How to add dotted notes in Flat
Last updated September 16, 2026
A dotted note in Flat is a note whose printed value is extended by a dot placed after its head. Flat writes single and double dots on notes and rests: one dot adds half the note's duration, and a second dot adds a further quarter, so a dotted half note lasts three beats in 4/4.
Where are the dot tools?
The dot and double-dot tools are part of the note tools in the left panel, under the Notation tab. The single dot also has a keyboard shortcut; the double dot has none by default and is applied by using the dot tool a second time on the same note.
| Feature | Icon | Default keyboard shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| Dot |  | . |
| Double dot |  | None |
What does a dot do to a music note?
A dot extends the duration of the note it follows. One dot adds half the note's own duration, so a dotted half note lasts a half note plus a quarter note. Two dots add half the duration and then a quarter of it, so a double-dotted note lasts one and three-quarter times its written value.
How do I add a dot to a note?
Select the note you want to extend, then apply the dot tool from the note tools in the left panel, under the Notation tab. You can add up to two dots to the same note. Applying the tool again after the second dot removes the dots and returns the note to its plain value.
A dot only lengthens a note within the bar it occupies. To carry a duration across a barline, tie two notes of the same pitch instead.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a double-dotted note?
One and three-quarter times its written value. The first dot adds half the note's duration and the second adds a quarter of it, so a double-dotted half note lasts a half note plus a quarter note plus an eighth note - seven eighth notes in total.
Can I add a dot to a rest?
Yes. Dots work the same way on rests as on notes: one dot adds half the rest's duration and a second adds a further quarter. Dotted rests are common in compound meters, where a dotted quarter rest fills a complete beat of 6/8 or 9/8.
How do I remove a dot from a note?
Use the same dot tool again. Flat cycles the note through one dot, two dots, and no dots, so applying the tool once more after the second dot clears both and restores the plain value. The note keeps its pitch throughout.
Should I use a dot or a tie to lengthen a note?
Use a dot when the extra duration fits inside the same bar, and a tie when it does not. A dot is more compact and easier to read, but it cannot cross a barline, so a note that sounds through the start of the next bar must be written as two tied notes.