Time Signature

The Time Signature ruler allows changing the time signature within one session. In the example below, the session starts with a time signature of 4/4, then switches to 3/4 at bar 5, then to 6/8 at bar 13. The division of the ruler and the bars/beats vertical lines on the canvas updates accordingly.

Multiple TimeSignatures{.hdimage}

Ardour also supports using complex time signatures such as 11/8 or 27/32.

New time signature markers can be created in two ways:

  • []{.kbd .mod1n}-clicking on the ruler

  • Right-clicking on the ruler, then selecting the [New Time Signature]{.kbd .menu} menu item

In both cases a new window will open to specify time signature settings:

New Time Signaturedialog{.hdimage}

The right-click menu for existing time signature markers provides two options:

  • [Edit…]{.kbd .menu} to open the [Edit Time Signature]{.kbd .menu} dialog;

  • [Remove]{.kbd .menu} to delete the selected time signature marker.

The Time, Tempo and Time Signature section provides more hands-on information on using this ruler in production.