IWBNI there were an option to specify that markings should be added to dialog box controls to indicate whether a given setting affects all, some or no existing objects of the type for which the setting affects the initial value.

As it is now, some settings affect all existing objects. For example, the Line Thickness setting in the Crescendo/Decrescendo section of the Smart Shape Options dialog box affects all existing smart shape hairpins. Other settings affect no existing objects. For example, the Opening Width setting in the Crescendo/Decrescendo section of the Smart Shape Options dialog box affects no existing smart shape hairpins. And, other settings affect some existing objects. For example, the checkbox Use Outer Placement on the Tie Options dialog box affects all ties that have not been edited with the tie tool. It does not affect ties for which the position of one of the tie tips has been changed by using the tie tool, or for which the Outer Placement list box on the Tie Alterations dialog box is set to On or Off rather than Default. For another example, the Base Key Velocity on the Playback Controls window affects only those notes for which the current velocity equals the Base Key Velocity at the time at which the Base Key Velocity is changed.

This feature would help new users become familiar with the scope of settings. Also, it would help advanced users become aware of functional changes that have been made in a new version that affect the scope of settings.

This could be implemented by adding a checkbox called Show Setting Scope Indicators to the Other Program Options dialog box. If this option is selected, controls would be labeled in some way to indicate whether a given setting affects all, some or no existing objects of the type for which the setting affects the initial value.

For example, controls on an options or settings dialog box that affect all, some or no existing objects could be marked in some way with the following characters:
 

Indicator Character	Meaning
*	The setting affects all existing objects.
+	The setting affects some existing objects.
x	The setting affects no existing objects.

Alternatively, icons, colors, font styles, or shading could be used for this purpose.

Created: July 20, 2000
Last Updated: July 20, 2000
Version: Finale 2000b