Editing Scorewriter (section)

==Functionality==
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All scorewriters allow the user to input, edit and print [[music notation]] to varying degrees of sophistication. They range from programs which can write a simple song, piano piece or [[tablature|guitar tab]], to those that can handle the complexities of [[Orchestra|orchestral music]], specialist notations (from [[early music]] to [[Avant-garde music|avant-garde]]), and high-quality [[music engraving]].

Music can usually be input using the mouse, computer keyboard, or a [[MIDI]] keyboard. A few allow input by scanning scores using [[Music OCR|musical OCR]]; by playing or singing into a microphone; or by using a touch screen.

Most scorewriters also allow users to play the music back, using MIDI or virtual instruments such as [[VST instrument]]s. The screen can show at one time both the score and, by changing the colour of keys on a [[virtual piano]]'s keyboard, the notes being played. Although [[music sequencer|sequencers]] can also write some musical notation, they are primarily for recording and playing music. Scorewriters can typically write more complex and sophisticated notation than sequencers can.

Some scorewriters allow users to customize and fine-tune the printed output to a considerable degree, as is required by publishers to produce high-quality music engraving and to suit their individual house style.

A few scorewriters allow users to publish scores on the [[Internet]], where they can be (for example) played back, transposed, and printed out, perhaps for a fee.

Most scorewriters provide other musical functions such as transposing; producing separate instrumental parts from a full score; or applying musical transformations such as [[retrograde (music)|retrograde]]. Some can automatically create instrumental exercises and student worksheets. Some support [[Plug-in (computing)|plug-ins]], often developed by users or other companies. Other features may include version control, change tracking, graphics import and export, Post-It-like sticky notes, etc.