Common tweaks - GNU LilyPond
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### 5.2 Common tweaks

Some overrides are so common that predefined commands are provided as short-cuts, such as `\slurUp` and `\stemDown`. These commands are described in the Notation Reference under the appropriate sections.

The complete list of modifications available for each type of object (like slurs or beams) are documented in the Program Reference. However, many layout objects share properties which can be used to apply generic tweaks.

- The `padding` property can be set to increase (or decrease) the distance between symbols that are printed above or below notes. This applies to all objects with `side-position-interface`.

  >               c2\fermata
  >               \override Script #'padding = #3
  >               b2\fermata

  >               % This will not work, see below:
  >               \override MetronomeMark #'padding = #3
  >               \tempo 4=120
  >               c1
  >               % This works:
  >               \override Score.MetronomeMark #'padding = #3
  >               \tempo 4=80
  >               d1

  Note in the second example how important it is to figure out what context handles a certain object. Since the `MetronomeMark` object is handled in the `Score` context, property changes in the `Voice` context will not be noticed. For more details, see Constructing a tweak.

- The `extra-offset` property moves objects around in the output; it requires a pair of numbers. The first number controls horizontal movement; a positive number will move the object to the right. The second number controls vertical movement; a positive number will move it higher. The `extra-offset` property is a low-level feature: the formatting engine is completely oblivious to these offsets.

  In the following example, the second fingering is moved a little to the left, and 1.8 staff space downwards:

  >               \stemUp
  >               f-5
  >               \once \override Fingering
  >                   #'extra-offset = #'(-0.3 . -1.8)
  >               f-5

- Setting the `transparent` property will cause an object to be printed in `invisible ink': the object is not printed, but all its other behavior is retained. The object still takes up space, it takes part in collisions, and slurs, ties, and beams can be attached to it.

  The following example demonstrates how to connect different voices using ties. Normally, ties only connect two notes in the same voice. By introducing a tie in a different voice,

  and blanking the first up-stem in that voice, the tie appears to cross voices:

  >               << {
  >                 \once \override Stem #'transparent = ##t
  >                 b8~ b8\noBeam
  >               } \\ {
  >                 b[ g8]
  >               } >>

Distances in LilyPond are measured in staff-spaces, while most thickness properties are measured in line-thickness. Some properties are different; for example, the thickness of beams are measured in staff-spaces. For more information, see the relevant portion of the program reference.

This page is for LilyPond-2.8.8 (stable-branch).

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