# The &nted; Handbook

Jörg
Anders
TU-Chemnitz

    j.anders@informatik.tu-chemnitz.de

Maximiliano
Spanish translation

    mxgdvg@yahoo.it

Mariano
Marini
Italien translation

    mariano.marini@alice.itk

Jörg
Anders
German translation

    ja@informatik.tu-chemnitz.de

2008
Jörg Anders

Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2 or any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with no Invariant Sections, no Front-Cover Texts, and no Back-Cover Texts. A copy of the license is included in the section entitled "GNU Free Documentation License".

2010-09-28
1.10.16

&nted; is a score editor for Linux

Gtk
&nted;
music
editor
notes
score
MIDI

## Using &nted;

### Starting &nted;

This chapter describes the use of &nted; for editing notes.

You may start &nted; by entering the following at the command prompt:

% `nted` &

Once &nted; starts, you will see a window like the following: &nted; Mainwindow

### The first sound

To hear my examples please use the soundfont mentioned here: http://alsa.opensrc.org/8MBGMSFX.SF2!

For more information about how to use the SF2 file read the appropriate question in FAQ or read about the configuration of the TiMidity server.

To hear a short example choose:

File Open ...

Choose `datafiles/nted/examples/example1.ntd` on dialog and press OK!

The examples are installed during installation step. So, if you can't find the examples especially if you installed from a package then search at

`/usr/share/nted/examples`

or:

`/usr/local/share/nted/examples`

You should see a score. Choose a MIDI port:

Edit Preferences Configure MIDI ...

and press the play button (). You should see running red notes and hear the sound. If you don't hear the sound then choose a different MIDI port. If nothing helps then refer to the approriate question in FAQ.

### The toolbox

The toolbox is a little window which appears always on top of all other &nted; windows:

The toolbox

If the toolbox vanishes you can make it visible again by pressing the toolbox button ( ).

The toolbox has multiple panels:

The toolbox panels

To change the panel either user the next panel button () or the previous panel button ().

Alternatively, you can use the direct panel buttons on top of the toolbox:

The direct panel buttons

The different panels offer buttons concerning different fields of score notation.

Furthermore, each panel is structured like your keyboard's num pad:

the toolbox and the numpad

Instead of pressing a button at the toolbox, you can press the appropriate button on numpad. For instance: If you want half notes, make sure the `num` light is off and choose the first toolbox panel. Then press `4` on num pad. The half note button is selected.

Furthermore: Some keys (rest, tie, sharp, flat, natural, dot) can be toogled by keyboard keys independent on the actual panel, see shortcuts.

### Inserting notes and rests

#### The 3 modes

&nted; is always in one of 3 modes. The mode is determined by the insert and page button pair. At start the insert button is on and the page button is off (). &nted; is in insert/delete mode. If you toggle off the insert/delete button by clicking it or pressing the 'n' key you are in edit mode (). If you toggle on the page button by clicking it or pressing the 'p' key you are in page mode ().

Furthermore you can temporarily achieve the edit mode by pressing the Ctrl key during mouse action. You can also temporarily achieve the page mode by pressing the Shift key during mouse action.

- In insert/delete mode you can insert and delete notes and rests.

- In edit mode you can modify the score.

- In page mode you can shift the paper by moving the mouse.

#### Inserting/Deleting notes

Be sure &nted; is in insert/delete mode (see The 3 modes). To insert notes choose a note length on first toolbox panel:

The note length

and click on a note line. If you click near an existing note a chord is created. If you click on an existing note the note is removed. To delete a note you can also use the backspace key. To delete a single note from chord use the `DEL` key.

If you want to insert a note with an accidental choose an accidental on 2nd and/or 3rd toolbox panel:

The note length

(see also Handling beams, Handling stems).

#### Inserting drum notes

&nted; offers different note head types. Choose one at 5th toolbox panel:

The note head types

Select a note head type and insert the drum note as described in chapter Inserting/Deleting notes.

Note: The meaning of the drum notes depends on the choosen clef. Refer to clefs read about the the drum system.

Note further: To get the drum sound you have to select a certain channel (often channel 10). See The MIDI Tab!

#### Inserting tremolo notes

To insert tremolo notes select the tremolo sign at 5th panel of the toolbox:

the tremolo types

Select a tremolo type and insert the note as described in chapter Inserting/Deleting notes.

Note: The tremolo does not influence the replay.

#### Inserting/Deleting rests

Be sure &nted; is in insert/delete mode (see The 3 modes). To insert rests choose a note length on 1st toolbox panel and press the rest button:

Toolbox rest selected

You cannot really "delete" a rest because you cannot destroy time. But in many cases the situation is as follows: shift example 1 This can especially happen after deleting a series of notes because every deleted note leaves behind an appropriate rest. If you now insert a half rest at position of the first eighth rest the situation changes: shift example 1

#### Generalization

We can generalize the last example. The truth is: Independent of whether you insert a note or a rest, &nted; consumes as much time as necessary to insert the note or rest. Assume again this situation: shift example 1 If you insert a half note at postition of the 2nd eighth rest the result is: shift example 1 &nted; "eats" 3 eighth rests and shortens the quarter by one eighth.

#### Inserting notes and rests using the PC keyboard

You can toggle the note length by pressing some number keys:

1 | set current length to full note
2 | set current length to half note
4 | set current length to quarter note
5 | set current length to eighth note
6 | set current length to sixteenth note
7 | set current length to 32th note
8 | set current length to 64th note

To insert notes along with pressing these keys activate the keyboard insertion button () or press 'k'. This puts &nted; into the keyboard insertion mode. If you now press a key from the table above a note of appropriate length is inserted at cursor position. To insert a rest press Alt key simultaneously. Use the CursorUp/Down keys to determine the pitch. Use the CursorLeft/Right keys to switch to previous/next measure.

The backspace key removes the last inserted note

See also Inserting notes with pitch determined by midi keyboard.

### Append a system

At the beginning &nted; shows only one system with only a few measures. To append more systems press Ctrl B. This will append one system at end of score.

See also: removing systems

### Modifications

#### Shifting notes and rests

You can shift notes and rests vertically and horizontally. Be sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes). Again: You can achieve this mode temporarily by pressing the Ctrl key. Click a note or rest with left button. The note or rest is selected. A selected chord or rest appeares in red color. Shift and hold the left button. The selected note or rest moves accordingly. If you shift a note vertically the note changes the line. If you shift the note or rest horizontally before or after another note or rest the note or rest changes its position.

Furthermore: If there is a selected note you can move the note by Up/Down cursor key. The Left/Right key changes the selection.

The horizontal move is especially useful in cases where you want to achieve this: shift example 1 but the situation is: shift example 2

By moving the note before the rest or the rest behind the note the symbols exchange their positions.

#### Hiding rests

You can hide some rests if desireable. There are 2 ways to do this. If you want to hide the rests of a whole voice, select that voice on voice selector () and choose:

Tools hide rests

Or simply press `Ctrl + R`.

To unhide already hidden rests choose:

Tools unhide rests

Or simply press `Ctrl + U`.

To limit this operation to a certain staff simply select one arbitratry note or rest of this staff before this operation.

The 2nd way is to hide a group of rests of a selection rectangle: Draw a selection rectangle as described in Select a block. Then choose `hide rests` or `unhide rests` as described above. Note: This operation is also limited to the selected voice.

To (un)hide all rests in all voices choose:

Tools hide rests (all v.)

or:

Tools unhide rests (all v.)

Hiding rests is also useful in case of an upbeat.

To make hidden rests visible choose:

View show hidden elements

#### Positioning rests vertically

&nted; tries to position rests in such a way that they do not obscure other elements. This works in most cases. But sometimes the user wishes a customized vertical placement.

To place a rest vertically select it, and then use the cursor up-/down keys to change the rest's vertical position.

From this moment on you are responsible to place this rest. &nted; will do nothing to solve any conflicts. The only way to get a rest managed by &nted; is to insert a new rest.

This way you can effectively have 2 voices sharing "one" rest:

selected a tie

You have to move both rests at least one step! Otherwise &nted; moves the other rest to avoid collision.

#### Inserting ties

There are 2 ways for inserting ties:

1. This approach assumes you want to insert ties after you have inserted a series of notes. So, never press the tie during note insertion:

   the tie button

   Press it after you have inserted a series of notes. Then select all note pairs to be tied with left mouse button.

   Do not forget to turn off the tie button:

   the tie button

   Because this button has high priority and blocks other functions.

2. Insert a note or chord followed by a note or chord with the same pitch(es):

   before tie method 1

   Then press `','` (comma). Notes with equal pitch are tied:

   before tie method 2

#### Customized ties

&nted; places the ties automatically depending on the note's stem direction. This works in most cases. But sometimes the user wishes costumized ties. To costumize a tie make sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes). Select a tie with left mouse button:

selected a tie

The selected tie appears in red color. Use the cursor up/down keys to change the curve:

change the tie's curve

#### Modifying length, accidentals dots and ties

Be sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes). Again: You can achieve this mode temporarily by pressing the Ctrl key. Click a note or rest with left button. The note or rest is selected. A selected chord or rest appeares in red color. The buttons reflect the state of the note or rest. You can change the state of the note or rest by toggeling the appropriate buttons. This includes:

- changing the length

- changing the note head type

- insert/remove accidentals/dots

- removing ties

#### Undo/Redo and View

&nted; has an unlimited undo history. You can always undo a previous command by pressing the undo button () or pressing Ctrl Z. To redo an undo press the redo button () or press Ctrl Y. To increase the view press the zoom in button () or press Ctrl +. To decrease the view press the zoom in button () or press Ctrl -.

### Staves and Systems

#### Append a new staff

To append a staff choose:

Insert Append staff

or simply press `Ctrl + A`. The staff is always appended at last position.

#### Change staff properties

To change the staff properties right click staff not too close to a measure line. The staff config menu appears:

the staff config menu

Choose staff name, clef, time signature (likewise or ), and key signature on appropriate panel and press OK! The `adjust notes` determins whether or not &nted; shall adjust the appropriate notes such that their pitch is kept. This concerns the clef and key signature change. The octave shift entry determins an optional octave shift of the clef.

Note! LilyPond has its own rules for choosing symbols or . So, do not expect the same symbols in LilyPond!

The `staff short name` is printed at 2nd, 3rd, ... page.

The `group name` and `short group name` have the same meaning as `staff name` and `staff short name` for groups of staves. (see System Layout)

The neutral clef has 3 forms:

the neutral clefs

The difference is the MIDI mapping. The first form - signed with "1" - maps the note lines to pitches like the treble clef would map. The 2nd form - signed with "2" - maps note lines to pitches like the bass clef would map. The difference is not visible.

Note: If you choose neutral clef 1 or neutral clef 2 the notation conflicts with usual drum notation and it is not exported to LilyPond. An alternative is to use the drum system.

On MIDI tab you can change the midi parameters which influences the sound during replay:

the midi panel

The instrument panel lets you select the timbre. It assumes a general midi table. Furthermore you can choose the volume of the staff.

Actually, each voice has the same timbre (plays the same sound). But on `voices` panel you can change this behaviour:

the instrument panel

If the radio button `all` is selected immediately before closing the staff configuration menu, all voices produce the same sound (play the same instrument). Otherwise you can determine the sound of the different voices by selecting one of the radio buttons `1`, `2`, `3`, or `4`. Choose a sound, a volume, and a stereo position (pan) of each voice.

Different sounds on the same staff produce different sounds on the same MIDI track which causes a very complicated and expansive MIDI output! Thus, if you have the choice between multiple sounds on the same staff or multiple staves you with uniform sound you should choose the latter one!

On channel panel you can assign a midi channel. You should assign a different midi channel to different staves. This is automatically done by &nted;.

Channel 10 is the drum channel on most sound cards and is never assigned automatically

The tempo slider changes the tempo of all staves.

The `pan` slider determins the stereo position of the instrument. The `chorus` slider and the `reverb` slider determine the chorus and reverberation effect.

The ALSA sound system does not support the reverberation effect of all soundcards. The often used modul `snd_emu10k1_synth` for instance does not support reverberation. But TiMidity supports it.

On mute panel:

the instrument panel

you can mute the whole staff by using the `all` checkbox. You can also mute single voices by selecting the voice number. (see also Muting).

The transp. slider causes a pitch offset during replay. This feature is helpful for instruments which are not in C tuning.

#### Special letters in staff names

&nted; allowes you to place special letters like flat symbol in staff names:

Flute in A\b -->

The following table gives an overview about the possible signs:

\O |
\S |
\# |
\b |
\n |
\o |
\c |
\r |
\p |
\. | non breaking space
\... | dots
\-- | dash

#### Changing the staff position

If there is more than one staff there is a 3rd tab, the staff position tab:

the position panel

The cursor shows the position of the current staff. Clicking on a different position and OK moves the staff to the new position.

#### Deleting a staff

If there is more than one staff a "Delete Staff" button appears:

the staff delete button

To delete the staff, press this button.

#### Changing the staff distance

&nted; chooses the staff distance automatically according to the position and height of the elements. This works in most cases. But sometimes the user wishes customized staff distances. To increase the staff distance make sure &nted; is in insert mode (see The 3 modes). Choose:

Insert spacer

Click at the position to place the spacer on. By clicking and dragging the spacer vertically you can adjust the space between the current staff and the adjacent staves:

the spacer

To hide the spacer choose:

View show hidden elements

Modifying an deleting spacer works similar to modifying and deleting arbitrary text.

#### Removing systems

If there is more than one system a "Delete Systems" button appears:

the system delete button

To delete the system, press this button.

You cannot delete the system on first page if the first pages has only one system.

#### Hide measure numbers

&nted; shows measure numbers at system start. You can avoid this by:

View show measure numbers

### The drum system

#### The default drum system

If you choose neutral clef 1 or neutral clef 2 from clef dialog:

the neutral clefs

the pitches are mapped according to the General MIDI system. This conficts with usual drum notation. To avoid this &nted; offers a drum system which orientates towards the convertional drum notation.

To activate the drum system choose the 3rd drum clef (The 3 isn't printed). In current version you should use only the following 20 drum elements:

the drum system

These notes are mapped to MIDI such a way that the appropriate drum element sounds during replay. Furthermore, these notes are exported to LilyPond.

Note further: To get the drum sound you have to select a certain channel (often channel 10). See The MIDI Tab!

#### Configuration of the drum system

The default drum system comprises the most usual drum elements. Users, who want to use more drum elements can re-configure the drum system:

File Drums ...

The drum configuration dialog appears:

The drum configuration dialog

The central table lists all drum elements: the name, the short name (equal to the LilyPond name), the line, the head of the note, and the appropriate MIDI pitch. If you select a drum element, the note head buttons and the little preview window reflect the current state of the drum note. You can change the line by clicking the up/down arrows or by cursor up/down keys on PC keyboard. The note head is changed by clicking the approprioate note head button. If you click on `change element`, the new note head and the new line is changed permanently.

To reload the default values, press the `load defaults` button. You can save and reload a configuration in a file, by pressing the `save to file` and `load from file` button.

The `play element` buttons plays the appropriate drum element (if your MIDI out device is correctly configured).

If you place 2 drum elements at the same line with the same note head &nted; uses the first appearence of this configuration.

### Voices

You can place the notes or rests at one of 4 voices. To determine the voice select the voice number on voice selector ().

Because multiple voices can be very confusing there is a color button (), which causes the notes and rests to be drawn colored: colored score

The colors refer to the colors of the voice selector.

The normal case is: Every voice produces the same sound (plays the same instrument) during replay. But you can change this behaviour by attaching different sounds to different voices.

### Block instructions

#### Overview

&nted; offers 4 different block instructions:

Block copy | Block delete
Empty block | Insert block

#### Select a block

To select a block make sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes). Draw a diagonal with left mouse button such that the appropriate rectangle encloses all elements you like to work with:

selection

The selected elements appear in violet color.

If there is a selection rectangle you can deselect some staves from selection by right clicking on the staff:

deselect from selection

This is especially useful if you for example want to copy only the 1st and the 3rd staff of 3 staves:

copy selective

#### Block copy

To copy a block select some elements as described in Select a block. Choose:

Edit Copy

or press Ctrl C. The selected items are copied into an internal clipboard.

#### Block paste

To paste a block select a note or rest as described in Shifting notes. This selected chord or rest is the upper left corner of a virtual destination rectangle:

virtual destination rectangle

Choose:

Edit Paste

or press Ctrl V. The items from internal clipboard are copied to this virtual destination rectangle:

paste complete

#### Delete a block

To delete a block select some elements as described in Select a block. Choose:

Edit Delete Block

Or simply press Ctrl + X. The block is deleted.

Independent of the concrete selection the delete operation influences all staves. Only whole measures are deleted.

block delete removes whole measures

#### Empty a block

To empty a block means to convert all notes groups to rests of appropriate length. Select some elements as described in Select a block:

selection for empty a block

Again, you can deselect some staves by right clicking them:

selection for empty a block, staff 2 deselected

Choose:

Edit Empty Block

Or simply press Ctrl + E. The block is emptied:

block emptied

#### Insert a block of empty measures

To insert a block of empty measures choose an arbitrary note or rest as described in Shifting notes.

select before block insertion

Choose:

Insert Insert block

Determine the number of measures you wish to insert on insert dialog. Click OK!

block insertion dialog

The measures are inserted after the measure with the selected note or rest.

block insertion performed

### Handling beams

#### Grouping

&nted; places the beams automatically depending on the note length and the time signature. This works in most cases. But sometimes the user wishes costumized beams. To change the beaming use a special button on toolbar which changes its appearence depending of whether there is a selection rectangle or not (see Select a block). If there is no selection rectangle the button isolates a currently beamed note (). To isolate make sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes). Select a beamed note by left clicking it:

The situation before isolation

Then press the isolate button ():

The situation after isolation

The note is isolated.

To connect some notes with a beam, select them as described in Select a block:

The situation before connection

The button changes its appearence (). Press the button and &nted; connects the notes by a beam:

The situation before connection

Note! This function can break beams as well, if the selection rectangle crosses an existing beam:

The situation before connection

This results in:

The situation before connection

Instead of pressing the button you can use Ctrl J independent of the button's appearence.

#### Changing the beam parameters

To change the stem direction make sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes) select the first or the last note with left mouse button and press the change stem dir button ().

Instead of pressing the change stem dir button () you can simply press Ctrl F twice.

&nted; computes the beam position and slope depending on the position of the beamed notes. This works in most cases. But sometimes the user wishes to change the beam parameters. To change the beam position make sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes) and select the first note with left mouse button:

beam position 0

The stem has a handle represented by a small blue square. Select this handle with left mouse button and move it up or down. The beam follows this motion:

beam position 1

To change the beam's slope select the last note with left mouse button:

beam slope 0

The stem has a handle represented by a small blue square. Select this handle with left mouse button and move it up or down. The slope changes according to this motion:

beam slope 1

### Handling stems

To change the stem direction make sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes) select the note with left mouse button and press the change stem dir button ().

Instead of pressing the change stem dir button () you can simply press Ctrl F.

All notes have a default stem length. This is OK in most cases. But sometimes the user wishes to change the stem length. To do this make sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes) and select the note with left mouse button:

stem length 0

The stem has a handle represented by a small blue square. Select this handle with left mouse button and move it up or down. The stem length changes according to this motion:

stem length 1

### Horizontal spacement

#### Global Spacement

&nted; applies a predefined horizontally spacing. This looks good in most cases. But sometimes the user wishes a different spacement. To change the horizontal spacement globally choose:

Edit Change spacement ...

The spacement dialog appears:

the spacement dialog

Change the spacement factor and press OK! &nted; applies the new horizontal spacement:

the global spacement

#### Changing the horizontal spacement measurewise

&nted; allowes you to change the spacment measurewise. To do this select an arbitrary note of the measure, as described in Shifting notes. Then press an hold the shift key and turn the mouse wheel! The horizontal spaces of the measure change accordingly.

Instead of using the mouse wheel you can also use Shift CursorUp and Shift CursorDown.

horizontal space per measure

### System Layout

You can group the staves by means of braces and brackets. Furthermore, &nted; allows you to determine whether the measure lines of subsequent staves are connected or not.

To do this mark a block of staves as described in chapter Select a block.

selected block

Choose:

Edit System layout ...

Select one of the offered menu items:

- `brace` - This groups the selected staves by means of a brace.

- `bracket` - This groups the selected staves by means of a bracket.

- `connect barlines` - This causes the bar lines of the selected staves to be connected.

- `remove group` - This removes a staff group created with one of the 3 methods above.

staff layout

To name a staff group, fill in the `group name`, or `group short name`, respectively (see: Change staff properties) of the lowest staff of this group:

a group name

### Tuplets

#### Create tuplets

&nted; can deal with tuplets from 2 to 13. To create a tuplet select a note or rest which shall be the first member of the tuplet. Press Ctrl and the tuplet val number. For instance: If you want a quarter note to be the first member of a triplet then select the quarter note:

before triplet creation

and press Ctrl + 3:

after triplet creation (method1)

There is a 2nd procedure if you press Ctrl+Alt+<num> instead, the result is:

after triplet creation (method2)

What's the difference? In first case &nted; regards the selected note as the first triplet member. In 2nd case it assumes the selected quarter has the length of the first 2 triplet members. This is especially useful for swing music where the combination shown above occurs very often.

#### Delete tuplets

To delete a tuplet select any tuplet member and choose:

Edit Remove tuplet

#### Tuplets from 10 to 13

To create a tuplet with value greater then 9 choose:

Insert Insert tuplet ...

Set the tuplet value on dialog! To create a tuplet according to 2nd method (see above) select the `method 2` check box.

### Slurs

#### Inserting slurs

To insert a slur make sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes). Select some notes as described in Select a block:

before a slur is created

Then Choose:

Insert Slur

or press Ctrl H. The slur appears:

after a slur is created

As you can see the slur has 3 handles. By left clicking and dragging these handles you can determine the exact slur shape:

a slur is created

#### Modifiying slurs

Although the slur handles appear to be free replaceable, they are always assigned to a symbol. The symbol is shown by a thin light blue line:

the assignment of the slur handles

This has consequences:

- &nted; tries to keep the position of the slur handle relative to the symbol it is assigned to;

- &nted; removes the slur if the symbol it is assigned to is removed;

To change a slur's shape make sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes). Select the start or end of a slur with left mouse button. The 3 handles appear again:

the selection of the slur handles

Thus, you can change the slur's shape again by dragging the 3 handles.

#### Deleting a slur

To delete a slur make sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes). Again: You can achieve this mode temporarily by pressing the Ctrl key. Left click the start or and of a slur. The selected handle appears in red color. Press the backspace key and the slur will be deleted.

### Repeats and other bar types

#### Simple Repeats

To place a repeat open or repeat close make sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes). Right click a measure line. The repeat dialog appears:

the repeat dialog

Choose one of the offered repeat types by clicking the up/down arrow and press Ok button. The appropriate measure changes its type:

the repeat open measure

#### Alternatives

If you select a closing repeat on repeat dialog the checkbox `alternative1` is enabled. If you check it the checkbox `alternative2` is enabled:

the alternative checkboxes

This way you can place the appropriate alternatives:

the alternative

Both alternatives cover one measure at start. To change the alternative's width select `1.` or `2.` with left mouse click. The selected number appears red:

the selected alternative

Change the alternative width by pressing the left/right cursor key:

the changed alternative

To delete an alternative select the appropriate closing repeat and deselect the appropriate checkbox.

#### End bar

The same way you can insert an end bar:

double bar and end bar

If you choose the end bar or repeat close you can control by `hide following` whether or not &nted; draws elements following the end bar on the same system:

the end bar dialog

It is your responsibility to delete following systems or pages!

the end bar dialog

#### Double bar

The same way you can insert a double bars:

double bar

### Time signature changes

#### Inserting or changing time signature changes

To place a time signature change make sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes). Right click a measure line. On dialog box select `enable timesig`

the timesig changed dialog

On time signature panel choose the new numerator and denominator or one of the symbols or and press `Ok`:

the timesig changed dialog

Note! LilyPond has its own rules for choosing symbols or . So, do not expect the same symbols in LilyPond!

#### Removing a time signature change

To delete an existing time signature change select the `delete timesig` checkbox.

### Clef changes

#### Inserting clef changes

To place a clef change make sure &nted; is in insert/delete mode (see The 3 modes). Choose:

Insert Clefs

The clef change dialog appears:

the clef change dialog

Choose a clef by clicking the up/down arrow keys! The octave shift entry determins an optional octave shift of the clef.

The neutral clef has 3 forms:

the neutral clefs

The difference is the MIDI mapping. The first form - signed with "1" - maps the note lines to pitches like the treble clef would map. The 2nd form - signed with "2" - maps note lines to pitches like the bass clef would map. The difference is not visible.

Note: If you choose neutral clef 1 or neutral clef 2 the notation conflicts with usual drum notation and it is not exported to LilyPond. An alternative is to use the drum system.

The `adjust notes` determins whether or not &nted; shall adjust the appropriate notes such that their pitch is kept. Press the `Ok` button! Click at the position to place the clef change on! The appropriate clef appears:

the clef change

#### Deleting a clef change

To delete a clef change make sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes). Again: You can achieve this mode temporarily by pressing the Ctrl key. Click the clef change with left mouse button. The selected clef change appears in red color. Press the backspace key and the clef change will be deleted.

### Key signature changes

#### Inserting key signature changes

To place a key signature change make sure &nted; is in insert/delete mode (see The 3 modes). Choose:

Insert Insert keysig ...

The key signature dialog appears:

key signature dialog

Choose the new key signature. The `adjust notes` determins whether or not &nted; shall adjust the appropriate notes such that their pitch is kept. Press the `Ok` button! Click at the position to place the key signature change on:

the key signature change

#### Deleting a key signature change

To delete a key signature change make sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes). Again: You can achieve this mode temporarily by pressing the Ctrl key. Click the key signature change with left mouse button. The selected key signature appears in red color. Press the backspace key and the key signature change will be deleted.

### Dynamics

#### Insert dynamics

To insert a dynamic symbol make sure &nted; is in insert mode (see The 3 modes). Choose:

Insert Dynamics ...

Choose the dynamic symbol and click at the position to place the dynamic sign on.

#### Change the dynamic's position

To move a dynamic symbol make sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes). Select the dynamic symbol by left clicking it. The selected symbol appears in red. Hold left mouse button and move the mouse. The dynamic symbol moves accordingly.

Although the dynamic symbols appear to be free replaceable, they are always assigned to a symbol. The symbol is shown by a thin light blue line:

the assignment of dynamics

This has consequences:

- &nted; tries to keep the position of the dynamic symbol relative to the symbol it is assigned to;

- &nted; copies the dynamic symbol if the symbol it is assigned to is copied;

- &nted; removes the dynamic symbol if the symbol it is assigned to is removed;

- &nted; influences the volume of the staff of the symbol it is assigned to;

#### Determine the MIDI volume of a dynamic symbol

Every dynamic symbol has a predefined MIDI volume between 0 and 127. To change the MIDI volume click the dynamic symbol with right mouse button. The volume dialog appears:

the volume dialog

Select a MIDI volume and press OK!

#### Removing dynamics

To remove a dynamic symbol make sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes). Select the dynamic symbol by left clicking it. The selected symbol appears in red. Press Backspace key and the dynamic symbol vanishes.

### Horizontal lines

#### Inserting horizontal lines

&nted; allows you to insert some horizontal lines. Among them (de-)crescendo (hairpins), va8, vb8, ma15, and mb15 lines. To insert a line make sure &nted; is in insert mode (see The 3 modes). Choose:

Insert Insert lines ...

The line dialog appears:

the line dialog

Select a line by clicking on the appropriate box. The selected line appears red hemmed:

the line dialog (selected)

Press OK and then left click the position where the line shall appear. A appropriate line is created:

a (de-)crescendo is created

As you can see the line has 2 handles. By left clicking and dragging these handles you can determine the position and length:

a (de-) crescendo is placed

If you want a line to span multiple staves first move the end point vertically, even if the handle does not immedietely follow the mouse cursor!

create multi stave lines

Note! The left handle determins the start position. The right handle only determins the horizontal end point, not the vertical position!

#### Modifiying lines

Although the line handles appear to be free replaceable, they are always assigned to a symbol. The symbol is shown by a thin light blue line:

the assignment of the crescendo handles

This has consequences:

- &nted; tries to keep the position of the line handle relative to the symbol it is assigned to;

- &nted; removes the line if the symbol it is assigned to is removed;

- &nted; influences the MIDI replay of the appropriate staff, if possible;

To change a line's length and position make sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes). Select the start of a line with left mouse button. The 2 handles appear again:

the selection of the crescendo handles

Thus, you can change the line's length and position again by dragging the 2 handles.

#### Deleting a line

To delete a line make sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes). Again: You can achieve this mode temporarily by pressing the Ctrl key. Left click the start of a line. The selected handle appears in red color. Press the backspace key and the line will be deleted.

#### (de-)crescendo (hairpins)

To determine the MIDI behaviour of the (de-)crescendo make sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes). Select the start of a (de-)crescendo with right mouse button. The volume dialog appears:

the volume dialog

Define the MIDI volume difference caused by the (de-) crescendo and press OK!

#### Ottava brackets: va8, bv8, ma15, mb15

These symbols change the octave of the enclosed notes.

### Tempo markers

#### Inserting tempo markers

To insert a tempo marker make sure &nted; is in insert mode (see The 3 modes). Choose:

Insert tempo ...

The tempo dialog appears:

the tempo dialog

Select a tempo symbol and a tempo and press "OK"! Then click at the position to place the tempo marker on.

#### Change the tempo markers's position

To move a tempo marker make sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes). Select the tempo marker by left clicking it. The selected symbol appears in red. Hold left mouse button and move the mouse. The tempo marker moves accordingly.

Although the tempo markers appear to be free replaceable, they are always assigned to a symbol. The symbol is shown by a thin light blue line:

the assignment of tempo markers

This has consequences:

- &nted; tries to keep the position of the tempo marker relative to the symbol it is assigned to;

- &nted; copies the tempo marker if the symbol it is assigned to is copied;

- &nted; removes the tempo marker if the symbol it is assigned to is removed;

#### Changing the tempo values

To change the tempo value and/or symbol right click the tempo marker. The tempo dialog appears:

the tempo dialog

Select a marker symbol and a tempo and press OK!

#### Removing tempo markers

To remove a tempo marker make sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes). Select the tempo marker by left clicking it. The selected symbol appears in red. Press Backspace key and the tempo marker vanishes.

### Arbitrary text

#### Inserting arbitrary text

Don't use this feature for lyrics, dynamics, accelerando, ritardando, or (de-)crescendo because &nted; has special means for these items, which partly influence the MIDI replay accordingly. (see Lyrics, Dynamics , Accelerato, Ritardando, and (de-)crescendo (hairpins))!

To insert arbitrary text make sure &nted; is in insert mode (see The 3 modes). Choose:

Insert Text ...

The text dialog appears:

the text dialog

Insert a text in text field. Press the font button beneeth the text field if you whish a different font! The anchor field allows you to determine the anchor point:

the text alignment

Please prefer fonts like `Sans` or `Serif`. Depending on your system configuration other fonts can cause problems (pixelated appearence) on PostScript/PDF output. This often concerns fonts like `Helvetica` or `Times`.

The text often concerns the tempo (`allegro`) or the volume (`forte`). The 2 fields beneeth the font button allow you to influence the MIDI replay. To influence the volume check the `enable volume change` button and choose a volume. To influence the tempo check the `enable tempo change` button and choose a tempo.

Furthermore, the text can cause an instrument change. To activate this check the `enable instrument change` button and select the new instrument.

If you enable the channel change, then playing the note will cause the staff to change MIDI channel.

If all is correct press "OK"! Then click at the position to place the arbitrary text on.

For the Segno staff please refer to the Segno section.

#### Special letters

&nted; allowes you to place special letters like coda inside the text:

D.S. al \O -->

The following table gives an overview about the possible signs:

\O |
\S |
\# |
\b |
\n |
\o |
\c |
\r |
\p |
\. | non breaking space
\... | dots
\-- | dash

#### Change the position of the text

To move an arbitrary text make sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes). Select the text by left clicking the text start . The text appears in red. Hold left mouse button and move the mouse. The text moves accordingly.

Although the arbitrary text appears to be free replaceable, it is always assigned to a symbol. The symbol is shown by a thin light blue line:

the assignment of arbitrary text

This has consequences:

- &nted; tries to keep the position of the arbitrary text relative to the symbol it is assigned to;

- &nted; copies the text if the symbol it is assigned to is copied;

- &nted; removes the text if the symbol it is assigned to is removed;

#### Changing the arbitrary text

To change the text right click the text. The text dialog appears again. Thus, you can change the text and its properties.

#### Removing arbitrary text

To remove text make sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes). Select the text by left clicking it. The selected text appears in red. Press Backspace key and the text vanishes.

### Accelerato, Ritardando

#### Inserting Accelerato/Ritardando

To insert an accelerando or ritardando make sure &nted; is in insert mode (see The 3 modes). Choose:

Insert accelerando

or.

Insert ritardando

Left click the position where the accelerando or ritardando shall appear:

an ritardando is created

As you can see the accelerando (ritardando) has 3 handles. By left clicking and dragging these handles you can determine the position and influence range:

an ritardando is placed

If you want an accelerando or ritardando who's influence range spans multiple staves first move the start or end point vertically, even if the handle does not immedietely follow the mouse cursor!

create multi stave ritardando

Note! The middle handle determins the position of the marker. The left and right handle only determin the horizontal position of the influence range! The influence range is not visible if the accelerando or ritardando isn't selected.

#### Modifiying accelerando or ritardando

Although the accelerando(ritardando) handles appear to be free replaceable, they are always assigned to a symbol. The symbol is shown by a thin light blue line:

the assignment of the ritardando handles

This has consequences:

- &nted; tries to keep the position of the accelerando(ritardando) handle relative to the symbol it is assigned to;

- &nted; removes the accelerando(ritardando) if the symbol it is assigned to is removed;

- &nted; influences the MIDI replay of the appropriate staff;

To change a influence range and position of the accelerando(ritardando) marker make sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes). Select the marker with left mouse button. The 3 handles appear again:

the selection of the ritardando handles

Thus, you can change the influence range and the marker position again by dragging the 3 handles.

To determine the MIDI behaviour of the accelerando or ritardando make sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes). Select the accelerando or ritardando marker with right mouse button. The tempo dialog appears:

the tempo dialog

Define the MIDI tempo diffenrence of the accelerando or ritardando and press OK!

#### Deleting an accelerando or ritardando

To delete an accelerando or ritardando make sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes). Again: You can achieve this mode temporarily by pressing the Ctrl key. Left click the accelerando or ritardando marker. The selected marker appears in red color. Press the backspace key and the accelerando(ritardando) will be deleted.

### Chordnames

You can attach chord names to notes and rests. To do this make sure &nted; is in insert mode (see The 3 modes). Choose:

Insert chordname ...

The chord name dialog appears

the chord name dialog

Insert a root, an up text and a down text. Then choose a size and a position relative to note line and press OK. Then click at the position to place the chordname on:

the chord name dialog

&nted; allowes you to place special letters like the flat symbol inside the text:

A\b -->

The following table gives an overview about the possible signs:

\O |
\S |
\# |
\b |
\n |
\o |

The chord name dialog remains open till you press `Cancel`. This way you can place the same chordname at multiple places. If you change the chord on dialog box the next mouse click will insert the new chord.

Modifying an deleting chord names works similar to modifying and deleting arbitrary text.

Chord names are exported to LilyPond. But LilyPond offers a limited number of modifiers. It is your responsibility to use only LilyPond conform chord names.

### Guitar chord diagrams and chord annotation

&nted; offers chord annotation and guitar chord diagrams

chord examples

Use this feature only if you really want to show a guitar chord diagram or if LilyPond export is needed. To show a chord name use the Chordnames feature.

LilyPond does not allow all chord modificators. The modificator remains empty if &nted; has to export such a chord name.

To insert a chord annotation and/or a guitar chord diagram choose:

Insert chord ...

The chord selection dialog appears

the chord dialog

Choose a root and a modifyer. If you want to place a guitar chord diagram you should also select your preferred diagram by clicking on it in the right window. The guitar chord diagram is copied into the big left window.

By means of the checkbox `diagram` you can determin whether the chord diagram is created on score.

By means of the checkbox `text` you can determin whether a textual description of the chord is created created on score.

This way you can choose between:

- only the chord diagram

- only the textual chord description (not recommended, use the Chordnames feature in this case)

- both, chord diagram and chord description

Modifying an deleting chord annotations/chord diagrams works similar to modifying and deleting arbitrary text.

### Upbeats

There are 2 possibilities to determine an upbeat. The first is mainly for newly written scores. Select the note or rest after the requested upbeat:

prepare upbeat (give measure)

Choose:

Edit Upbeat ... give first measure

&nted; changes the begin such a way, that the selected chord or rest is the first member of the first full measure:

upbeat given (give measure)

The 2nd procedure is mainly for scores with beginning rests. Select the note or rest which shall be the first element:

prepare upbeat (give start)

Choose:

Edit Upbeat ... give start

&nted; delets all before the selected element. Thus, the selected element becomes the first element.

upbeat given (give start)

The upbeat rules require to shorten the last measure by the upbeat duration. &nted; doesn't perform this automatically. To shorten the last measure mark all concerned rests in all voices as described in Select a block:

mark the rests

Choose:

Tools hide rests (all v.)

The appropriate rests become invisible:

mark the rests

See also: Hiding rests!

### Grace notes

&nted; offers 3 types of grace notes:

The grace notes

To insert grace notes choose the appropriate note type on 2nd tooblox panel:

The grace on toolbox

Select a grace notes type and insert it as described in chapter Inserting/Deleting notes.

To remove a grace note select the grace note as described in chapter Shifting notes and rests and press backspace key

### Lyrics

#### Inserting lyrics

You can attach up to 5 lines of lyrics to every note. You can use the same special characters as described in special letters in staff names. There are 2 ways: Direct writing or using the lyrics editor.

#### Direct writing

To insert lyrics direct, select a note and choose:

Insert lyrics

Choose a lyrics line bewteen 1 and 5. &nted; is in lyrics mode. Write a text on keyboard. The text appears below the note.

Lyrics

To skip to next note either press a `-` key or press space key. To place a space inside a syllable insert an underscore(`_`) or a non breaking space symbol(\.). Finish the lyrics mode with ESC.

It is strongly recommended to fill the lyrics line from 1 to 5.

#### Modifying lyrics

To modify lyrics make sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes). Select a note with lyrics and choose:

Insert lyrics

Choose the lyrics line to be modified. The lyrics cursor appears. You can move the lyrics cursor with left/right cursor key, You can insert a letter by pressing the appropriate key. You can delete a letter by pressing the backspace key. If you delete the last letter the lyrics of this line are removed from current note. Finish the lyrics mode with ESC.

#### Lyrics editor

The 2nd possibility is to use the lyrics editor. If there are more than 2 staves select an arbitrary element of the staff the lyrics shall attached to. Choose:

Tools Lyrics editor

The lyrics editor appears:

The lyrics editor

Select the verse by selecting a tab! Then insert the lyrics syllable by syllable. Every hyphen and every space is interpreted as separator. To leave on note blank place a single dot('.'). To place a space inside a syllable insert an underscore(`_`) or a non breaking space symbol(\.).

You can save and load the verse by pressing the `save to file` or `load from file`, respectively.

If all is correct press `Apply` or `OK`! Both will update the lyrics, but `OK` closes the lyrics editor.

### D.S./Capo al Coda/D.S./Capo al Fine

An example of a D.S. al Coda could be as follows:

the segno principle

To place the Coda and Segno sign make sure &nted; is in insert/delete mode (see The 3 modes). Choose:

Insert Insert sign ...

The sign dialog appears:

The sign dialog

Choose the appropriate sign and click at the position to place the sign on! Modifying an deleting signs works similar to modifying and deleting arbitrary text.

Then place a text like `"D.S. al Coda"` or `"Repeat from Segno then Coda"` als explained in Arbitrary text. To express these texts shall control the replay you have to choose the appropriate properties on text dialog:

the segno on text dialog

The same way you can create `D.S. al Fine`, `Da Capo al Coda` and `Da Capo al Fine`. See also: Arbitrary text.

### Breath Signs

To place breath sign make sure &nted; is in insert/delete mode (see The 3 modes). Choose:

Insert Insert sign ...

The sign dialog appears:

The sign dialog

Choose the appropriate sign and click at the position to place the sign on! Deleting breath signs works similar to modifying and deleting arbitrary text.

### Transpose

&nted; offers the transpose functionallity. If you want only a subset of notes to be transposed, then draw a selection rectangle as described in Select a block. Then choose:

Tools Transpose ...

The transposition dialog appears:

The transposition dialog

Choose the number of half-tones. If you drew a selection rectange the `use selection` box is active. You can determine whether or not to use the selection rectangle.

If there is no selection rectangle you can select the staves to be transposed. Press OK and &nted; transposes the appropriate notes.

It is your responsibility to change the key signature (see Change staff properties and Inserting key signature changes.

### Change Accidentals

In some seldom cases it is desirable to change sharps against flats, and vice versa:

change accidentals

&nted; offers this functionallity. If you want only a subset of notes to be affected, then draw a selection rectangle as described in Select a block. Then choose:

Tools set all to sharp ...

or:

Tools set all to flat ...

The selection dialog appears:

The selection dialog

If you drew a selection rectange the `use selection` box is active. You can determine whether or not to use the selection rectangle.

If there is no selection rectangle you can select the staves to be affacted. Press OK and &nted; changes the appropriate notes.

### Title, composer, and arranger

To attach some score information (title, subject, composer, arranger, copyright) select:

Edit Score info ...

The score information dialog appears:

The score information dialog

Insert the name of the composer, arranger, the subject and the copyright and press OK. This information is shown at the first page of the score.

### Pages

#### Page layout

To change the page layout choose:

File Configure Paper ...

Choose A3, A4, A5, B4, Letter, Legal, or 230x293 and the orientation (portrait or landscape).

#### Navigation on pages

&nted; presents the score on a seeming endless paper. You can move this paper in page mode (see The 3 modes). Again: You can achieve this mode temporarily by pressing the Shift key. In page mode if you hold the left mouse button and move the mouse the paper moves accordingly.

Furthermore you can jump to a certain page by using the page selector () ot the page up/down keys.

Furthermore you can use the mouse wheel to navigate on page.

#### Delete the last page

If there is more than one page you can delete the last page. Choose:

Edit Remove last page

#### Remove empty pages at end

Under some circumstances it can happen that there are some empty pages at score end, i.e. pages which consist of only rest. To delete these pages choose:

Edit Remove empty pages

### Multiple windows and Excerpt

#### Multiple windows

&nted; allowes you to open as many windows as you want. This is useful if you want to compare two different scores or if you want to copy parts of one score to another score. To open a new window choose:

File New Window

a new window appears:

A new window

With the new window you can do all you could do with the first one. If you want to copy/paste between different windows please make shure both windows are in edit mode (see The 3 modes):

copy/paste between 2 windows

See also: Block instructions.

To delete a window choose:

File Close Window

#### Extract a subset of staves

&nted; allows you to copy a subset of staves into the 2nd window. To do this choose:

File Excerpt ...

The staff selection dialog appears:

The staff selection dialog

Select the subset of ataves, to be copied. To select more than 1 staff press Ctrl during selection. To select a range of staves press and hold Shift. Then select the first and the last staff of the range.

Press `Ok`! The subset of staves is copied into a 2nd window:

the excerpt

### Scaling the whole score

&nted; allowes you to continously scale the score. As a result you get different note sizes:

scaling the score

To scale the score choose:

File Change Scale ...

The scale dialog appears:

the scale dialog

Determine the scaling factor and press OK!

### Documentation

To consult the documentation choose

Help Documentation ...

The documentation is availabe only if the following programs were installed during `./configure` step on your system:

1. yelp from GNOME project (package gnome-extra)

2. xmlto

### Save and restore

#### Save

To save your score choose:

File Save as...

Choose a file name on dialog and press OK! The default suffix is `.ntd`.

To save a file which was already stored before choose:

File Save

#### Restore

To restore a previous saved score choose:

File Open ...

Choose a file name on dialog and press OK!

#### New file

To start with a totally new (empty) score choose:

File New

#### Terminate program

To terminate the program choose:

File Exit

### Printing, exports, Karaoke and imports

#### Configuration

&nted; assumes that:

`lpr <file>.ps`

prints a PostScript file named `<file>.ps` on your system. If this isn't the case then configure the printing command. Choose:

Edit Preferences Configure Print ...

On dialog textfield you should see:

`lpr %s`

The `%s` will be replaced by the name of a PostScript file. Change this string according to your needs. For instance: If you want to use the kprinter from KDE then change the string to:

`kprinter %s`

and press OK!

If all is configured then choose:

File Print

#### Export PostScript

You can export the score as PostScript. Choose:

File Export PS...

Select a file name on dialog and press OK.

Because most printers are able to print PostScript files you can print this file using your preferred printing command (lpr, kprinter, ...)

#### Export PDF

The PDF is available only if your Cairo library supports PDF.

You can export the score as PDF. Choose:

File Export PDF...

Select a file name on dialog and press OK.

Because many printers are able to print PDF files you can print this file using your preferred printing command (lpr, kprinter, ...)

#### Export MIDI

You can export the score as MIDI data. Choose:

File Export MIDI...

Select a file name on dialog and press OK.

#### Karaoke

If the score contains lyrics &nted; exports them to MIDI. This causes many midi players among them kmid to show a Karaoke-like behaviour:

Karaoke with kmid

#### Import MusicXML

You can import a MusicXML file. Choose:

File Import MusicXML...

Select a file name on dialog and press OK.

There is a bug in NoteEdit which concerns the export of multivoice staves into MusicXML. As a result NtEd has problems importing such files. To solve the problem NoteEdit must be patched. See http://vsr.informatik.tu-chemnitz.de/staff/jan/nted/noteedit_musml_patch.html for more information.

### Export PNG and SVG

&nted; can export the current page to PNG (Portbale Network Graphics) and SVG (Scaleable Vector Graphics). The current page is the page shown in page counter. Both formats are very useful for WEB publishing or graphic related tasks. Many text processors allow embendding PNG and/or SVG graphics.

Especially the SVG format - an XML instance - is very useful because - as the name indicates - it is scaleable without strange effects which are usually visible in scaled pixel graphics.

The SVG export is available only if your Cairo library supports SVG.

Choose:

File Export PNG ...

or

File Export SVG ...

Choose a file name and press OK!

The size of the PNG/SVG image depends on the current zoom factor.

### Export LilyPond

LilyPond (http://lilypond.org/) is cetrainly the music typesetter with the best output. This mainly for 2 reasons:

- The developers made a lot of effort to create special music fonts, which are derived from traditional music printing. They even created their own tools for font format conversion to get the best results.

- LilyPond uses a multi pass technique which takes as much time as necessary to perform an excellent placement of the musical symbols.

Furthermore, LilyPond has a lot of music orthographical knowledge, which prevents notation errors.

LilyPond creates a PostScript or PDF output from a file which contains a text transcription of the music. For example, the input:

    \relative c' { \clef treble \key d \major
       d4  e  fis  g a  b  cis  d
    }

causes the following output:

&nted; Mainwindow

&nted; can create the LilyPond text transcription. Choose:

File Export LilyPond...

The LilyPond export dialog appears:

LilyPond export dialog

On checkbox at the head you can determine whether or not &nted; shall place `\break` statments to achieve the same line breaks as in &nted; score.

If you want to export a subset of staves press the `select staves` button. The staff selection dialog appears:

the staff selection dialog

Select a subset of staves. To select more than 1 staff press Ctrl during selection. To select a range of staves press and hold Shift. Then select the first and the last staff of the range.

LilyPond has its own beaming rules. Therefore, the LilyPond beaming differs from &nted;-beaming. If you want the same beams as in &nted; then select the `keep beams` button. Select the staves to keep the beams for and press `OK`.

Choose a File name - the suffix should be `.ly` - and press `OK`.

To produce a PostScript or PDF output from this file install LilyPond and type:

`lilypond` <filename>`.ly`

To preview and/or print the output use your preferred view/print commands (gv, ggv, evince, xpdf, lpr, kprinter, ...).

As mentioned above, LilyPond uses its own placement strategie and its own fonts. As a consequence the WYSIWYG principle is broken. The output differs from &nted; score.

### Import MIDI

&nted; can (try to) construct a score from a MIDI file. Note! There are many scores which would generate the same MIDI data. Therefore the MIDI to score transformation is ambiguous.

To import a MIDI file choose

File Import MIDI ...

The MIDI import dialog appears:

MIDI import dialog

Decide whether &nted; shall try to recognize triplets!

The 2 sliders allow you to influence the density of tempo and volume signs. A value of 0 means "no signs". If you choose 100 it can happen that almost every note has a volume or tempo sign.

Often, MIDI files have tracks which comprise a very large range of pitches. Placing these notes in one staff leads to bad output:

MIDI program changes

Therefore, the normal behaviour of &nted; is to split these tracks:

MIDI program changes

But somtimes this is unwanted. Espacially, if the MIDI file has already well splitted tracks. Use the `don't split tracks` button in this case.

The button `force piano` forces a score with 2 staves per system.

The button `sort instruments` is useful for MIDI files where all or many instruments are placed in one track. For example, in following MIDI file a piano and a flute appear in the same track:

MIDI program changes

The red bullets represent a special MIDI operator called `MIDI program change` which advises the device to change the instrument. Thus, theoretically a MIDI file can place a whole orchestra in one track. Files produced by keyboards are often of this kind. &nted; would actually place all notes in one staff and attach the first given instrument to this staff. If `sort instruments` is active it sorts the instruments into different staves:

sorted MIDI program changes

In most cases the default button state gives good results. But if the score looks strange or the replay differs dramatically from MIDI sound then try to play with the buttons to improve the score.

Select the MIDI file and press OK! On last dialog you can determine the paper size and orientation.

### Inserting notes with pitch determined by midi keyboard

If a MIDI keyboard is attached to your soundcard you can determine the pitch of the notes by pressing the appropriate key on MIDI keyboard. To do this you should first test the MIDI IN device. To do this switch on `MIDI echo` (see Prepare replay) and press the MIDI read button ()! Move the mouse pointer over an arbitrary staff!

It is important to move the mouse over a staff because this way you determine the instrument which playes the tone!

If you now press a key on midikeyboard you should hear the appropriate tone played by the instrument attached to the staff the mouse is placed over (see the MIDI panel). If not then configure the MIDI input device:

Edit Preferences Configure MIDI in...

A menu appears that shows all midi input ports. Select one and press OK. If the port doesn't work try a different port.

If all works then press moreover the insert key () and the keyboard insertion button (). If you now place the mouse at a certain position on a staff the notes you play on midikeyboard are inserted. Note! The keys determine the pitch not the length! The length of the notes are set like described in Inserting/Deleting notes.

To terminate this mode switch off the MIDI read button()!

### Creating score form playing midi keyboard

If a MIDI keyboard is attached to your soundcard you can play on it and &nted; can (try to) convert this piece of music into notes.

Before you do this you should ensure the replay works. Otherwise you can't hear the metronome. See: Prepare replay, and eventually the TiMidity server and the eventually the appropriate question in FAQ.

Furthermore ensure the midi input works and you have selected the correct MIDI input port. See: Inserting notes with pitch determined by midi keyboard.

If all works then make sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes). Then select a note or rest with left mouse button! The selected chord or rest should appear in red. The new notes will be inserted exactly at this position. Then configure the recording parameters:

File Configure Record ...

The MIDI record configure dialog appears:

The MIDI record config dialog

The instrument, time signature and key signature should match the values of the staff with the selected chord or rest. You can change these values but it is not recommended.

The button `triplet recognition` determins whether or not &nted; shall (try to) recognize triplets.

The button `force piano` forces a system with piano layout.

Perhaps your piece of music comprises a very large range of pitches. Placing these notes in one staff leads to bad output:

MIDI program changes

Therefore, the normal behaviour of &nted; is to split the staff

MIDI program changes

But somtimes this is unwanted. Use the `don't split tracks` button in this case.

The `tempo` slider determins the recording tempo (i.e. the tempo of the metronome) in quarters per minute.

The `volume` slider determins the volume of the metronome.

If all is correct then press `Ok`!

Now press the MIDI record button (). You should hear the metronome ticks. The ticks mean halfs, quarters, eighths, or sixteenths, depending on the denominator of your time signature. The metronome plays 1 deep tick and N-1 high ticks, whereby N is the numerator of your time signature. After N ticks one measure is over and the replay begins. Play as exactly as possible according to the metronome.

At the end press the MIDI record button () again. The paper dialog appears. Choose a paper format and press `Ok`! The imported staff appears in a new &nted; window. Here you can correct some errors or close the window if the recording is too bad.

Instead of pressing the record button () you can press the `i` on PC keyboard.

If all is correct then bring the window with the selected chord or rest on top again. Choose:

Insert Import recorded

The notes in imported staff are copied to the staff with the selected chord or rest. After that it is recommended to close the import window.

Now you can continue importing at the same staff by selecting an element behind the end of your piece. Or you can append a new staff and record a new instrument.

### Replay

#### Prepare replay

To hear my examples please use the soundfont mentioned here: http://alsa.opensrc.org/8MBGMSFX.SF2!

For more information about how to use the SF2 file read the appropriate question in FAQ or read about the configuration of the TiMidity server.

To prepare the replay choose:

Edit Preferences Configure MIDI out...

A menu appears that shows all midi output ports. Select one and press OK. If the port doesn't work try a different port. If nothing helps then refer to the approriate question in FAQ.

The `midi echo` checkbox determins whether or not there is a midi echo if you insert a note.

#### Start replay

To start the replay press the play button (). To stop replay press the play button again.

To start the replay at a certain position select a note first. To do this make sure &nted; is in edit mode (see The 3 modes). Then select a note (not a rest!) with left mouse button! Press the play button ()!

#### Muting

It is possible to exclude a subset of staves from replay. To do this choose:

Tools Muting ...

The mute dialog appears:

&nted; Mainwindow

Select the staves to be muted and press OK. To mute some voices of a certain staff refer to Staves.

### Shortcuts

key | operation
I | start/stop record from MIDI keyboard
N | Toggle insert insert/delete mode
P | Toggle page mode
R | Toggle rest
K | Toggle keyboard insertion
DEL | Delete a note from chord
, | Insert tie (method 2)
Ctrl A | Append a staff
Ctrl B | Append a system
Ctrl J | handle beams (see Handling beams)
Ctrl F | flip stem direction
Ctrl R | hide rests
Ctrl U | unhide rests
cursor up | move selected note a line up
cursor down | move selected note a line down
cursor left | select note/rest before
cursor right | select note/rest after
page up | view next page
page down | view previous page
backspace | delete selected note
_ | Toggle tie button
. | Toggle dot button
# | Toggle sharp button
- | Toggle flat button
= | Toggle natural button
1 | set current length to full note
2 | set current length to half note
4 | set current length to quarter note
5 | set current length to eighth note
6 | set current length to sixteenth note
7 | set current length to 32th note
8 | set current length to 64th note
Ctrl + | zoom in
Ctrl - | zoom out
Ctrl C | copy block
Ctrl V | paste block
Ctrl X | delete block
Ctrl E | empty block
Ctrl Z | undo
Ctrl Y | redo
Ctrl H | insert slur
Ctrl + <num> | create tuplet (method 1)
Ctrl + ALt + <num> | create tuplet (method 2)
Shift + CursorUp | increase spacment of measure
Shift + CursorDown | decrease spacment of measure

Furthermore if the num light on num pad is off: The num pad keys shadow the toolbox keys (see The toolbox).

### Configuration File

&nted; stores the current configuration (MIDI port, last opened files, print command) at `$HOME/.nted/ntedrc`

### Attention: Pulseaudio

Unfortunately, the next chapter about The TiMidity server won't work if you have a new sound technology called `pulseaudio`. This concerns Fedora 11 users and Ubuntu 9.10 users and possibly others. If you use the soundfont mentioned at http://alsa.opensrc.org/8MBGMSFX.SF2, you'll experience some awful effects like distortion or no sound, at all.

To find out whether you have a pulseaudio or not do:

`which pulseaudio`

If you get a path as answer you have pulseaudio.

The only workaround is to compile your own TiMidity++. To do this load the newest source from:

http://timidity.sourceforge.net/#download"

Extract and configure the source:

       tar -xvjf TiMidity++-x.y.z.tar.bz2
       cd TiMidity++-x.y.z
       ./configure --enable-audio=alsa --enable-server --enable-alsaseq
       make
       su (give password if requested)
       make install
       exit

Now you have possibly 2 timidities: One pulsaudio dependent at /usr/bin/timidity and the newly compiled and pulsaudio independent /usr/local/bin/timidity. Use the pulsaudio independent timidity!

A good idea is to prepare a command. You should as root copy the soundfont at a certain position:

       cd /usr/share
       mkdir sfbank
       chmod 0755 sfbank
       cd sfbank
       cp /<somewhere>/8mbgmsfx.sf2 .
       echo 'dir /usr/share/sfbank' >timidity.cfg
       echo 'soundfont 8mbgmsfx.sf2' >> timidity.cfg
       chmod 0644 8mbgmsfx.sf2 timidity.cfg
       cd /usr/bin
       echo '#!/bin/bash' > alsatimidity.sh
       echo '' >> alsatimidity.sh
       echo '/usr/local/bin/timidity -c /usr/share/sfbank/timidity.cfg -iA -B2,8 -Os1l -s 44100'  >> alsatimidity.sh
       chmod 0755 alsatimidity.sh

Now the call

        alsatimidity.sh

should start the timidity in server mode.

If the sound problems remain remove the pulsaudio package from your system!

### The TiMidity server

All what is stated does not work if you have a technology called `pulseaudio`. This concerns Fedora 11 users and Ubuntu 9.10 users and possibly others. Please refer to the Pulseaudio chapter to learn more!

You can use the MIDI to WAVE converter and player TiMidity++ ( http://timidity.sourceforge.net) in server mode. This approach is interesting for all those who can't bring the MIDI device to work.

A presupposition is that TiMidity++ is compiled with (at least) the `configure` options:

`&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; --enable-audio=alsa --enable-server --enable-alsaseq`

Whether or not your TiMidity++ is compiled with these options can be determined by starting it with `-iA` Option:

`&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; timidity -iA -B2,8 -Os1l -s 44100` &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

If it says: `"-A option not compiled in"` then compile it "by hand" as stated above.

You should also try to change "the orchestra" by installing a different soundfont. To get such a soundfont you should first have a look at the CDROM shipped with your soundcard. Perhaps you find there a file with suffix `.sf2`. But be careful: Make sure it is a General MIDI file!

If not then load the soundfile mentioned at http://alsa.opensrc.org/8MBGMSFX.SF2. Download it and in `/usr/share/timidity/timidity.cfg` (or `/usr/local/share/timidity/timidity.cfg`) change:

`&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;dir` <path_to_the_directory_there_the_8MBGMSFX.SF2_file_is_situated>

and:

`&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;soundfont 8MBGMSFX.SF2`

Comment all other lines! If all is ok, you can start TiMidity++ with:

`&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; timidity -iA -B2,8 -Os1l -s 44100` &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Select the configure dialog:

Configure Configure...

You should see 4 new MIDI devices:

- Timidity port 0 128:0

- Timidity port 1 128:1

- Timidity port 2 128:2

- Timidity port 3 128:3

Choose one of them and the replay should work!

Tip: If the replay interrupts during page turn over then start TiMidity++ as `root`. This increases the priority of the TiMidity++ process. Use the following command in this case:

`&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;timidity --realtime-priority=100 -iA -B2,8 -Os1l -s 44100`

This can lead to operating system problems if your CPU performance is too small! If so, then try to decrease the priority and/or the frequency:

`&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;timidity --realtime-priority=60 -iA -B2,8 -Os1l -s 22050`

Sometimes it helps to increase the number of buffer fragments:

`&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; timidity -iA -B8,8 -Os1l -s 22050` &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

If you want a different sound have a look at the Hammersound install page.

### Hammersound install page

For my examples I recommend the soundfont mentioned at TiMidity server page. But you can test other soundfonts at http://www.hammersound.net/, for example the `FluidR3` soundfont.

To do this search for `FluidR3122501.zip` at http://www.hammersound.net and download it.

This soundfont is in `sfArk` compression format. Download the decompressor from http://www.melodymachine.com and unpack:

`&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;tar -xvzf sfarkxtc_lx86.tar.gz`

Then decompress the archive `FluidR3122501.zip` (Because of the spaces in file name the apostrophs are necessary):

`&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;unzip FluidR3122501.zip`

`&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;./sfarkxtc "FluidR3 GM.sfArk"`

It is recommended to rename the resulting file`FluidR3 GM.SF2` because the Linux shell has problems dealing with spaces in file names:

`&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;mv "FluidR3 GM.SF2" FluidR3.sf2`

Then in `/usr/share/timidity/timidity.cfg` (or `/usr/local/share/timidity/timidity.cfg`) change:

`&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;dir` <path_to_the_directory_there_the_FluidR3.sf2_file_is_situated>

and:

`&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;soundfont FluidR3.sf2`

Start TiMidity as mentioned at TiMidity server page.

## Credits and License

&nted; Copyright 2007 Jörg Anders

This documentation is licensed under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License.

This program is licensed under the terms of the GNU General Public License.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

I can't hear any sound! I see the running red notes but there is no sound! What's wrong?

This has nothing to do with &nted;! It is a problem of your MIDI device! All MIDI based applications (for instance kmid (not kmidi !!!) or pmidi) will fail!

First of all: Try to play a MIDI file with kmid (not (!!!) kmidi). As long as kmid does not produce any sound, &nted; (and any other MIDI device based software) will not produce any sound, too! The reason is: Either your soundcard has no hardware MIDI synthesizer or it has a hardware MIDI synthesizer but it is not supported by Linux.

Please refer to the ALSA project page to find out whether the midi device on your sound card is supported.

Before making a lot of effort to emulate the hardware synthesizer by software you should search for a soundfont file on the CD shipped with your soundcard. A soundfont file has the suffix `.sf2` or `.SF2`. Please make sure it is a General MIDI soundfont! If there is such a soundfont file there is a high probability you simply have to load the soundfont onto your soundcard.

To to this you need a program called asfxload. Simply type:

`asfxload` <soundfont>`.sf2`

But even if you cannot find a soundfont file on soundcard CD, you can try to download a soundfont file. I recommand the soundfont mentioned at http://alsa.opensrc.org/8MBGMSFX.SF2.

If asfxload fails your soundcard does not permit loading a soundfont.

There is still a last chance that not all needed moduls are loaded. So as a last attempt type as root:

`modprobe snd_seq_midi`

and repeat the asfxload command.

If asfxload fails again you have to emulate the hardware MIDI synthesizer by software. This works if your computer has enough performance. Windows for instances starts a soft synthesizer automatically if the hardware synthesis does not work. So, be not confused if you can play MIDI files on Windows!

Such emulation software exists for Linux, too. But it is more complicated because:

- You have to start this software "by hand".

- These software MIDI synthesizers need a so-called soundfont, a collection of sample tones of every instrument of a virtual orchestra. These soundfonts are copyrighted, i.e. actually nothing for a free system like Linux.

But there is a (relatively bulky) way! See The TiMidity server detailed instructions!

Note! There are more software synthesizers on Linux, which can be tested. Among them the FluidSynth. See http://www.linux-sound.org for a list.

You should avoid soft synthesis if the performance of your computer is too small! The antialiasing procedure (smoothing the symbols) of &nted; consumes a lot of performance, and soft synthesis, too! As a result the replay can be uneven especially during page turn over!

I use TiMidity but the sound is distorted and somtimes I have no sound, at all. What's wrong?

Check whether you have a command `pulseaudio`:

`which pulseaudio`

If you get the path of pulseaudio then follow the instructions in chapter pulseaudio

At program start it says: "Error in FT_Open_Face"! What's wrong!

You have not installed the program! Please type (as root):

`make install`

Refer also to INSTALL file shipped with the `nted-x.y.z.tgz` archive.

I use asfxload but I get an error "sfxload: no memory left" and some instruments are missing during replay. What's wrong?

Don't believe the many rumours on different mailing lists! I have bad news for you: You have to build a new kernel. Terrible, I know! If you feel unable to do this then try to use the TiMidity server.

Otherwise download the kernel and change in

`arch/x86/include/asm/dma.h`:

`#define MAX_DMA32_PFN ((4UL * 1024 * 1024 * 1024) >> PAGE_SHIFT)`

against:

`#define MAX_DMA32_PFN ((2UL * 1024 * 1024 * 1024) >> PAGE_SHIFT)`

Then build the kernel! Refer to https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/universe-bugs/2009-March/068812.html for more details!

I cannot install &nted; because I have no root rights. What shall I do?

You can use the `--prefix` option to install the &nted; in an arbitrary directory below your $HOME directory. Please refer also to INSTALL file shipped with the `nted-x.y.z.tgz` archive.

Furthermore, if you want to avoid the `make install` command then set an environment variable `NTED_FONT_DIR` to the directory where the `nted/ntedfont.pfa` is situated.

For instance, assume the `ntedfont.pfa` is at `/home/smith/datafiles/nted/ntedfont.pfa` type at command prompt:

`export NTED_FONT_DIR=/home/smith/datafiles`

if you have a bash or sh shell.

If you're using a csh or tcsh type:

`setenv NTED_FONT_DIR /home/smith/datafiles`

To find out your shell type:

`echo $SHELL`

at command promt.

May I set lyrics as text blocks below the sheet music? How can I use the score in common texts?

This would require to write a musical score editor and a text editor! This is too complex! But have a look at:

http://vsr.informatik.tu-chemnitz.de/staff/jan/nted/use_nted_in_text.xhtml

There you can find some proposals about that topic.

During program startup I get an error: "Cannot open ALSA MIDI sequencer --> replay won't work ..."! What's wrong ?

That means you either have no ALSA sound system. Or you have an ALSA sound system but for complicated reasons your ALSA midi sequencer is not initialized. In many cases this is due to a missing module. Therefore try (as root):

`modprobe snd-seq-midi`

and restart &nted;.

During make step an error occurs: `/bin/sh: gdk-pixbuf-csource: command not found`. What's wrong ?

This has to do with your PATH environment variable. Many Linuxes place the program gdk-pixbuf-csource at `/opt/gnome/bin`. Actually this should be in your PATH. But under certain circumstances this is not the case. If so then make sure `/opt/gnome/bin` is in your PATH. If you have a (t)csh shell type:

`setenv PATH "$PATH:/opt/gnome/bin"`

If you have another shell type:

`export PATH=$PATH:/opt/gnome/bin`

To determine your shell type:

`echo $SHELL`

During configure step I get an error: "configure: error: C++ compiler cannot create executables, See `config.log' for more details.". What's wrong?

Ok, you can inspect the `config.log`. But this is presumably superfluous, because in most cases that means: You have no C++ compiler installed.