# Writing tones

*Write tones* is a mode that lets you set the notes' pitches by typing out the tones. Usually to set the note's tone you need to move the note up or down to the right place, either manually or by shortcuts as described [here](https://karedi.gitbook.io/karedi/user-interface/middle-components/main-editor/managing-notes/moving-notes).

If you already know the correct pitches e.g. because you have a music sheet or midi file available then using this approach may not be very convenient. If you like using keyboard shortcuts, writing tones mode may let you speed up your work considerably.

## Requirements

This mode is for setting pitches of already existing notes so you need to already have the notes themselves added and positioned in the Karedi editor.

You also need the source of the pitches e.g. a music sheet.

## How to enter write tones mode

To enter this mode first select the notes that you want to work on. Usually you will go line by line so just select all notes from the current line:

<figure><img src="https://2464591649-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWYWuwgmUrVIBcYKbiiso%2Fuploads%2FUJCzlERGvPUzSJr3LJvu%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=31d1f463-0605-4f18-83b8-8ea2dcdbcb02" alt=""><figcaption><p>Select notes for which you want to set the pitches</p></figcaption></figure>

Now enter the mode by using `shift + w` shortcut or by going to the menu *Extras -> Write Tones:*

<figure><img src="https://2464591649-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWYWuwgmUrVIBcYKbiiso%2Fuploads%2F8JiHp9sKvIb7IwbDrVDu%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=e460f0cf-ae45-48ce-9126-7028b98d40ce" alt=""><figcaption><p>While the mode is active time marker's color changes to orange</p></figcaption></figure>

You should see the [time marker's](https://karedi.gitbook.io/karedi/user-interface/middle-components/main-editor/time-marker) color change to orange.

## How to exit write tones mode

To exit the mode either press `Esc` button or just click anywhere in the main editor with your mouse. You will also automatically exit the mode once you set the last selected note's pitch.

## How to set tones

Time marker marks the note for which you will set the pitch.

To set the tone press the key corresponding to it (c, d, e, f, g, a, h), use *ctrl* modifier for semi-tones, e.g.

* `c` for note C, also called *do* or 0 in Ultrastar format
* `ctrl + c` for C#
* `d` for note D
* `ctrl + d` for note D#
* `e` for note E
* `f` for note F
* `ctrl + f` for note F#
* `g` for note G
* `ctrl + g` for note G#
* `a` for note A
* `ctrl + a` or `b` for note A# (also sometimes called B)
* *`h`* for note H (also sometimes called B)

After you set the tone for current note, you will be automatically moved to the next selected note:

<figure><img src="https://2464591649-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWYWuwgmUrVIBcYKbiiso%2Fuploads%2FoRu8fC3dZTidYegEuzPl%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=ab65d4b0-a433-46cf-b6a7-dffdc5048c4e" alt=""><figcaption><p>Octave with semi-tones</p></figcaption></figure>

## How to set tones in another octave

To set the tone from higher octave add *shift* modifier, e.g. press `shift + c` for higher C, or `ctrl + shift + c` for higher C#.

<figure><img src="https://2464591649-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWYWuwgmUrVIBcYKbiiso%2Fuploads%2FaExQPwmvGI6gUIopWlXf%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=1faf6566-1376-4340-ae8f-0b3e6ce64857" alt=""><figcaption><p>Set C &#x26; C# from higher octave</p></figcaption></figure>

To set tones from lower octave use `alt` modifier, e.g. `alt + d` for lower D, `alt + ctrl + d` for lower D#*.*

<figure><img src="https://2464591649-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWYWuwgmUrVIBcYKbiiso%2Fuploads%2FmZFg5R1zy0YK0zOKRMFh%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=f7c0d928-a70e-468f-808f-98f6de9718e5" alt=""><figcaption><p>Set D &#x26; D# from lower octave</p></figcaption></figure>

## How to navigate in the mode

When the mode is active you can move between the notes by using left and right keyboard arrows. In particular left arrow lets you go back to the note you've just set pitch for and either just listen to the pitch once again or change it.
