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Launch Window

How to get there

Choose File > Launch Window. This window also appears when you first launch Finale.

What it does

Choose this command to open the Launch Window where you can choose from a number of options related to starting new files and opening existing ones. From here, you can also access reference material like the QuickStart Videos and User Manual. Click the button to open the Preferences dialog box where you can configure program-wide settings to match your working preferences.

Setup Wizard. Choose this option to open the Document Setup which guides you through setting up your Finale document with a title, instrument staves, and other musical elements.
Default Document. Choose this option to open a new default document. Finale’s default document, named "Maestro Font Default.ftmx" and located in the Finale/Music Files/Default Files folder. It is a single staff document with 31 measures.
Templates. Select Templates to choose from a collection of new empty documents already setup for a variety of instruments, ensembles, and educational formats.
Scanning. Choose Scanning to acquire a document from your scanner using Finale’s TWAIN support.
Exercise Wizard. The Exercise Wizard guides you through the process of creating your own customized exercises including scales, intervals, and arpeggios.
Open. Choose Open to locate and open an existing Finale document.
Open Recent File. Click this drop-down list to select a recent file and click Open Recent File to open it.
Import MusicXML. Click this button to import a MusicXML file.
QuickStart Videos. Click this button to launch the QuickStart Video Tips where you can view video demonstrations of several of Finale’s features.
User Manual. Click this button to open the User Manual you are reading now. You will see the Table of Contents.
Tutorial Guide. Click this button to open the electronic version of the Finale Installation and Tutorials manual.
Creating SmartMusic® Files. Choose this command to open SmartMusic topic of the User Manual, which explains how to create and save SmartMusic Accompaniments. See SmartMusic.
Close. Click Close to exit the Launch Window.

Keyboard shortcuts

To use a keyboard shortcut, simply type the appropriate key to cause the desired action.

Metatool	Predefined effects
S	Launches Setup Wizard
D	Opens default document
T	Opens templates
C	Launches SmartScore Lite scanning
E	Launches Exercise Wizard
O	Opens documents
I	Imports MusicXML
P	Launches Preferences
Q	Launches QuickStart Videos
U	Launches User Manual
A	Launches Finale Tutorials
M	Opens SmartMusic topic in the User Manual
, (comma)	Shows previous Tip of the Day
. (period)	Shows next Tip of the Day
H	Opens Launch Window topic in the User Manual
ESC	Closes Launch Window