FWIW, here are the drawbacks and benefits of my "Special Part Extraction" method over Express Music's "Extract Parts"/copy-and-paste method:
(snip)
One more note: Christopher BJ Smith mentioned the fact that when you change a part in SPE it doesn't update the (separate) score file. How does using a "normal" part extraction method differ in this regard? Also: if you're working on a copy of your score file, why does it matter whether or not Special Part Extraction saves your original score layout when you turn it off? What other method of part extraction in Finale would enable you to do this? Inquiring minds want to know!
Great synopsis of an interesting method. I'll be sure to try it out!
"Normal" part extraction, obviously, doesn't allow automatic updates. However, the "Express" method (I actually use a streamlined version myself, unless I really need the other benefits) allows you to update the score once, then copy and paste from the score to each part, and you only have to change layout if you need to (as opposed to extracting again from scratch.)
You might want the score layout saved if you are going to print the score. The only time this makes a difference in your method is if you make note changes to the score. The parts won't inherit the changes, and you will either have to do it manually (editing directly or copying from file to file) or redo the Special method as you described.
And the Express method, though admittedly more tedious than yours the FIRST time, allows you to keep all formatting, if you want, for successive revisions.
I see more clearly now that this Relational Database idea would be fabulous for Finale part extraction. Imagine having all the benefits of Special-Part-Extraction-in-separate-files with the linking that you would get as if you had NEVER separated the files! Each staff could inherit layout and positioning, or not, as you like, without affecting the score.
Oo, I'm getting excited now!
Christopher _______________________________________________ Finale mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.shsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/finale
