How to add measure repeats in Flat
Last updated September 16, 2026
A measure repeat in Flat is the symbol that tells a player to repeat the previous measure instead of reading it again in full. Flat inserts it on the measure your cursor is in, and the content of the previous measure is repeated there — a notation shortcut used above all in rhythm parts.
Where do I find the measure repeat tool?
The measure repeat tool lives in the left panel: open the Notation tab and go to the Measure section. It works on the measure your cursor is in, so there is nothing to select beforehand.
| Feature | Where to find it | Icon |
|---|---|---|
| Measure Repeat | Notation tab, Measure section |  |
What is a measure repeat?
The measure repeat symbol indicates that the measure where it is used is to be a repetition of the previous measure. This one is often used in rhythm parts, where a pattern runs unchanged for several bars and printing it out again and again would only make the part harder to read.
How do I add a measure repeat?
The measure repeat tool is available in the Measure section of the Notation tab. Put the cursor on the measure where you want to add the measure repeat, then click on the measure repeat icon to insert it. The content of the previous measure will be repeated in the current measure.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a measure repeat and a repeat barline?
A measure repeat sits inside one bar and stands for the bar before it. Repeat barlines wrap a whole section between a left and a right marking, and that section is played again when the right repeat is reached — the right choice for a chorus or a strain, not a single bar.
Can I repeat several measures this way?
The symbol always refers to the measure immediately before it, so it is placed bar by bar. To repeat a longer passage, wrap it in repeat barlines, or use the custom measure repeat there to set how many times the section is played.
Why use a measure repeat instead of copying the measure?
Readability. A repeated pattern written out in full makes a part look busier than it is, while the measure repeat symbol tells the player at a glance that nothing has changed. It is the usual convention in rhythm parts, which is where you will see it most often.