56: Starting a score without using the mouse

Some users, particularly the visually impaired, may find it useful to know that you can start a score without using the mouse. Start a new score with Command-N (Mac) or Ctrl+N (Windows), choose a manuscript paper, and then:

In Sibelius 2 (and later versions), simply hit Tab to select the first note or rest in the top staff visible on the screen. You can also start a score without using the mouse in Sibelius 1.4, but it is somewhat more involved.

To select the first rest in the first staff, ready for step-time input in Sibelius 1.4:

• Type Command-G or Ctrl+G (Go To Bar), type 1 and press Return (on the main keyboard)
• Press the right cursor key arrow once.
• Type Command-left arrow or Ctrl+left arrow to select the first rest in the top stave.
• Choose a note-value with the keypad, then type the letter name of the first note to begin note entry.

To select the first rest in the top staff in Sibelius 2, 3, 4 or 5:

• Type Command-Home or Ctrl+Home
• Hit the Tab key to select the first rest in the top staff.
• Choose a note-value with the keypad, then type the letter name of the first note to begin note entry.