G'day Nev,
I agree that the Noteworthy file format is proprietry, but if your requirement is only to print your own music then this is not really relevant. There is already a user tool to import MusicXML, an export tool for Version 1 files, and I suspect that a version 2 export tool to MusicXML will probably appear. I'd write it myself if I was a decent programmer - user tools are not a big deal. There is also a fully documented text file format that lends itself to programatic manipulation - this will allow a MusicXML export tool to be written very easily.

Note entry etc.: With respect, it seems that you are trying to use the mouse to place notes etc. DON'T!!!!! Use the cursor keys to position the entry point and press <Enter> - I have tried Finale and NWC blows it into the weeds for speed if you use the keyboard. (Computer, not MIDI).

Automatic barlines are a right, royal PITA if you are trying to experiment. One of the worst features of any notation package I've ever seen! I hate them with a passion! In NWC barlines are added either manually by pressing <Tab> or <*>, or automatic barlines can be added by using the barline audit feature. Easy and fast.

The UI is different to any other notation product I've seen so if you are familiar with other products then there is a slightly greater learning curve. However, if it is your first, you'll learn it far faster than you think as it really is very intuitive. Standard Windows copy and paste keys etc. Basically it uses, as far as possible, the standard CUA that Windows itself has used since its inception back in the 80's.

Note that the edit window is SCORE oriented, NOT page oriented - the staves go from left to right to infinite (almost ) They do not wrap in the edit window, they DO wrap correctly in print preview and on the printed page.

The real key to using NWC quickly is to lose the mouse - as any Wordperfect user can tell you, the mouse only slows you down!

As for MIDI entry, it works quite well. Setup a click track to the right tempo, press the Record icon and play - I use this a lot for homegrown songs in my church. Our music director is fairly proficient on a keyboard and I can get tracks down as he plays very easily - set the split right (the default is pretty good) and you get both hands in the right places (most of the time).

Last edited by Lawrie; 04/18/09 06:45 AM.
--=-- My credo: If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing - just ask my missus, she'll tell ya laugh --=--
You're only paranoid if you're wrong!