpful thing.