Finale (software)
Overview
Finale is a sophisticated music notation software developed by MakeMusic, Inc. It is widely used by composers, arrangers, educators, and performers for creating, editing, and printing sheet music. Finale's comprehensive set of features allows users to produce high-quality musical scores with precision and flexibility. The software supports a wide range of musical styles and notations, making it a versatile tool for various musical applications.
History
Finale was first released in 1988 by Coda Music Software, which later became MakeMusic, Inc. The software quickly gained popularity due to its advanced capabilities and user-friendly interface. Over the years, Finale has undergone numerous updates and improvements, incorporating feedback from its user base and advancements in technology. Today, Finale remains one of the leading music notation software programs in the industry.
Features
Notation Tools
Finale offers a comprehensive suite of notation tools that enable users to create intricate and detailed musical scores. These tools include:
- **Note Entry**: Finale provides multiple methods for entering notes, including Simple Entry, Speedy Entry, and HyperScribe. Users can input notes using a mouse, computer keyboard, MIDI keyboard, or by importing MIDI files.
- **Articulations and Expressions**: The software includes a wide range of articulations (e.g., staccato, legato) and expressions (e.g., dynamics, tempo markings) that can be easily added to the score.
- **SmartMusic Integration**: Finale integrates with SmartMusic, an interactive music learning software, allowing educators to create assignments and assessments directly from their scores.
Layout and Formatting
Finale's layout and formatting tools ensure that the final printed score is professional and visually appealing. Key features include:
- **Page Layout**: Users can customize the layout of their scores, including page size, margins, and staff spacing.
- **Automatic Spacing and Alignment**: Finale automatically adjusts the spacing and alignment of notes, rests, and other musical elements to ensure a clean and readable score.
- **Part Extraction**: The software can extract individual parts from a full score, making it easy to create separate parts for each instrument or voice.
Playback and Audio
Finale's playback and audio features allow users to hear their compositions and make adjustments as needed. These features include:
- **Human Playback**: Finale's Human Playback feature interprets the score and plays it back with realistic phrasing and dynamics.
- **VST/AU Support**: The software supports VST and Audio Units (AU) plugins, allowing users to incorporate high-quality virtual instruments and effects into their playback.
- **Audio Export**: Users can export their compositions as audio files in various formats, including WAV, MP3, and AIFF.
Advanced Features
Customization and Scripting
Finale offers advanced customization options and scripting capabilities for power users. These include:
- **Plug-ins**: Users can enhance Finale's functionality with third-party plug-ins, which add new features and tools to the software.
- **FinaleScript**: FinaleScript is a scripting language that allows users to automate repetitive tasks and create custom workflows.
- **JW Lua**: JW Lua is a powerful scripting tool that enables users to write custom scripts in the Lua programming language, providing even greater flexibility and control over the software.
Educational Tools
Finale includes several features designed specifically for educators and students:
- **Worksheet Creator**: The Worksheet Creator helps educators generate customized worksheets, quizzes, and exercises for their students.
- **Exercise Wizard**: The Exercise Wizard allows users to create interactive exercises that can be used for practice and assessment.
- **Music Education Resources**: Finale provides access to a library of music education resources, including lesson plans, repertoire, and teaching materials.
Compatibility and Integration
Finale is compatible with a wide range of file formats and integrates with other music software and hardware:
- **File Formats**: Finale supports various file formats, including MusicXML, MIDI, and PDF, making it easy to share and collaborate with other musicians and software programs.
- **ReWire**: Finale's ReWire support allows it to synchronize with digital audio workstations (DAWs) such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and Ableton Live.
- **Hardware Integration**: The software is compatible with MIDI keyboards, controllers, and other hardware devices, enabling seamless integration into users' existing setups.
System Requirements
Finale is available for both Windows and macOS operating systems. The system requirements for the latest version of Finale are as follows:
- **Windows**: Windows 10 or later, Intel or AMD processor, 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended), 1 GB hard drive space, 1280x800 minimum screen resolution.
- **macOS**: macOS 10.14 or later, Intel or Apple Silicon processor, 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended), 1 GB hard drive space, 1280x800 minimum screen resolution.