Here is one way to do it:

Create the dynamic as a shape (in the Shape Designer).

Use the Shape Designer’s sub-tool Text Tool to enter the mf as a text block (set the font to Maestro 24, and type an uppercase F).

Use the sub-tool Rectangle Tool to draw a rectangle around the mf.

Use the sub-tool Selection Tool to select the rectangle (not the text block!), change the rectangle’s Line Thickness to None, Fill the rectangle with White (all these commands can be found in the Shape Designer menu).

Finallly, send the rectangle to Back so that the mf can be seen in front of the rectangle.

Now you have a mf with an opaque background that will break the hairpin.

Hi

Is there anyone who has found an easy way to do this? Or someone who can share a file with a solution?

I would really need this for a project I'm working on!

This really is a pretty easy way If you've never done it, it may seem daunting, but it's only a few steps. Are you having a problem following Peter’s instructions? (The reason the mask shows is that I'm on a buff background in Finale. On white paper, you won't see it.)

Hi
I have tried this, but I feel like it is hard to (through shape designer) make the break look the same for all dynamics

And I do feel like something this basic should be achievable in some easier way. If there was some kind of plugin for this, or a special font or something. Or if someone had a premade file with these boxed dynamics ready and could share it.

But then again I guess this is how Finale is - you got to learn all these special case solutions hehe.

//William

William,

How often do you need this? You can do it for whatever dynamics you need, and save them in a library. Load them whenever you want. And of course, I'm not nearly the professional-level copyist, composer, or performer that you may be, but why are they necessary? If I saw a decresc. with a F at one end, and a P at the other, well, I would be at MF somewhere in the middle...

It's not really that "basic." In over twenty years, I've never needed it. Not once. A premade file? Sure. How much are you willing to pay for it?

In the time since you've posted and waited for an answer, you could have created as many as you want, at about 3 minutes, each. If there's something you're not clear on, let me know, and I'll be happy to do a zoom and walk you through it.

Give a man a fish, and he'll eat for a day. Teach him to fish, and he'll buy a boat and be gone every weekend...

I don't ever remember seeing or at least I don't recall it now and I have been at it way longer than 20 years and from symphony orchestras to concert band to brass band to small ensembles. However my method of composing is to make everything as clear as possible no matter what the written standards are. That said if there was a long note that started forte and you wanted it to stay forte longer than the gradual decrease or vice versa. I guess I could see doing that but it would not be centered. Otherwise, like miker says it is understood without it.

Sounds like a musical thing as they do all sorts of stuff you normally don't see. At any rate this is easy to do and it can be saved for future use.

That's just 20 years with Finale. Looking at scores, and singing, back into the 60s. and never saw that.

I've played dozens of Broadway musicals and I am never surprised at what they do or what they ask for. I wouldn't be surprised to see it there but I don't recall seeing it.

We've given instructions, we've offered to teach, we've offered to sell.

After a while, we remember the words of Rev. Johnson in Blazing Saddles: "Son, you're on your own."

Hi
Thanks for the responses, I’ll try to reply to everything but I want to avoid making this a meta question-thread. (Keeping it to the original question :) ).
Yes, as a composer who writes modern, contemporary music I do use this from time to time and I do see it quite often in modern notation. It is in my opinion a good way to subdivide dynamics while maintaining a longer dynamic line. But it always depends on the context of the piece, if it is motivated to use.

However, the question was (regardless of what one may think about the usage of this) how to realize this in Finale.

I tried using the previously mentioned (white box) method but I find it hard to use them as they align a bit differently when used with normal (not boxed) dynamics. I find it hard as well to get the same width/height when making multiple ones for different dynamic markings. But maybe the latter depends on my lack of skill in the shape designer.

I would love for Finale to make it possible for one to use the enclosure shape tool for this instead (hide line + fill option), as this gives You more precision.

If someone does find any other way to do this please reply in this thread for future reference!

Take care and Thank You for your responses

Special stuff takes extra effort.

If you don't need playback you can make a graphic and place it where you want it. A graphic is somewhat adjustable, too.

Can you do what you want? Of course you can — you can do practically anything you want in Finale. Start with the Custom Line Tool, look up Metatools, then read up on hiding dynamics so that they sound but won’t show.

https://usermanuals.finalemusic.com/FinaleMac/Content/Finale/Custom_lines.htm?Highlight=Custom%20line%20shapes

Is this going to be any easier or quicker way than that you’ve been shown? Almost certainly not.

Is this going to be any easier or quicker way than that you’ve been shown? Almost certainly not.

MikeH?

Not intended to be a better than just an option. Not meant to even be an easier way just an option. Geez, man! Chill.

Ernie, try reading posts in context so that you understand them. I outlined a method that gives the OP exactly what he wants the way he wants it. THAT was the time consuming method I was referring to. It had nothing to do with your answer.

MikeH if you were not referring to my post which is directly above perhaps you could add a quote or something to indicate which you are replying. My context is fine and in order and simply an option.