Time signature styles

Numerator styles

The numerator is always one or more numbers, and can either show the total number of beats in the bar as a single number, or show how the total duration of the bar is subdivided into beat groups.

Denominator styles

The denominator can appear as a number, as a note indicating the equivalent duration, or not appear at all.

If shown as a notehead, the denominator can either show the length of each beat in the bar, or the note duration for the bar. When showing the beat length, the numerator can change; for example, the numerator 6 in a 6/8 time signature becomes a 2 to reflect the two dotted quarter note beats that make up a 6/8 bar.

Open meter styles

Open time signatures can be shown as an X, Penderecki’s symbol, or be hidden with no symbol. Open time signatures with no symbol are indicated by signposts.

Interchangeable time signature separator styles

Interchangeable time signatures can have different separator styles. You can specify the separator style when inputting interchangeable time signatures using the popover and for individual interchangeable time signatures after they have been input.

You can change the style of all time signatures project-wide according to their type on the Time Signatures page in Engraving Options, and you can change the style of individual time signatures independently of your project-wide settings.