Common time

Common time, also known as time, is a meter with four quarter-note beats per measure. It’s often symbolized by the common-time symbol: . For general information on time signatures, see Time signatures. For details on Finale’s automatic beaming patterns, see Beaming.

Tip: For large Time Signatures used for some scores, use the Engraver Time font.

To change the common-time display (, , or another symbol)

1. From the Document Menu, choose Document Options and select Time Signatures.
2. Click Abbreviate Common Time to. If there’s a check in the checkbox, Finale will display the common-time symbol any time the meter is . If not, Finale will display . (You can also specify any other symbol you want Finale to use instead of the standard common-time symbol by clicking the Select button. You select a font for time signatures by choosing Fonts in the Document Options dialog box (under the Document Menu) and changing Time from the Notation popup menu. See Document Options-Fonts).
3. Click OK (or press return).