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Tuplets

    Tuplets are used to write rhythms beyond the beat divisions usually permitted by the time signature. For example, a sixteenth note triplet divides an eighth note beat into three sixteenth notes instead of two:

    16th triplet

    In 6/8 time, an eighth note duplet divides a dotted quarter note into two eighth notes instead of three:

    8th triplet

    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. From the main menu, choose Notes→Tuplets→Triplet, or press Ctrl+3 (Mac: ⌘+3). 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

    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. From the main menu, choose Notes→Tuplets→Triplet, or press Ctrl+3 (Mac: ⌘+3). 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 (Duplet (2) to Nonuplet (9)), 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: Notes→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.

    Delete a tuplet

    To delete any tuplet, select the number/bracket and press Del.

    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

    If neither the number nor the bracket of the tuplet is shown in the score, select a note from the tuplet, then use the Tuplet button in the Inspector to display the "Tuplet" section:

    Select tuplet in Inspector

    Direction

    Number type

    Bracket type

    Using the Style menu

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

    Dialog: Style / General... / Tuplets

    Two adjustments are possible: Vertical and Horizontal

    Tuplet style legend