Volta brackets, repeat signs, codas, and segno markers are essential for musical structure \u2014 both visually and in playback. When these symbols don\u2019t behave correctly in ScanScore, it\u2019s often due to missing properties, incorrect anchoring, or layout issues during recognition.<\/p>\n
In this article, you’ll learn how to insert, edit, and fix<\/strong> Volta and repeat elements using the correct tools in ScanScore, how to avoid scanning errors, and how to prepare your score for smooth MusicXML export and playback.<\/p>\n Volta brackets appear but are ignored in playback<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Repeats play incorrectly or in the wrong order<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Jump symbols like Coda<\/strong> or Segno<\/strong> do nothing<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Measures are repeated or skipped unintentionally<\/p>\n<\/li>\n The exported MusicXML doesn\u2019t follow the correct structure<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n You can insert and manage all structural elements like Voltas and repeat signs via the:<\/p>\n This toolbar lets you:<\/p>\n Add or remove Volta brackets (1st, 2nd endings, etc.)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Insert repeat start and end signs<\/strong> (||: and :||)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Add Segno, Coda<\/strong> and To Coda<\/strong> symbols<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Modify jump behavior and playback settings<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Make sure to select the measure where you want the symbol and apply the desired item from the toolbar.<\/p>\n Recent versions of ScanScore include improved AI-based recognition<\/strong> of:<\/p>\n Volta brackets (including nested endings)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Repeat signs and jump indicators<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Symbol placement and anchoring<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n New updates also introduce the \u201cFaulenzer\u201d<\/strong> function \u2014 a smart playback helper that allows certain bars to repeat without explicit notation. This is useful in live settings or for practicing complex repeats.<\/p>\n Certain PDFs or printed scores include thick or tightly spaced Volta brackets<\/strong>, especially in orchestral layouts with small spacing between systems. These elements can:<\/p>\n Confuse the scanning algorithm<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Lead to incomplete recognition<\/p>\n<\/li>\n In some rare cases, even cause ScanScore to crash<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Before scanning, open your file in a photo or PDF editor<\/strong> and remove problematic Voltas manually<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Or, in newer versions of ScanScore, use the Eraser Tool<\/strong> in the Prescan Window<\/strong> to temporarily erase the Volta bracket<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Then, after scanning, insert the correct Volta using the toolbar<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Once placed or detected, you can refine a symbol\u2019s playback behavior:<\/p>\n Click<\/strong> on the symbol (Volta, repeat, jump sign)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Press Alt (Windows) \/ Option (Mac) + P<\/strong> In the Properties panel<\/strong>, check:<\/p>\n The type and function<\/strong> (e.g. \u201cPlay on pass 1\u201d, \u201cJump to Coda\u201d)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Correct text or symbol classification<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Jump targets and playback order<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n Also verify the anchor position<\/strong> \u2014 it should be attached to the start or end of a measure<\/strong>, not floating in space.<\/p>\n Watch our ScanScore webinar\u00a0for a walkthrough on how Volta brackets and repeats behave in playback.<\/p>\n
\n\ud83c\udfa7 Common Playback Issues in Scores<\/h3>\n
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\n\ud83e\udded Where to Add Repeats and Voltas in ScanScore<\/h3>\n
\ud83d\udc49 Bar Lines & Repeats Toolbar<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\n\ud83d\ude80 Better Recognition in Newer Versions<\/h3>\n
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\n\u26a0\ufe0f Layout Warning: Voltas That Can Crash the Scan<\/h3>\n
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\u2705 What to Do<\/h4>\n
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\n\ud83d\udee0 How to Adjust Volta & Repeat Symbol Behavior<\/h3>\n
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\u2192 or open Window \u2192 Properties<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n
\n\ud83d\udcfa Learn by Example: Playback and Voltas in the Webinar<\/h3>\n
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