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Tuplets

    Tuplets are used to write rhythms beyond the beat divisions usually permitted by the time signature. For example, a triplet consists of three notes in the time of two:

    Triplet

    And a duplet consists of two notes in the time of three:

    Duplet

    Create a tuplet

    The exact method of tuplet entry depends on whether you are starting off in Note input mode or Normal mode. We'll start off with a simple example: the creation of an eighth note triplet.

    Create a triplet in normal mode

    1. Select a note or rest that specifies the full duration of the desired triplet group. In the case of an eighth note triplet, you will need to select a quarter note or rest—as in the example below:

      Quarter note selected

    2. Press the keyboard shortcut for a triplet, Ctrl+3 (Mac: Cmd+3); alternatively use the menu, Add→Tuplets→Triplet. This will give the following result:

      Triplet eight note followed by rests

    3. The program automatically changes to note-input mode and selects the most appropriate duration—in this example an eighth note. Now enter the desired series of notes/rests. For example:

      Three triplet eight notes

    Alternatively, use the Duration Editor to switch between tuplet and non-tuplet.

    Create a triplet in note input mode

    1. Ensure you are in note input mode (press N).
    2. Navigate to the note/rest (or blank measure) where you want the triplet to start (use the left/right arrow keys as required).
    3. Select a final duration for the whole triplet group. In the case of an eighth note triplet, click on the quarter note in the note input toolbar (or press 5 on the keyboard).
    4. Press the keyboard shortcut for a tuplet, Ctrl+3 (Mac: Cmd+3); alternatively, use the menu, Add→Tuplets→Triplet. This creates a triplet number/bracket and appropriately divides the original note/rest (see image above).
    5. The program automatically selects the most appropriate duration—in this example an eighth note—allowing you to immediately start entering the desired series of notes/rests.

    Create other tuplets

    To create other tuplets substitute one of the following commands at the relevant step above:

    For more complex cases, see below.

    Custom tuplets

    To create other tuplets than the default options (e.g. 13 sixteenth notes in the space of one quarter note):

    1. In Note input mode, select a note duration equaling the total duration of the tuplet; or, if in Normal mode, select a note or rest of the desired overall duration;
    2. Open the Create Tuplet dialog from the menu: Add→Tuplets→Other...;

    3. Select the desired number ratio (e.g. 13/4 for thirteen sixteenth notes in the space of a quarter note) under "Relation" in the "Type" section. Specify "Number" and "Bracket" using the radio buttons in the "Format" section;

      Create Tuplet dialog

    4. Click OK to close the dialog:

      Thirteen-tuplet in the space of one quarter, or four sixteenths

    5. Enter the desired series of notes/rests.

    Triplet examples

    Triplet examples

    Delete a tuplet

    Use either of the following:

    Change display of tuplets

    Using the Inspector

    To change the display properties of tuplets in the score, select the tuplet numbers/brackets, and adjust the desired properties in the "Tuplet" section of the Inspector:

    Tuplet Properties in Inspector

    Using the Tuplets Style dialog

    To make fine adjustments to the way that all tuplets in the score are displayed: from the menu, select Format → Style...→Tuplets.

    The legend below illustrates some of the properties that can be adjusted in the Tuplets style dialog:

    Tuplet style legend

    (2) Vertical distance from stem.
    (3) Vertical distance from note head.
    (5) Distance before stem of first note.
    (6) Distance after stem of last note.