LilyPond Notation Reference: A.14 All context properties

## A.14 All context properties

`aDueText` (markup)

  Text to print at a unisono passage.

`alignAboveContext` (string)

  Where to insert newly created context in vertical alignment.

`alignBassFigureAccidentals` (boolean)

  If true, then the accidentals are aligned in bass figure context.

`alignBelowContext` (string)

  Where to insert newly created context in vertical alignment.

`associatedVoice` (string)

  Name of the `Voice` that has the melody for this `Lyrics` line.

`autoAccidentals` (list)

  List of different ways to typeset an accidental.

  For determining when to print an accidental, several different rules are tried. The rule that gives the highest number of accidentals is used.

  Each entry in the list is either a symbol or a procedure.

  symbol

    The symbol is the name of the context in which the following rules are to be applied. For example, if context is Score then all staves share accidentals, and if context is Staff then all voices in the same staff share accidentals, but staves do not.

  procedure

    The procedure represents an accidental rule to be applied to the previously specified context.

    The procedure takes the following arguments:

    `context`

      The current context to which the rule should be applied.

    `pitch`

      The pitch of the note to be evaluated.

    `barnum`

      The current bar number.

    `measurepos`

      The current measure position.

    The procedure returns a pair of booleans. The first states whether an extra natural should be added. The second states whether an accidental should be printed. `(#t . #f)` does not make sense.

`autoBeamCheck` (procedure)

  A procedure taking three arguments, context, dir [start/stop (-1 or 1)], and test [shortest note in the beam]. A non-`#f` return value starts or stops the auto beam.

`autoBeaming` (boolean)

  If set to true then beams are generated automatically.

`autoCautionaries` (list)

  List similar to `autoAccidentals`, but it controls cautionary accidentals rather than normal ones. Both lists are tried, and the one giving the most accidentals wins. In case of draw, a normal accidental is typeset.

`automaticBars` (boolean)

  If set to false then bar lines will not be printed automatically; they must be explicitly created with a `\bar` command. Unlike the `\cadenzaOn` keyword, measures are still counted. Bar line generation will resume according to that count if this property is unset.

`barAlways` (boolean)

  If set to true a bar line is drawn after each note.

`barCheckSynchronize` (boolean)

  If true then reset `measurePosition` when finding a bar check.

`barNumberVisibility` (procedure)

  A Procedure that takes an integer and returns whether the corresponding bar number should be printed.

`baseMoment` (moment)

  Smallest unit of time that will stand on its own as a subdivided section.

`bassFigureFormatFunction` (procedure)

  A procedure that is called to produce the formatting for a `BassFigure` grob. It takes a list of `BassFigureEvent`s, a context, and the grob to format.

`bassStaffProperties` (list)

  An alist of property settings to apply for the down staff of `PianoStaff`. Used by `\autochange`.

`beamExceptions` (list)

  An alist of exceptions to autobeam rules that normally end on beats.

`beatStructure` (list)

  List of `baseMoment`s that are combined to make beats.

`chordChanges` (boolean)

  Only show changes in chords scheme?

`chordNameExceptions` (list)

  An alist of chord exceptions. Contains `(chord . markup)` entries.

`chordNameExceptionsFull` (list)

  An alist of full chord exceptions. Contains `(chord . markup)` entries.

`chordNameExceptionsPartial` (list)

  An alist of partial chord exceptions. Contains `(chord . (prefix-markup suffix-markup))` entries.

`chordNameFunction` (procedure)

  The function that converts lists of pitches to chord names.

`chordNameLowercaseMinor` (boolean)

  Downcase roots of minor chords?

`chordNameSeparator` (markup)

  The markup object used to separate parts of a chord name.

`chordNoteNamer` (procedure)

  A function that converts from a pitch object to a text markup. Used for single pitches.

`chordPrefixSpacer` (number)

  The space added between the root symbol and the prefix of a chord name.

`chordRootNamer` (procedure)

  A function that converts from a pitch object to a text markup. Used for chords.

`clefGlyph` (string)

  Name of the symbol within the music font.

`clefOctavation` (integer)

  Add this much extra octavation. Values of 7 and -7 are common.

`clefPosition` (number)

  Where should the center of the clef symbol go, measured in half staff spaces from the center of the staff.

`completionBusy` (boolean)

  Whether a completion-note head is playing.

`connectArpeggios` (boolean)

  If set, connect arpeggios across piano staff.

`countPercentRepeats` (boolean)

  If set, produce counters for percent repeats.

`createKeyOnClefChange` (boolean)

  Print a key signature whenever the clef is changed.

`createSpacing` (boolean)

  Create `StaffSpacing` objects? Should be set for staves.

`crescendoSpanner` (symbol)

  The type of spanner to be used for crescendi. Available values are ‘`hairpin`’ and ‘`text`’. If unset, a hairpin crescendo is used.

`crescendoText` (markup)

  The text to print at start of non-hairpin crescendo, i.e., ‘`cresc.`’.

`cueClefGlyph` (string)

  Name of the symbol within the music font.

`cueClefOctavation` (integer)

  Add this much extra octavation. Values of 7 and -7 are common.

`cueClefPosition` (number)

  Where should the center of the clef symbol go, measured in half staff spaces from the center of the staff.

`currentBarNumber` (integer)

  Contains the current barnumber. This property is incremented at every bar line.

`decrescendoSpanner` (symbol)

  The type of spanner to be used for decrescendi. Available values are ‘`hairpin`’ and ‘`text`’. If unset, a hairpin decrescendo is used.

`decrescendoText` (markup)

  The text to print at start of non-hairpin decrescendo, i.e., ‘`dim.`’.

`defaultBarType` (string)

  Set the default type of bar line. See `whichBar` for information on available bar types.

  This variable is read by Timing_translator at Score level.

`defaultStrings` (list)

  A list of strings to use in calculating frets for tablatures and fretboards if no strings are provided in the notes for the current moment.

`doubleRepeatType` (string)

  Set the default bar line for double repeats.

`doubleSlurs` (boolean)

  If set, two slurs are created for every slurred note, one above and one below the chord.

`drumPitchTable` (hash table)

  A table mapping percussion instruments (symbols) to pitches.

`drumStyleTable` (hash table)

  A hash table which maps drums to layout settings. Predefined values: ‘`drums-style`’, ‘`timbales-style`’, ‘`congas-style`’, ‘`bongos-style`’, and ‘`percussion-style`’.

  The layout style is a hash table, containing the drum-pitches (e.g., the symbol ‘`hihat`’) as keys, and a list `(notehead-style script vertical-position)` as values.

`explicitClefVisibility` (vector)

  ‘`break-visibility`’ function for clef changes.

`explicitCueClefVisibility` (vector)

  ‘`break-visibility`’ function for cue clef changes.

`explicitKeySignatureVisibility` (vector)

  ‘`break-visibility`’ function for explicit key changes. ‘`\override`’ of the `break-visibility` property will set the visibility for normal (i.e., at the start of the line) key signatures.

`extendersOverRests` (boolean)

  Whether to continue extenders as they cross a rest.

`extraNatural` (boolean)

  Whether to typeset an extra natural sign before accidentals changing from a non-natural to another non-natural.

`figuredBassAlterationDirection` (direction)

  Where to put alterations relative to the main figure.

`figuredBassCenterContinuations` (boolean)

  Whether to vertically center pairs of extender lines. This does not work with three or more lines.

`figuredBassFormatter` (procedure)

  A routine generating a markup for a bass figure.

`figuredBassPlusDirection` (direction)

  Where to put plus signs relative to the main figure.

`fingeringOrientations` (list)

  A list of symbols, containing ‘`left`’, ‘`right`’, ‘`up`’ and/or ‘`down`’. This list determines where fingerings are put relative to the chord being fingered.

`firstClef` (boolean)

  If true, create a new clef when starting a staff.

`followVoice` (boolean)

  If set, note heads are tracked across staff switches by a thin line.

`fontSize` (number)

  The relative size of all grobs in a context.

`forbidBreak` (boolean)

  If set to `##t`, prevent a line break at this point.

`forceClef` (boolean)

  Show clef symbol, even if it has not changed. Only active for the first clef after the property is set, not for the full staff.

`fretLabels` (list)

  A list of strings or Scheme-formatted markups containing, in the correct order, the labels to be used for lettered frets in tablature.

`glissandoMap` (list)

  A map in the form of ’((source1 . target1) (source2 . target2) (sourcen . targetn)) showing the glissandi to be drawn for note columns. The value ’() will default to ’((0 . 0) (1 . 1) (n . n)), where n is the minimal number of note-heads in the two note columns between which the glissandi occur.

`gridInterval` (moment)

  Interval for which to generate `GridPoint`s.

`handleNegativeFrets` (symbol)

  How the automatic fret calculator should handle calculated negative frets. Values include `'ignore`, to leave them out of the diagram completely, `'include`, to include them as calculated, and `'recalculate`, to ignore the specified string and find a string where they will fit with a positive fret number.

`harmonicAccidentals` (boolean)

  If set, harmonic notes in chords get accidentals.

`harmonicDots` (boolean)

  If set, harmonic notes in dotted chords get dots.

`highStringOne` (boolean)

  Whether the first string is the string with highest pitch on the instrument. This used by the automatic string selector for tablature notation.

`ignoreBarChecks` (boolean)

  Ignore bar checks.

`ignoreFiguredBassRest` (boolean)

  Don’t swallow rest events.

`ignoreMelismata` (boolean)

  Ignore melismata for this Lyrics line.

`implicitBassFigures` (list)

  A list of bass figures that are not printed as numbers, but only as extender lines.

`implicitTimeSignatureVisibility` (vector)

  break visibility for the default time signature.

`includeGraceNotes` (boolean)

  Do not ignore grace notes for Lyrics.

`instrumentCueName` (markup)

  The name to print if another instrument is to be taken.

`instrumentEqualizer` (procedure)

  A function taking a string (instrument name), and returning a `(min . max)` pair of numbers for the loudness range of the instrument.

`instrumentName` (markup)

  The name to print left of a staff. The `instrumentName` property labels the staff in the first system, and the `shortInstrumentName` property labels following lines.

`instrumentTransposition` (pitch)

  Define the transposition of the instrument. Its value is the pitch that sounds like middle C. This is used to transpose the MIDI output, and `\quote`s.

`internalBarNumber` (integer)

  Contains the current barnumber. This property is used for internal timekeeping, among others by the `Accidental_engraver`.

`keepAliveInterfaces` (list)

  A list of symbols, signifying grob interfaces that are worth keeping a staff with `remove-empty` set around for.

`keyAlterationOrder` (list)

  An alist that defines in what order alterations should be printed. The format is `(step . alter)`, where step is a number from 0 to 6 and alter from -2 (sharp) to 2 (flat).

`keySignature` (list)

  The current key signature. This is an alist containing `(step . alter)` or `((octave . step) . alter)`, where step is a number in the range 0 to 6 and alter a fraction, denoting alteration. For alterations, use symbols, e.g. `keySignature = #`((6 . ,FLAT))`.

`lyricMelismaAlignment` (direction)

  Alignment to use for a melisma syllable.

`majorSevenSymbol` (markup)

  How should the major 7th be formatted in a chord name?

`markFormatter` (procedure)

  A procedure taking as arguments the context and the rehearsal mark. It should return the formatted mark as a markup object.

`maximumFretStretch` (number)

  Don’t allocate frets further than this from specified frets.

`measureLength` (moment)

  Length of one measure in the current time signature.

`measurePosition` (moment)

  How much of the current measure have we had. This can be set manually to create incomplete measures.

`melismaBusyProperties` (list)

  A list of properties (symbols) to determine whether a melisma is playing. Setting this property will influence how lyrics are aligned to notes. For example, if set to `#'(melismaBusy beamMelismaBusy)`, only manual melismata and manual beams are considered. Possible values include `melismaBusy`, `slurMelismaBusy`, `tieMelismaBusy`, and `beamMelismaBusy`.

`metronomeMarkFormatter` (procedure)

  How to produce a metronome markup. Called with two arguments: a `TempoChangeEvent` and context.

`middleCClefPosition` (number)

  The position of the middle C, as determined only by the clef. This can be calculated by looking at `clefPosition` and `clefGlyph`.

`middleCCuePosition` (number)

  The position of the middle C, as determined only by the clef of the cue notes. This can be calculated by looking at `cueClefPosition` and `cueClefGlyph`.

`middleCOffset` (number)

  The offset of middle C from the position given by `middleCClefPosition` This is used for ottava brackets.

`middleCPosition` (number)

  The place of the middle C, measured in half staff-spaces. Usually determined by looking at `middleCClefPosition` and `middleCOffset`.

`midiChannelMapping` (symbol)

  How to map MIDI channels: per `instrument` (default), `staff` or `voice`.

`midiInstrument` (string)

  Name of the MIDI instrument to use.

`midiMaximumVolume` (number)

  Analogous to `midiMinimumVolume`.

`midiMergeUnisons` (boolean)

  If true, output only one MIDI note-on event when notes with the same pitch, in the same MIDI-file track, overlap.

`midiMinimumVolume` (number)

  Set the minimum loudness for MIDI. Ranges from 0 to 1.

`minimumFret` (number)

  The tablature auto string-selecting mechanism selects the highest string with a fret at least `minimumFret`.

`minimumPageTurnLength` (moment)

  Minimum length of a rest for a page turn to be allowed.

`minimumRepeatLengthForPageTurn` (moment)

  Minimum length of a repeated section for a page turn to be allowed within that section.

`noChordSymbol` (markup)

  Markup to be displayed for rests in a ChordNames context.

`noteToFretFunction` (procedure)

  Convert list of notes and list of defined strings to full list of strings and fret numbers. Parameters: The context, a list of note events, a list of tabstring events, and the fretboard grob if a fretboard is desired.

`ottavation` (markup)

  If set, the text for an ottava spanner. Changing this creates a new text spanner.

`output` (music output)

  The output produced by a score-level translator during music interpretation.

`partCombineTextsOnNote` (boolean)

  Print part-combine texts only on the next note rather than immediately on rests or skips.

`pedalSostenutoStrings` (list)

  See `pedalSustainStrings`.

`pedalSostenutoStyle` (symbol)

  See `pedalSustainStyle`.

`pedalSustainStrings` (list)

  A list of strings to print for sustain-pedal. Format is `(up updown down)`, where each of the three is the string to print when this is done with the pedal.

`pedalSustainStyle` (symbol)

  A symbol that indicates how to print sustain pedals: `text`, `bracket` or `mixed` (both).

`pedalUnaCordaStrings` (list)

  See `pedalSustainStrings`.

`pedalUnaCordaStyle` (symbol)

  See `pedalSustainStyle`.

`predefinedDiagramTable` (hash table)

  The hash table of predefined fret diagrams to use in FretBoards.

`printKeyCancellation` (boolean)

  Print restoration alterations before a key signature change.

`printOctaveNames` (boolean)

  Print octave marks for the `NoteNames` context.

`printPartCombineTexts` (boolean)

  Set ‘Solo’ and ‘A due’ texts in the part combiner?

`proportionalNotationDuration` (moment)

  Global override for shortest-playing duration. This is used for switching on proportional notation.

`rehearsalMark` (integer)

  The last rehearsal mark printed.

`repeatCommands` (list)

  This property is a list of commands of the form `(list 'volta x)`, where x is a string or `#f`. `'end-repeat` is also accepted as a command.

`repeatCountVisibility` (procedure)

  A procedure taking as arguments an integer and context, returning whether the corresponding percent repeat number should be printed when `countPercentRepeats` is set.

`restCompletionBusy` (boolean)

  Signal whether a completion-rest is active.

`restNumberThreshold` (number)

  If a multimeasure rest has more measures than this, a number is printed.

`searchForVoice` (boolean)

  Signal whether a search should be made of all contexts in the context hierarchy for a voice to provide rhythms for the lyrics.

`shapeNoteStyles` (vector)

  Vector of symbols, listing style for each note head relative to the tonic (qv.) of the scale.

`shortInstrumentName` (markup)

  See `instrumentName`.

`shortVocalName` (markup)

  Name of a vocal line, short version.

`skipBars` (boolean)

  If set to true, then skip the empty bars that are produced by multimeasure notes and rests. These bars will not appear on the printed output. If not set (the default), multimeasure notes and rests expand into their full length, printing the appropriate number of empty bars so that synchronization with other voices is preserved.

  >     {
  >       r1 r1*3 R1*3
  >       \set Score.skipBars= ##t
  >       r1*3 R1*3
  >     }

`skipTypesetting` (boolean)

  If true, no typesetting is done, speeding up the interpretation phase. Useful for debugging large scores.

`soloIIText` (markup)

  The text for the start of a solo for voice ‘two’ when part-combining.

`soloText` (markup)

  The text for the start of a solo when part-combining.

`squashedPosition` (integer)

  Vertical position of squashing for Pitch_squash_engraver.

`staffLineLayoutFunction` (procedure)

  Layout of staff lines, `traditional`, or `semitone`.

`stanza` (markup)

  Stanza ‘number’ to print before the start of a verse. Use in `Lyrics` context.

`stemLeftBeamCount` (integer)

  Specify the number of beams to draw on the left side of the next note. Overrides automatic beaming. The value is only used once, and then it is erased.

`stemRightBeamCount` (integer)

  See `stemLeftBeamCount`.

`stringNumberOrientations` (list)

  See `fingeringOrientations`.

`stringOneTopmost` (boolean)

  Whether the first string is printed on the top line of the tablature.

`stringTunings` (list)

  The tablature strings tuning. It is a list of the pitches of each string (starting with the lowest numbered one).

`strokeFingerOrientations` (list)

  See `fingeringOrientations`.

`subdivideBeams` (boolean)

  If set, multiple beams will be subdivided at `baseMoment` positions by only drawing one beam over the beat.

`suggestAccidentals` (boolean)

  If set, accidentals are typeset as cautionary suggestions over the note.

`systemStartDelimiter` (symbol)

  Which grob to make for the start of the system/staff? Set to `SystemStartBrace`, `SystemStartBracket` or `SystemStartBar`.

`systemStartDelimiterHierarchy` (pair)

  A nested list, indicating the nesting of a start delimiters.

`tablatureFormat` (procedure)

  A function formatting a tablature note head. Called with three arguments: context, string number and, fret number. It returns the text as a markup.

`tabStaffLineLayoutFunction` (procedure)

  A function determining the staff position of a tablature note head. Called with two arguments: the context and the string.

`tempoHideNote` (boolean)

  Hide the note = count in tempo marks.

`tempoWholesPerMinute` (moment)

  The tempo in whole notes per minute.

`tieWaitForNote` (boolean)

  If true, tied notes do not have to follow each other directly. This can be used for writing out arpeggios.

`timeSignatureFraction` (pair of numbers)

  A pair of numbers, signifying the time signature. For example, `#'(4 . 4)` is a 4/4 time signature.

`timeSignatureSettings` (list)

  A nested alist of settings for time signatures. Contains elements for various time signatures. The element for each time signature contains entries for `baseMoment`, `beatStructure`, and `beamExceptions`.

`timing` (boolean)

  Keep administration of measure length, position, bar number, etc.? Switch off for cadenzas.

`tonic` (pitch)

  The tonic of the current scale.

`topLevelAlignment` (boolean)

  If true, the Vertical_align_engraver will create a VerticalAlignment; otherwise, it will create a StaffGrouper

`trebleStaffProperties` (list)

  An alist of property settings to apply for the up staff of `PianoStaff`. Used by `\autochange`.

`tremoloFlags` (integer)

  The number of tremolo flags to add if no number is specified.

`tupletFullLength` (boolean)

  If set, the tuplet is printed up to the start of the next note.

`tupletFullLengthNote` (boolean)

  If set, end at the next note, otherwise end on the matter (time signatures, etc.) before the note.

`tupletSpannerDuration` (moment)

  Normally, a tuplet bracket is as wide as the `\times` expression that gave rise to it. By setting this property, you can make brackets last shorter.

  >     {
  >       \set tupletSpannerDuration = #(ly:make-moment 1 4)
  >       \times 2/3 { c8 c c c c c }
  >     }

`useBassFigureExtenders` (boolean)

  Whether to use extender lines for repeated bass figures.

`vocalName` (markup)

  Name of a vocal line.

`voltaSpannerDuration` (moment)

  This specifies the maximum duration to use for the brackets printed for `\alternative`. This can be used to shrink the length of brackets in the situation where one alternative is very large.

`whichBar` (string)

  This property is read to determine what type of bar line to create.

  Example:

  >     \set Staff.whichBar = "|:"

  This will create a start-repeat bar in this staff only. Valid values are described in bar-line-interface.

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#### LilyPond — Notation Reference