One of my favorite time-saving Finale tips is to use the Edit Filter. This allows you to control what elements you copy from measure to measure (or even score to score).

To see what it looks like, go to Finale’s Edit Menu and select “Edit Filter.” The available options may look a bit daunting, but check out the “All” and “None” buttons at the bottom. These buttons make quick work of tasks like copying everything but the lyrics or copying only the chord symbols. When you’re only going to copy a few things, for example, you might start with the “None” button and then add them.

I often use the Edit Filter when working within sections in a large score. For example, once I’ve entered all the notes for the clarinet section, I might enter the dynamics, hairpins, and articulations on just the first clarinet, and copy just those elements (and not the notes) to the other clarinets.

Here’s the “before” image of my example:

From here I will:

1. Go to the Edit Menu and choose the item “Edit Filter…”
2. In the subsequent dialog, click “None”
3. Click the box next to “Markings,” and click OK.
4. Finally, I’ll copy the top staff to the second and third staves

Here’s the “after” image:

Notice that only the markings have been copied. This is a serious time-saver, which I also use often when dealing with chords and fretboards.

Finally, you can switch the Edit Filter on or off via a keyboard shortcut:

• Macintosh: Option + Command + F
• Windows: Alt + Control + F

Let us know how the Edit Filter is working for you by clicking on “Comments” below!