IWBNI there were buttons on the Time Signature dialog box that could be used to select a time signature from among those that are most frequently used in practice. As it is now, such time signatures are specified by using the Number of Beats and Beat Duration slider controls on the Time Signature dialog box.

This feature would allow one to quickly select a time signature that is frequently used. Also, if buttons called 6/8 Compound and 6/8 Simple were provided, these would serve as documentation of the fact that two different forms of 6/8 time signatures are available and this might help new users determine how to beam eighth notes in two groups of three in 6/8 time.

This could be implemented by adding the following buttons below each of the two Beat Duration sliders on the Time Signature dialog box:

-------------------------------------------
Time Signature Dialog Box

[3/4] [4/4] [6/8 Compound] [6/8 Simple]
-------------------------------------------

These buttons would automatically move the Number of Beats and Beat Duration sliders to the appropriate position for the selected time signature. For example, if the button 6/8 Compound is pressed, the sliders would be adjusted so that the time-signature window would show two dotted quarter notes.

Created: June 16, 2000 (based on comments by David Morehead and Zach Westfall)
Last Updated: June 16, 2000
Version: Finale 2000b