Saving Time with Sibelius

If you aren’t already using Sibelius, now might be the time to switch.  Sibelius 6 has what might be one of the most amazing, time saving features to hit notation software: Magnetic Layout.

Basically, what magnetic layout does is makes sure all the dynamics, lyrics, chord symbols, rehearsal marks, and other objects do not collide with one another.  These objects are automatically shifted (without you having to do anything!) into neat rows and columns making the best use of space on the page.  Staves also behave in this way and move out of the way of low/high notes, lyrics, and dynamics.  It also adds extra space between instrument families to make large scores easier to read and saves space when there are staves with not much on them.  In the rare occasion that Sibelius can not avoid a collision it will mark it in red, so you don’t miss it and can fix it.  Check out an example below:

The original position of the crescendo and the sforzando are marked in grey.  The blue markings show where Sibelius has moved them to in order to avoid a collision with the low notes, and still have them line up.  No more spending hours trying to make your scores readable, Sibelius does all the hard work for you!

For more information on Sibelius 6 and magnetic layout check out: http://www.sibelius.com/products/sibelius/6/magnetic_layout.html
If you are brand new to Sibelius check these tutorial videos to Learn Sibelius in One Hour:
http://www.sibeliusblog.com/tutorials/learn-sibelius-6-in-one-hour/or attend a Learning Center Training Session.