This issue has been discussed several times in MakeMusic’ old forum.

Here is one of the old threads.

I suppose that it will answer your questions:

http://forum.makemusic.com/default.aspx?f=5&m=52211 

You can do a web search restricted to the old MakeMusic forum, and find more threads about dulcimer.

If you have more questions about dulcimer, let us know.

To enter the fretted dulcimer's chromatic notes on dulcimer tablature (i.e. 1.5, 6.5, 8.5, 13.5 or the occasional 'chromatic dulcimer' with a  chromatic 12-note scale, instead of the dulcimer's characteristic diatonic 8-note scale), I add the '+' this way (I did it a different way in the old 'Guitar' software from 15 years ago):

1. Enter tab numbers first on the tab staff lines.  
2. Click on 'Tools'
3. Click 'Articulation'. 
4. Click on the tab number where you want to add the '+' to indicate a half fret.
5. This will pull up a new window named 'Articulation Selection' with 62 different symbols in numbered boxes.
6. Scroll through 'Articulation Selections' to find the '+' (by default it is in box 28, though you can edit and change the location).
7. Click on the '+' box, then 'Select' at the bottom of that window.
8. The '+' will  automatically be placed near your tab number in the document.
9. Grab the small pink handle by the new '+' and move it into position beside the intended tab number.

This will work on any string in your tablature, like the middle string G# chromatic note if in DAD or DAA tuning.  By using this method, the half step '+' moves with your tablature if you change your layout. 

You could also add the '+' using:

1. 'Text'
2. Create a 'Text' box next to the tab number, then use the QWERTY keyboard '+' on the top row at the end of the numbers.
3. The '+' will be placed inside the text box, then move it into position next to the intended tab number.
4. Please note that this method will not move with the tab/music if you update the layout.  You will have to manually move every '+' in the  document.  

Finale requires much time to legibly transcribe music notation into dulcimer tablature.  When we write chorded tab across the typical three strings, we have to overcome the 'guitar' mindset of the software.  In guitar, the top tab line indicates the highest, lightest string.  Dulcimers are strung opposite, with our highest/lightest/melody string on the bottom line of tablature.  So, in writing chorded tab, we must input the bass string of the chord first, then work our way to the melody string, otherwise Finale will fight you!  Inputting chorded tab thinking backwards? Time consuming!

Hope this helps, Gwen