IWBNI it were possible to create a mid-measure backward repeat. As it is now, one may simulate a mid-measure backward repeat by splitting a measure into two parts, modifying the displayed time signatures, and adjusting measure number regions.

This could be implemented by using the existing functionality for creating, editing and spacing mid-measure clefs as a model. Specifically, the following controls could be added to the Backward Repeat Bar Assignment dialog box:

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Backward Repeat Bar Assignment Dialog Box

Position:
( ) End of Measure
( ) Mid-measure
    Distance from Beginning of Measure: _____ {List box |Beats, EDUs|}
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If the option End of Measure is selected, the backward repeat would be positioned at the right barline of the measure that had been clicked to display the Repeat Selection dialog box and the associated playback action would occur at the end of this measure as in the current version of Finale. If the option Mid-measure is selected, the repeat would be positioned at the location within the measure that is specified in the text box Distance from Beginning of Measure and the associated playback action would occur at this location. Initially, this text box would be set to the nearest whole beat that is to the right of the position within the measure that had been clicked.

All existing controls on the Backward Repeat Bar Assignment dialog box (e.g. Repeat Actions, Options, Target Measure and Total Passes) would be available for specifying the playback function and positioning of mid-measure backward repeats.

To allow one to control the space before and after mid-measure backward repeats, the following controls could be added to the Repeat Bars dialog box which may be displayed by selecting Repeat Bars from the Options>Document Settings submenu:

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Repeat Bars Dialog Box

Mid-Measure Backward Repeat Spacing:
Before Repeat: _____ EVPUs
After Repeat: _____ EVPUs
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Also, a checkbox called Repeats could be added to the Avoid Collision of section of the Music Spacing Options dialog box. This would provide a function similar to that provided for mid-measure clefs by the existing checkbox Clefs. If the Repeats checkbox is selected, mid-measure backward repeats would be positioned by using the Before Repeat and After Repeat settings on the Repeat Bar dialog box.

Created: May 16, 2000 (based on comments by Johannes Gebauer)
Last Updated: May 16, 2000
Version: Finale 2000b