Are you talking about changing the key signature of the entire score or just certain transposing parts?

Just the alto sax parts. Thanks

If I understand what you're asking, you want to have the alto sax parts in D flat rather than the enharmonic C sharp. If your score is in E, then the alto sax part should automatically appear as being in D flat. If not try this: open Score Manager and choose the alto sax part. Then in the Transpositions selection box, choose other. There's an option to Simplify Key which is probably not checked. Check it and hit ok and the key sig should change to D flat.

Actually, I want the alto parts to show C# in the key signature. I'll try what you suggested and uncheck the simplify box. Many thanks

This does not answer your question, but I am tired of Finale not doing this correctly. I transpose at sight all the time.  Concert E should be C# on an alto sax.  Up a major 6th, no up a diminished 7th. Period.  When I play flute I expect to be in Db and suprised by C#.  On clarinet or tenor sax I expect to be in Db, but not stunned by C#.  Alto and bari I expect to be C# and perplexed by Db.

Exactly. Alto players like to see sharps.

Thank you Martin Haub!  It worked!

In my experience, wind players are far more comfortable in flat keys rather than sharp. Strings are better off in sharp keys. You would think there's no difference between playing something in F sharp major or G flat major, but there really is.

Martin,

It's a rock and roll chart so no flats allowed. hahaha

I am having the same issue. I'm using Print Music 2014 and cannot locate the Simplify Key check box anywhere. Trying to get Eb saxophone parts to dsplay in sharps rather than flats.

Michael Winfield,

I do not know PrintMusic, but I do know that PrintMusic is a reduced version of the “full Finale”.

PrintMusic may not have the Simplify Key option.

You might consider upgrading from PrintMusic to Finale.

Can you create custom staff styles in PrintMusic?

Another solution would be a custom staff style that changes the staff transposition locally.

Thank you for your comments.

It appears that the option to simplify keys and chords is not available in Print Music. Disappointing because printing music in keys that are familiar to players of different instruments is a pretty basic requirement. I can do that in much less expensive software that I have used in the past. I would like it if it was added as an option in the future. As a saxophone player for many years I have encountered the key of C# much more often than Db.

I downloaded the trial version of Finale and the options to turn off simplify keys and chords is available. I was able to change the key for the Baritone part I am working on to C# and then open it with Print Music with no issues. 

I don't believe there is any way to create a custom staff either. I was trying to adjust the transposition of the baritone, but the "other" option although showing as an option did nothing when selected.

… I would like it if it was added as an option in the future …

Sorry, but that is not going to happen.

MakeMusic has stopped developing PrintMusic.

For now, you can only buy the “full Finale”.