Time Signatures

Command Location: Measures Menu

This tool allows you to change the time signature for a range of measures in the score.  MidiIllustrator can intelligently reorganize music in the score as necessary to allow time signature insertions which would otherwise upset the existing rhythmic structure of the music.

The time signature dialog allows you to change the time signature:

• for all the measures on the score
  
• from the current measure to the next time signature change
  
• between specific measures

Protecting the Existing Rhythmic Structure

Time signature changes affect the location of barlines, beats and the resulting notation (such as beaming and tying).  In order to limit these effects to only the desired score range, MidiIllustrator will try to protect existing time signatures ahead of the rhythmic range you are editing.  This is achieved by extending the score and shifting sections of the music to make room for the new rhythm range, rather than simply overwriting any existing meter values.  For this reason, complex time signature changes can result in changes to the timings of individual notes and other notation events as measures are extended accordingly (the price of keeping existing meter intact).

Choosing a New Time Signature

To change the numerator (Number of Beats) and denominator (Beat Duration) of the time signature, click the buttons under the signature display graphic.

MIDI Files and Time Signatures

Sometimes, MIDI files do not supply a time signature to MidiIllustrator during import (especially those recorded from a live instrument performance).  In these cases MidiIllustrator automatically assigns a time signature.  You can change this automatic assignment at any time with the time signature dialog.