Use free-text tracks

Set up a track where you type your own words on each bar, instead of picking from a list.

Before you start

• Add a track
• Sub-type

Turn a track into a free-text track

1. Click Manage Library at the foot of the track panel. The Library Manager opens.
2. Click Free text on the track row. The line under it reads "Write a description each time."
3. Click Apply Library. The setting reaches the timeline.

The other button, Library, is the normal setting. Its line reads "Pick from a list, or just mark occurrences."

Warning about sub-types

A free-text track has no sub-types. If the track already holds some, GRAPE MARS asks you to confirm. It then drops them when you apply. Older bars keep their old text as their value.

Write a value

1. Drag on the track to mark a moment. A small box opens with the track name at the top.
2. Type your words. The Add button turns on.
3. Press Enter. The bar appears with your words on it.

Press Escape to close the box and make nothing. An empty box makes nothing either.

Check it worked

The bar carries your own words. To change them later, double-click the bar and edit the Value field.

If something goes wrong

• I applied a library but no tracks appeared
• My library did not save

Related

• Count tracks and duration tracks
• Edit an annotation