You are here: How do I... > M > Masks > Masking a portion of the score using the Graphics Tool
You can also create a white mask using
the Graphics tool. While the procedure is much easier with the Graphics
Tool, one potential downside is that it involves the creating of a graphic
file, separate from Finale, which you must remember to include should
you transport your Finale file to print elsewhere. Also, the Graphics
Tool method works like an expression in that it will always cover
anything you place it on top of.
- Select the Graphics tool
and then, choose View
> Page View.
- In a blank area of the page, double-click and
drag the mouse down and to the right, creating a square or rectangle
approximately the size of the area you wish to mask. Since you’re
going to paste this box on top of unwanted items in your file, be advised
that anything that appears within the lines of the box will appear in
your score. So, if you inadvertently drew the box on top of something,
try it again.
- Choose Graphics > Export Selection.
- Click OK.
- Type in the name you would like to call your
file in the dialog box that appears and click Save.
- Choose Graphics > Place Graphic.
- Select the file you just created and click
Open. Note that the cursor changes to a box with and X inside.
- Place the cursor in the upper left hand corner
of where you’d like the white mask to appear, and then click the mouse.
Note that the white mask now has eight handles on it. If you need to fine
tune its position, you can do so by dragging these handles.
Keep in mind that in addition to pasting
in blank material you can use this same procedure to copy and paste musical
examples–incipits for example. See Graphics
Tool for more information.
