Dorico 6 Review

Steinberg’s Dorico 6, released in April 2025, is arguably the most significant update since the software’s inception. This version is packed with powerful tools for composers, arrangers, engravers, and educators alike. With a focus on intelligent assistance, flexibility, and intuitive workflow, Dorico 6 delivers over 100 new features and refinements.

In this post, we’ll highlight the most transformative features, from intelligent proofreading and automated cutaway scores to advanced chord symbol editing, marching percussion sounds, and much more.

🔍 1. Intelligent Proofreading Panel: Your New Musical Assistant

Dorico 6 introduces a Proofreading panel in Write Mode that flags dozens of potential notation issues in real-time—without slowing down performance.

What it checks:

Irregular bars and hidden/repeated time signatures
Duplicated dynamics, clefs, and key signatures
Impossible instrument changes and string chord fingerings
Redundant playing techniques (e.g., repeated “arco” or “pizz.”)

Pro tip: Click an issue in the panel to jump to it in the score, where a purple arrow or rectangle shows the location visually.

✂️ 2. Automated Cutaway Scores Made Simple

Key options:

Automatically remove empty staves
Manual cutaway start and end markers for custom control
Staff line protrusion adjustments for aesthetic consistency

Enable it in Layout Options → Staves and Systems → Cutaways and Dorico does the rest.

🎼 3. Chord Symbol Upgrades: Multiple Lines, Custom Designs, and Kerning

Chord symbols receive a massive overhaul, offering unparalleled flexibility:

✅ Multi-line Chord Symbols

Show alternate harmonies (e.g., jazz reharmonisations)
Press ↑/↓ in the Shift+Q popover to switch lines

✅ Duration Lines & Curved Arrows

Extend chord duration visually using Alt+Shift+→
Choose solid lines or curved arrows for resolution indication

✅ Full Customisation Tools

Adjust horizontal spacing via Chord Symbol Kerning Pairs
Design completely new chord types with custom popover triggers (e.g., Gshh for a “secret chord”)

🎷 4. Condensing for Multi-Instrument Players

Dorico 6 can now condense any instrument a player holds—whether it’s their primary or secondary. For example, if a clarinettist switches between B♭ and A clarinets, both can be condensed seamlessly.

Enable it under:
Layout Options → Players → Allow instrument changes on condensed staves

🔁 5. Cycle Playback & Locators: Instant Rehearsal Loops

Perfect for composers and educators, Cycle Playback allows you to loop any section:

Drag cycle locators above the staff or use Play > Set Cycle Locators from Selection
Turn looping on via the mini transport or Play > Cycle

Even better: edits update in real time on the next loop.

🖼️ 6. Fill View: Your New Favourite Writing Mode

Fill View maximises horizontal space, automatically reflows the score as you zoom. Ideal for smaller ensembles or laptop screens.

Toggle it via:
View → Fill View or use shortcut Cmd+Alt+3 (Mac) / Ctrl+Alt+3 (Windows)

🥁 7. Marching Percussion Basics

Dorico 6 includes new playback sounds in collaboration with Tapspace, covering:

Snares (L/R, rimshots, rolls)
Tenors (4 drums + 2 spocks)
Basses (1–6)
Cymbals (crashes, sizzles, chokes)

To use:
Preferences → Default Playback Template → Choose one with “Marching Perc.”

🔠 8. Text & Typography: OpenType, Splentino, and More

Full OpenType support: small caps, ligatures, fractions
Splentino, a modern revival of Plantin, included free
Paragraph and character styles now support placement, case (e.g., all caps), and font control per layout

🧭 9. Jump Bar: Now a Settings Power Tool

Type J and start searching for Engraving, Layout, or Playback Options.

You can now:

Change any toggle, dropdown, or numeric setting inline
Use arrows and Space to interact—no need to open menus

💼 10. User Settings Sync

Finally, you can export all your preferences and import them on another machine.

File → Export User Settings
Create a .zip and load it via File → Import User Settings

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

Absolutely. Dorico 6 isn’t just an update—it’s a leap forward in professional music notation. Whether you’re a film composer, jazz arranger, or academic engraver, there’s something in this version that will streamline your workflow and elevate your results.