Voice Layers

Voice Layers

ScanScore is a powerful music scanner software that lets you scan, edit and correct digital sheet music. One common issue, especially with polyphonic scores, is that notes may be assigned to the wrong voice layer – for example, soprano and alto lines might be merged or switched.

Luckily, ScanScore provides two helpful tools:
👉 Switch to Voice
👉 Change Voice


🔍 “Switch to Voice” – display only one voice

Go to:
Menu → Notes → Switch to Voice

You can choose:

  • Voice 1

  • Voice 2

  • Voice 3

The active voice is shown in color, while the others appear greyed out. This helps to spot misplaced notes quickly.

🖱 Shortcut: Ctrl + 1, Ctrl + 2, Ctrl + 3

💡 Pro tip: This is especially useful for piano and choral scores with layered voices.


🔁 “Change Voice” – move notes to the correct layer

To fix voice assignments:

  1. Select the incorrect notes.

  2. Right-click or go to:
    Edit → Change Voice

  3. Select the correct voice (1, 2 or 3).

🖱 Shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + 1/2/3


💡 Additional Tips

  • Green notes indicate missing or system-generated values – double-check these carefully.

  • Shared voices & Unisono: Future ScanScore versions will support intelligent shared voice management, ideal for sections that divide and rejoin.

  • Copy voice to new staff: Use Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V to duplicate a voice and paste it into a new instrument staff (Score Mode).


🔗 Resources


✅ Conclusion

Managing multi-voice scores becomes effortless with Switch to Voice and Change Voice. These features ensure clarity and accuracy in your sheet music, whether you’re editing SATB chorals, piano duets, or orchestral arrangements.

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