Symbol Chunks

• 1 = above staff line
• 2 = below staff line
• For the reference point when the anchor is a rest symbol, see table (Diagram XX from Read pg. 96)

Barline (CHUNK)

• type (BYTE)
  • 1 = thin line
  • 2 = thick line
• extends to (BYTE)
  • 1 = to bottom line of bottom staff indicated by number of staves.
  • L2 = currently unused. (This option is a holdover from a previous version of NIFF, where the barline chunk wording was quite different. The numbering is being retained so as not to conflict with the NIFF SDK or header file.)
  • 3 = only in spaces between staves (not through staves)
• number of staves (SHORT)
  • Any number of these chunks can appear together (normally following a measure-start time-slice), with their order of appearance in the file indicating their graphical placement from left to right. The Barline chunk has only graphical significance. Use the Barline chunk together with the Repeat Sign chunk for repeat barlines. The Repeat Sign chunk would be stored by itself in all but the first staff of the barline's number of staves.
  • The Barline chunk should be stored only in the topmost staff of each part. It represents a graphic line extending from the current staff to the part's bottom staff. The Width tag can be used with either value of the type field to specify line width. However, for writing programs not concerned with exact measurements, the type field should be used to to distinguish between thick and thin barlines.
  • The Line Quality tag can be used to indicate a dotted or dashed line.
• Default anchor: Time-slice
• Reference point: Vertical: staff origin. Horizontal: center of barline.
• Tags: Thickness, Width, Line Quality.

Beam (CHUNK)

• Normally a multi-node symbol. See Discussion Section, Multi-node Symbols for more details.
• beam parts to left (BYTE)
• beam parts to right (BYTE)
• Default anchor: Stem
• Reference point: Reference point of anchor.
• Tags: multi-node symbol tags

Chord Symbol (CHUNK)

• The chord symbols placed above a staff. The chord symbol offset value in the Setup Section Part Description, if any, applies to this Chord Symbol. These chunks are interspersed with the music symbols of the part in the Staff list.
• text description (STROFFSET)
  • A case-sensitive ASCII text string that represents the chord symbol to be printed. Special characters and their meanings are as follows:

    What to type	Description
    @ (at sign)	a flat sign
    # (pound sign)	a sharp sign
    - (dash)	a minor sign
    * (asterisk)	a diminished symbol
    % (percent)	a half-diminished symbol
    & (ampersand)	a major 7 triangle
    6/9	the 6/9 chord suffix
    / (forward slash)	A diagonal slash for a hybrid chord, inversion or altered bass
    \ ((backward slash)	escape character. the next character typed appears "as is" in the chord symbol, instead of being interpreted as a functional operator (for example, type "\&" to place an ampersand in the chord symbol
    _ (underline)	a horizontal slash for a poly chord
    the text itself	any other text
    type the suffixes and enclose them in parenthese, i.e. (#9@13)	stacked suffixes within braces
    type the suffixes and enclose them in brackets, i.e. [#9@13]	stacked suffixes within brackets
    type the suffixes and enclose them in < and > (left and right angle brackets).	stacked suffixes with no braces or brackets

  • Examples:

    What to type	Chord
    C7(#9@13)
    C7#9@13
    C7<#9@13>
    A/B
    F_C
    Cmin7@5/B@7(#9@13)

• Default anchor: Stem
• Reference pt: The baseline of the chord symbol text. (If more than one baseline, as in hybrid chord or poly chord, use lowest baseline.
• Tags: Font ID

Clef (CHUNK)

• Indicates that the following musical symbols are to be interpreted in the specified clef. When two clefs are active on the same staff, one or more Voice ID tags can be applied to the Clef chunk to associate it with a subset of the following symbols. It is active until the end of the Staff list, unless terminated by a new Clef (perhaps with an Invisible tag), which applies to the same voice or voices.
• shape (BYTE)
  • 1 = G clef
  • 2 = F clef
  • 3 = C clef
  • 4 = percussion
  • 5 = Double G clef
  • 6 = TAB for guitar tablature
• staff step (SIGNEDBYTE)
  • Staff step of clef sign hot spot.
  • treble clef: shape = G clef, staff step = 2
  • bass clef: shape = F clef, staff step = 6
  • alto clef: shape = C clef, staff step = 4
  • tenor clef: shape = C clef, staff step = 6
  • guitar tablature: shape = TAB, staff step = 8 (on a 6 line staff).
• octave number (BYTE)
  • Used to modify the shape by attaching a little "8" above or below the clef symbol. The presence of the 8 above or below transposes the staff an octave up or down.
  • 0 = no number
  • 1 = 8 above
  • 2 = 8 below
  • 3 = 15 above
  • 4 = 15 below
• Default anchor: Time-slice
• Reference point: Vertical: clef hot spot (See Diagram XX). When dependent, use left of symbol for horizontal reference. When an anchor, use center for horizontal reference.
• Tags: placement tags, Voice ID

Custom Graphic Symbol (CHUNK)

• Used when a custom graphic is to be placed on the page, with no musical function or sound.
• value (SHORT)
  • The index into the Custom Graphic list of an EPS Graphic chunk containing a description of the graphic symbol. Used only within a page or system context. This chunk has no musical sound or function.
• Default anchor: In System list: system origin. In Page list, page origin.

Dynamic (CHUNK)

• code (BYTE)
  • 1 = pppp
  • 2 = ppp
  • 3 = pp
  • 4 = p
  • 5 = mp
  • 6 = mf
  • 7 = f
  • 8 = ff
  • 9 = fff
  • 10 = ffff
  • 11 = sp
  • 12 = sf
  • 13 = sfz
  • 14 = fz
  • 15 = fp
  • 16 = cresc.
  • 17 = crescendo
  • 18 = dim.
  • 19 = diminuendo
  • When a change in dynamic is to occur over a range (such as with values 16 - 19), the Dynamic chunk can be a multi-node symbol, indicating the start and end of the range. The Line Quality tag can be included on the start node, normally with a value of dashes.
  • Note: NIFF represents only the most common subset of music words and symbols with special chunks and tags. Words and symbols not in the NIFF standard - like for example "fffff" - should be represented as generic text or graphics chunks. Note that single words implying simultaneous change in both dynamics and tempo (calando, slentando, incalzando, morendo, smorzando) can be encoded as text with attached midi.
• Default anchor: Part/Time-slice
• Reference point: Bottom left of text string.
• Tags: multi-node symbol tags, Line Quality

Figured Bass (CHUNK)

• text description (STROFFSET)
  • Used to describe the numerals and accidentals of a basso continuo. These chunks are interspersed with the other music symbols of the staff to which it belongs (such as in a harspichord part). Each chunk is composed of an ASCII character string with the following interpretation:

  What to type	Description
  digits 0-9	the numerals themselves
  @ (at sign)	a flat sign
  # (pound sign)	a sharp sign
  - (dash)	a natural sign
  \ (backwards slash)	the previous numeral is altered with a slash (for chromatic alteration)
  / (forward slash)	the following characters appear at the next stacking level below

• Default anchor: Stem
• Reference point: bottom left of first symbol

Fingering (CHUNK)

Glissando (CHUNK)

• EMPTY
• Used to describe a line that functions as a glissando, a rapid swoop from a lower to a higher note passing all half-steps in between. Normally a multi-node symbol anchored to two Notehead chunks. Use the Line Quality tag to specify anything other than a wavy line.
• Default anchor: Notehead chunk
• Reference point: endpoint of line
• Tags: Line Quality, Thickness

Guitar Grid (CHUNK)

• The guitar grid symbols placed above a staff. The guitar grid offset in the Setup Section Part Description, if any, specifies the default vertical placement for this guitar grid symbol. Guitar Grid chunks are interspersed with the music symbols of the part in the Data Section Staff list. To display a prepared PostScript graphic, use the Custom Graphic Symbol chunk instead of the Guitar Grid chunk.
• number of frets (BYTE)
  • The number of frets of the guitar fingerboard represented by the grid.
• number of strings (BYTE)
  • 6, for guitar. Could be another value, such as 4, for ukele. The length of the text description is the same as the number of strings (i.e., for guitar, the text description is 6 digits, ABCDEF).
• text description (STROFFSET)
  • A number represented as an ASCII character string ABCD..., where A refers to the lowest string, B the next, and so on. The numbers in the text description indicate on which fret the dot is to be placed. The number 9 will create an open circle above the grid indicating a higher fret. The number 0 represents an open string.
  • Examples: (See table to be added)
• Default anchor: Event Time-Slice
• Reference pt: The bottom left of the grid symbol

Guitar TAB Number (CHUNK)

• Used to indicate numbers to be placed on a guitar tablature staff.
• number (BYTE)
  • The ASCII representation for the number, normally 0-6.
• staff step (SIGNEDBYTE)
  • Indicates the string line on which the number is to be placed, specified in staff steps. For traditional guitar tablature notation, even numbers should always be used.
• Default anchor: Notehead
• Reference pt: The center of the bounding box of the number.
• Tags: Voice ID

Hairpin (CHUNK)

• direction (BYTE)
  • 1 = open to left
  • 2 = open to right
• Normally a hairpin would be a multi-node symbol. The direction field should have a value of 0 for all nodes but the first. The Height tag can be used to specify the vertical distance between the end points on the open node.
• Default anchor: Time-slice
• Reference point: See Discussion Section, Reference Points, Multi-node Symbols, for details.
• Tags: Hairpin Direction, Thickness, Height

Harp Pedal Symbol (CHUNK)

• pedal positions (STROFFSET)
  • A 7 digit ASCII character string ABCDEFG representing a Salzedo diagram, where each letter represents one of the seven harp pedals, A, B, and C on the left, and D, E, F and G on the right. Each digit can have a valueof 1, 2, or 3, depending on whether the pedal is in the bottom (sharp) position, the middle (natural) position, or the top (flat) position.
  • Examples:
    • 1222121
    • 3332123
    • 1111111
• Default anchor: Time-slice
• Reference point: Vertical center, horizontal left of diagram.

Key Signature (CHUNK)

• standard code (SIGNEDBYTE)
  • 0 = no sharps or flats
  • 1-7 = 1-7 sharps
  • 8-14 = 1-7 flats
  • -1 - -7 = 1-7 naturals in the sharp positions
  • -8 - -14 = 1-7 naturals in the flat positions
  • Explicit cancellation of the previous key signature is indicated with a Key Signature chunk containing a negative value, preceding the new Key Signature chunk. The key signature affects the pitch of the notes for MIDI playback.
• Default anchor: Time-slice
• Reference point: Vertical: staff origin. Horizontal: left of leftmost symbol.

Key Signature - Nonstandard (CHUNK)

• number of chunks (BYTE)
  • Indicates the start of a nonstandard key signature. This chunk is followed by a series of graphical chunks such as NIFF Font Symbol chunks, Custom Graphic Symbol chunks, or Text chunks, each one representing a character to be printed. The number of chunks following this one is given in the number of chunks field. The referenced chunks are to be considered only in the context of the key signature, and are otherwise devoid of function. Each referenced chunk contains its own placement information. If placement information is absent, the symbols are to be placed from left to right. The Width tag indicates the width of the entire key signature, from the left of the leftmost symbol to the right of the rightmost one.
  • Example: To place a sharp sign on the top line, store this chunk with a number of chunks of 1. Following it, store an Accidental chunk with a shape of sharp sign and a Staff Step tag of 8.
• Default anchor: Time-slice
• Reference point: Vertical: staff origin. Horizontal: Left of leftmost symbol's bounding box.

Line (CHUNK)

• shape (BYTE)
  • Used on each node, to describe the characteristics of the line at that node.
  • 0 = no unusual feature
  • 1 = arrowhead at node
  • 2 = down-jog at node
  • 3= up-jog at node
  • Normally a multi-node symbol. The Line Quality tag is used to indicate such features as dashed, dotted or wavy. For glissando or portamento functions, use Glissando or Portamento chunks.
• Default anchor: Time-slice
• Reference point: Endpoint of line at each node
• Tags: multi-node symbol tags, Glissando, Portamento, Anchor Override, Thickness, Line Quality

Lyric (CHUNK)

• text (STROFFSET)
  • A text string representing a word or syllable. For a lyric which extends beyond one time-slice, a multi-node lyric should be constructed. On each node but the first, the text pointer should be given the value -1. The Line Quality tag should be used on the first node, to indicate the graphical technique used to extend the word. If the word is split into two syllables, each in a separate time-slice, the text of the first syllable can be followed by a backslash "\" and then a hyphen. This indicates that a hyphen is to be horizontally centered between the two syllables.
  • When a lyric is to be left justified rather than centered, the Reference Point Override tag can be used.
• Lyric Verse ID (BYTE)
  • Associates this Lyric chunk with a particular Lyric Verse Offset tag on the Setup Section Part Description. If there is more than one Lyric within a Time-Slice, the Lyric Verse ID must be different on each.
  • An Anchor Override = stem can be used to relate a lyric to a chord.
• Default anchor: Notehead
• Reference point: Center of text string
• Tags: Font ID, Line Quality, Reference Point Override

Measure Numbering (CHUNK)

• Used to set or change the measure numbering scheme anywhere in the score. Stored after a measure-start Time-Slice chunk in the first Staff list of a System list. The instructions given in this chunk are in effect until the end of the score, or until the next Measure Numbering chunk, whichever comes first.
• The numbering of alternate endings is left to the default of the reading program, unless explicitly indicated by the writing program with Measure Numbering chunks.
• Only logical placement options can be specified for this chunk. If precise placement of numbers is desired, use the Rehearsal Mark chunk instead.
• number which measures (BYTE)
  • 0 = no measure numbering
  • 1 = use number frequency field
  • 2 = number start of each system
  • 3 = number start of each page
• number frequency (BYTE)
  • How frequently measure numbers are to appear. 1 means every measure, 2 means every other measure, etc.
• starting number (SHORT)
  • The number to be used for the measure starting with the current measure-start Time-Slice.
• font ID (FONTPTR)
  • The font, size and style to be used for measure numbers.
• above or below (BYTE)
  • 0 = above top staff of system
  • 1 = below bottom staff of system
• horizontal centering (BYTE)
  • 0 = centered at barline
  • 1 = to left of barline
  • 2 = to right of barline
  • 3 = to left of start of system (number which measures = 2 or 3 only)
• enclosure (BYTE)
  • 0 = none
  • 1 = box
  • 2 = circle

MIDI Data Stream (CHUNK)

• Used to record a free-form stream of MIDI events. When its sound is associated with more than one notational symbol, it is a multi-node symbol, with each node anchored to a symbol chunk. In this case, its first node contains the full MIDI data stream in the value field, and all other nodes contain a null value field. Otherwise it contains only one node. It replaces any explicit or implied MIDI Performance of the chunks to which it is anchored. If anchored to a Time-Slice, it is independent of any notational element. See General Discussion of MIDI Integration for more details.
• start time (BYTE)
  • Start time of the stream, given in MIDI ticks, as an offset from the logical start time of its anchor.
• value (char[])
  • The MIDI data stream. Its length is equal to the chunk size minus 1.
• Default anchor: preceding chunk
• Tags: Multi-node symbol tags

NIFF Font Symbol (CHUNK)

• A standard music font character that is to be placed on page or system outside of a staff, without its normal sound or function. Any of the music symbols normally indicated with a music symbol chunk can be represented this way. This chunk can be used within a Page list or a System list but not in a Staff list. One example of its use is withiin the list of characters following a Tempo Marking Nonstandard chunk.
• For notes and stems, use the normal syntax of a stem followed by one or more notes, with the Height tag optionally added to the stem to indicate its precise length. The same tags can be added to the NIFF Font Symbol chunk as to the ordinary music symbol chunks, such as Number of Flags, and Small Size.
• chunk type (FOURCC)
  • The four character chunk type of the music symbol, such as STEM, NOTE, ORNM, or ARTC.
• space height (SHORT)
  • The size of the character, given as the height in absolute units of a space on a staff on which the character would appear of normal size.
• shape (BYTE)
  • The value of the shape field in the chunk of type chunk type. For example, for a filled notehead, the value of shape would be 4. If there is no shape field on the referenced music symbol, leave shape 0 on this chunk.
• Default anchor: In system list: system origin. In page list, page origin.
• Reference point: The middle of the symbol's bounding box.

Notehead (CHUNK)

• shape (BYTE)
  • 1 = breve (double whole)
  • 2 = whole
  • 3 = half (open)
  • 4 = filled (solid)
  • 5 = open diamond
  • 6 = solid diamond
  • 7 = x notehead
  • 8 = open x notehead
  • 9 = filled guitar slash
  • 10 = open guitar slash
  • 11 = filled square
  • 12 = open square
  • 13 = filled triangle
  • 14 = open triangle
• staff step (SIGNEDBYTE)
  • See Discussion Section - Measurement Units
• duration (RATIONAL)
  • See Discussion Section - Timing Representation
• Default anchor: Time-slice
• Default reference pt: The center of the bounding box of the notehead.
• Tags: Part ID, Voice ID, placement tags, MIDI Performance, Grace Note, Cue Note, Small Size, Large Size, Invisible, Split Stem, Silent

Octave Sign (CHUNK)

• Normally a multi-node symbol indicating that all symbols in the Staff list between the first and last nodes are to be performed one or two octaves higher or lower than as written, or, in the case of coll' ottava, are to be doubled at the octave above or below. Only a starting and ending node are required, unless the octave marking extends beyond a system boundary (see multi-node symbols). One or more Voice ID or Part ID tags can be appended to the first node, indicating that only the specified voices or parts are affected. The function is active until its final node is encountered in the file. On all nodes but the first, the meaning of the fields can be ignored, and should be stored as null. Placement tags are used to indicate where the symbol appears in relation to the staff. The Line Quality tag should be used if anything besides a dashed line is desired.
• number of octaves (BYTE)
  • Normally 1 or 2.
• above or below (BYTE)
  • To be performed above or below the notated symbols.
  • 1 = above
  • 2 = below
• type (BYTE)
  • 1 = notated symbols to be transposed one or more octaves
  • 2 = notated symbols to be doubled (coll' ottava)
• text string (STROFFSET)
  • The text string appearing at its start, such as "8va" or 8 or "8a alta"
• Tags: Line Quality

Ornament (CHUNK)

• shape (SHORT)
  • 1 = mordent
  • 2 = inverted mordent
  • 3 = double "long" mordent
  • 4 = inverted double "long" mordent
  • 5 = turn
  • 6 = inverted turn
  • 7 = trill (spelled "tr")
  • 8 = trill (short symbol - 2 bumps)
  • 9 = trill (short symbol - 3 bumps)
  • 10 = trill (long wavy line)
  • 11 = long trill with up-hook at start
  • 12 = long trill with down-hook at start
  • Accidental chunks may be anchored to an ornament, with placement tags indicating above or below, usually with a Small Size tag. The long trill symbols (shapes 10, 11, 12) are multi-node, anchored to the start and end anchors of the trill.
• Default anchor: Stem
• Reference Point: Center of symbol

Parenthesis (CHUNK)

• shape (BYTE)
  • 1 = left parenthesis '('
  • 2 = right parenthesis ')'
  • 3 = left brace - '{'
  • 4 = right brace '}'
  • 5 = left bracket '['
  • 6 = right bracket ']'
  • 7 = left and right parentheses surround anchor
  • 8 = left and right braces surround anchor
  • 9 = left and right bracket surround anchor
  • The default size of the symbol(s) is the reading program's default for the given context. By default symbols 1, 3 and 5 should be placed to the left of the anchor, and symbols 2, 4, and 6 to the right of the anchor.
  • A Parenthesis can be a multi-node symbol, for instance when parentheses surround a series of staccatos over a series of notes. This would allow the sequence of staccatos to be understood as logically grouped by the parentheses.
• Default anchor: Preceding symbol chunk.
• Reference point: bottom left of text character
• Tags: multi-node symbol tags

Pedal (Piano) (CHUNK)

• Normally a multi-node symbol with two nodes, the starting node indicating where to depress the pedal, and the ending node indicating where to release it. Each node should use the appropriate shape byte. For half-pedal markings, a node should be stored at each time-slice where the line has a notch.
• shape (BYTE)
  • 0 = no graphic (for last node, when no graphical symbol appears there)
  • 1 = "Ped." (graphic)
  • 2 = Asterisk (*) indicating end of damper pedal
  • 3 = alternate end of damper pedal symbol (circle with cross-hairs)
  • 4 = horizontal line with up-jog at this node
  • 5 = horizontal line with down-jog at this node
  • 6 = upslanted line with up-jog at this node
  • 7 = upslanted line with down-jog at this node
  • 8 = notch in line at this node
  • 9 = "una corda" text
  • 10 = "tre corde" text
  • 11 = "S.P. " text (sostenuto pedal)

Pedal (Organ) (CHUNK)

• shape (BYTE)
  • 1 = heel (u shape)
  • 2 = heel (o shape)
  • 3 = toe ( up-pointed wedge)
  • 4 = toe (down-pointed wedge)
• This chunk is interspersed with the music symbols on the organ pedal staff. The Logical Placement tag is used to place these symbols above or below the staff, to indicate right foot or left foot. The line or slur sometimes connecting two organ pedal symbols is represented by multi-node Line or Slur chunks anchored to the organ Pedal chunks.
• Default anchor: Stem

Portamento (CHUNK)

• EMPTY
• Used to describe a line that functions as a portamento, a rapid swoop from a lower to a higher note smoothly over all intervening frequencies. Normally a multi-node symbol anchored to two Notehead chunks. Use the Line Quality tag to specify anything other than a straight line.
• Default anchor: Notehead chunk
• Reference point: endpoint of line
• Tags: Line Quality, Thickness

Rehearsal Mark (CHUNK)

• The rehearsal letters or numbers placed above a staff . The rehearsal mark offset in the Setup Section Part Description, if any, specifies the default vertical placement for this rehearsal mark. Rehearsal Mark chunks are interspersed with the music symbols of the part in the Data Section Staff list.
• text string (STROFFSET)
  • The letter(s) or number(s).
• enclosure (BYTE)
  • 0 = none
  • 1 = box
  • 2 = circle
• Default anchor: Time-slice
• Reference point: top left of bounding box
• Tags: Font ID, placement tags

Repeat Sign (CHUNK)

• Logical and graphical components of a repeat sign. Indicates the start or end of a section to be repeated, or the repetition of a previous beat, measure or measures.
• graphical code (SHORT)
  • 0 = no graphical symbol - this is only a logical chunk
  • 1 = Segno symbol :S:
  • 2 = Coda symbol (circle with crosshairs)
  • 3 = one slash (such as with logical code 3 or 7)
  • 4 = 2 slashes (such as with logical code 3)
  • 5 = 3 slashes (such as with logical code 3)
  • 6 = 2 slashes with dot on either side (such as with logical code 3)
  • 7 = 1 slash with dot on either side (such as with logical code 4)
  • 8 = 1 slash with dot on either side, and barline through it (such as with logical code 5)
  • 9 = 2 slashes with dot on either side, and barline through it (such as with logical code 5)
  • 10 = Repeat dots - use Barline chunk(s) with this
  • 11 = "D.C."
  • 12 = "D.C. al Fine"
  • 13 = "D.C. al Segno"
  • 14 = "D.C. al Segno e poi la Coda"
  • 15 = "D.S."
  • 16 = "D.S. al Fine"
  • 17 = "Fine"
  • 18 = "Coda"
• logical code (BYTE)
  • 0 = no repeat function - this is only a graphical chunk
  • 1 = beginning of section to be repeated
  • 2 = end of section to be repeated
  • 3 = repeat the previous beat
  • 4 = repeat the previous measure
  • 5 = repeat the previous two measures
  • 6 = function as described by words (graphical codes 11 - 18)
  • 7 = repeat chord indicated by associated Chord Symbol for one beat
  • A text chunk should be anchored to this chunk if a number over a slash repeat sign is to appear here.
  • For "bis" surrounded by brackets, logical codes 1 and 2 should be used at the start and end of the section, respectively, with graphical code zero. The graphical elements (brackets and the word "bis") should be constructed with Line and Text chunks.
  • See also Alternate Ending Graphic chunk and Alternate Ending tag, and General Discussion of Repeats and Alternate Endings, which gives an example.
• Default Anchor: Time-slice
• Reference pt: top center of symbol

Rest (CHUNK)

• shape (BYTE)
  • 1 = breve (double whole)
  • 2 = whole
  • 3 = half
  • 4 = quarter
  • 5 = eighth
  • 6 = sixteenth
  • 7 = 32nd
  • 8 = 64th
  • 9 = 128th
  • 10 = 256th
  • 11 = multiple rest symbol - 4 measures
  • 12 = multiple-measure rest - thick horizontal bar (normally used with dependent text chunk containing a number, and possibly with Width and Thickness tags)
  • 13 = multiple-measure rest - thick slanted bar (same options as shape 12)
  • 14 = vocal breath mark (comma)
  • 15 = vocal breath mark (2 small slashes)
• staff step (SIGNEDBYTE)
  • See Discussion Section - Measurement Units
• duration (RATIONAL)
  • See Discussion Section - Timing Representation
• Default anchor: Time-slice (event type)
• Reference point: Hot spot of rest - see Diagram XX.

Slur (CHUNK)

• EMPTY
• A simple slur is a multi-node symbol with start and end nodes. The Tie Direction tag can be used on the first node of the slur to indicate whether the slur is bowed up or down. The standard placement tags when used on each slur node, indicate the placement of the slur endpoint relative to its anchor. Bezier Incoming and Bezier Outgoing tags can be used to specify Bezier control points for each node. A complex slur can be built by storing any number of slur nodes, each with its own Bezier Incoming and Outgoing control points.
• Default anchor: Stem
• Reference point: The slur end point. If a dependent symbol is centered relative to a 2 node slur, the slur's horizontal reference is the center, and the vertical reference is the lowest or highest point of the arc, for slurs bowed downward or upward, respectively. Centering of dependent symbol is undefined for cross-system slurs (which have more than two nodes).
• Tags: multi-node symbol tags, Tie Direction, Bezier Incoming, Bezier Outgoing

Stem (CHUNK)

• EMPTY
• The end point of the stem is the end to which a flag or beam would be attached. When its position is known, it is indicated using one of the vertical placement tags. For whole notes and stemless rhythm slashes, a Height tag of zero should always be used. The Split Stem tag, when required for altered unisons, should be applied directly to the affected Notehead chunks rather than to the Stem chunk. Use the LogicalPlacement tag to represent stem direction. (This tag is optional, since not all notation programs store stem direction.)
• Default anchor: Time-slice
• Reference point: End point of stem (where the flag or beam would be attached).
• Tags: Placement tags, Voice ID, Part ID, multi-node symbol tags, Height, Small Size, Large Size, Cue Note, Grace Note, Silent

System Separation Mark (CHUNK)

• Used in ensemble scores to vertically separate systems. Should be stored immediately following the System Header chunk.
• BYTE
  • 1 = placed at left margin
  • 2 = placed at right margin
• Default anchor: System origin
• Reference point: Center of symbol's bounding box

Tag Activate (CHUNK)

• EMPTY
• This chunk can be stored at the start of a series of chunks to indicate that each of its tags are to be applied to all of the chunks appearing between it and a matching Tag Inactivate chunk. If a Part ID or Voice ID tag appears on it, this restricts its scope to chunks of that part or voice. See General Discussion for details and examples.

Tag Inactivate (CHUNK)

• EMPTY
• This chunk is used to end the application of tags started with a Tag Activate chunk. Each tag can be ended independently of the others with its own Tag Inactivate chunk, or they can be grouped together. See General Discussion for details and examples.

Tempo Marking (CHUNK)

• A standard tempo marking either in the form [note] = [metronome setting], or text tempo instructions.
• text string (STROFFSET)
  • Used for text instructions such as "Allegretto". If ia special font or italics are required, append the Font ID tag.
• note value (RATIONAL)
  • The note value representing one beat. See discussion of Timing Representation for values. If only text is desired, leave this 0/0.
• beats per minute (SHORT)
  • The metronome setting, where one beat is equal to a note with duration of note value. If only text is desired, leave this 0.
  • Example: [dotted quarter] = 72
    
    text string -1
    note value 3/8
    beats per minute 72
    
• Default anchor: Time-slice (most recent one of any type)
• Reference point: Bottom left of bounding box.
• Tags: Font ID

Tempo Marking Nonstandard (CHUNK)

• number of chunks (BYTE)
• Indicates the start of a tempo marking. This chunk is followed by a series of graphical chunks such as NIFF Font Symbol chunks or Text chunks, each one representing a symbol or word to be printed. The number of chunks following this one is given in the number of chunks field. The referenced chunks are to be considered in the context of the tempo marking, and are otherwise devoid of function. Each referenced chunk contains its own placement information. If placement information is absent, the symbols are to be placed from left to right. The Width tag indicates the width of the entire tempo marking, from the left of the leftmost symbol to the right of the rightmost one.
  • Example: Allegro moderato (M.M. [dotted eighth note] = 72)
    
    Tempo Marking Nonstandard, number of chunks = 5
    Text, string="Allegro moderato (M.M."
    NIFF Font [Stem]
    NIFF Font [Notehead, shape=4], number of flags=1
    NIFF Font [Augmentation Dot]
    Text, string = "= 72)"
    
• Default anchor: Time-slice (most recent one of either type)
• Default reference point: Bottom left of bounding box.
• Tags: placement tags, Width

Text (CHUNK)

• value (STROFFSET)
  • A text string. By default, the bottom left of the text string is placed at the anchor's reference point. The Font ID tag can be used to specify the font. Text can be centered or justified by use of the Reference Point Override tag.
• Default anchor: Time-slice
• Reference point: bottom left
• Tags: Font ID

Tie (CHUNK)

• EMPTY
• Normally a tie would have two nodes. The Tie Direction tag is used on the first tie node to indicate which direction the tie is bowed. The standard placement tags when used on each tie node, indicate the placement of the tie endpoint relative to its anchor symbol reference point.
• Default anchor: Notehead
• Reference point: The tie end point. If a dependent symbol is horizontally centered relative to the tie, the tie's horizontal reference is the center, and the vertical reference is the lowest or highest point of the arc, for ties bowed downward or upward, respectively.
• Tags: multi-node symbol tags, Tie Direction, Bezier Incoming & Outgoing

Time Signature (CHUNK)

• top number (SIGNEDBYTE)
• bottom number (SIGNEDBYTE)
  • The common non-numeric time signatures are represented as follows:
    • "common time" symbol: top number = -1, bottom number = -1
    • "cut time" symbol: top number = -2, bottom number = -1
  • For a single number time-signature, use the top number, and set the bottom number to -1. To place an ordinary time-signature above the staff, use the Logical Placement tag, vertical component = above. To place it between the staves, use the Logical Placement tag, vertical component = below, and omit the Time Signature chunk in the lower staff.
• Default anchor: Time-slice
• Reference point: Vertical: staff origin. Horizontal: center of bounding box.
• Tags: Placement tags, Large Size, Small Size

Time Signature - Nonstandard (CHUNK)

• number of chunks (BYTE)
• Indicates the start of a nonstandard time signature. This chunk is followed by a series of graphical chunks such as NIFF Font Symbol chunks, Custom Graphic Symbol chunks, or Text chunks, each one representing a character to be printed. The number of chunks following this one is given in the number of chunks field. The referenced chunks are to be considered only in the context of the time signature, and are otherwise devoid of function. Each referenced chunk contains its own placement information. If placement information is absent, the symbols are to be placed from left to right. The Width tag indicates the width of the entire key signature, from the left of the leftmost symbol to the right of the rightmost one.
• A special case of the Time-Signature - Nonstandard chunk is when it has a single text chunk starting with the backslash character "\". In this case, the ASCII string following the backslash is a string of numbers and '+', '/' and ' ', interpreted as follows:
  • '+' represents the literal plus sign
  • '/' means place the previous number(s) above the following number(s)
  • ' ' means leave space between the previous and following number(s).
• Examples of special case:
  • \2+4/8
  • \2/8 4/8
• Default anchor: Time-slice
• Default reference point: Vertical: staff origin. Horizontal: Left of leftmost symbol's bounding box.

Tremolo (CHUNK)

• Normally multi-node with two nodes. For a single stem tremolo with slashes through the stem, there will be a single node, with attached beam parts containing the number of slashes, and unattached beam parts zero. For whole note tremolos, set attached beam parts to zero, and use unattached beam parts. The presence of a Tremolo chunk affects the playback of the related Notehead chunk. The duration on each Notehead should be assigned such that the total duration of all Noteheads belonging to the tremolo equals the total duration of the notes on playback.
• attached beam parts (BYTE)
  • The number of beams attached to the stem (primary beams).
• unattached beam parts (BYTE)
  • The number of beams not attached to the stem (secondary beams).
• Default anchor: Stem
• Reference point: Reference point of anchor.
• Tags: multi-node symbol tags

Tuplet (CHUNK)

• EMPTY
• A tuplet node chunk is placed with each stem or rest belonging to the tuplet. Normally a multi-node symbol. TheTuplet Description tag is required on the first node.
• Default anchor: Stem
• Tags: Tuplet Description, multi-node symbol tags