How to write spoken words with X noteheads in Flat
Last updated September 17, 2026
Spoken words in Flat are notated with an X notehead, the standard sign for a note that is spoken rather than sung and that carries no distinctive pitch. Flat applies the X notehead to any selected note and removes it again with the same button, so vocal parts can mix sung and spoken passages.
Where do I find the X notehead?
The X notehead lives with the other note tools in the left panel: open the Notation tab and look under Pitch and Representation. It applies to whatever note is selected, and toggling it off restores the ordinary notehead.
| Feature | Where to find it | Icon |
|---|---|---|
| Spoken words | Notation tab, Pitch and Representation |  |
What are spoken words in music notation?
In singer parts, an "X" notehead indicates notes that are spoken. The mark tells the performer to say the syllable in rhythm instead of singing it, so the note has no distinctive pitch of its own while keeping its place and duration in the bar.
How do I add or remove an X notehead?
Select the note you want to change, then use the X button under Pitch and Representation in the Notation tab to add the "X" notehead. The button works both ways: clicking it again on the same note removes the X notehead and puts the ordinary notehead back.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the X notehead in the redesigned editor?
It sits with the other note tools in the left panel, under the Notation tab, in the Pitch and Representation section. The old top toolbar is gone: everything that used to be on the Note toolbar now lives in that panel, grouped into sections.
Does an X notehead change the pitch of the note?
The X notehead is a notation sign, not a pitch edit: it marks the note as spoken, which is why it is described as having no distinctive pitch. The note keeps its rhythmic value and its place in the measure, and removing the X restores the ordinary notehead.
How do I write the spoken text itself?
The X notehead only changes how the note is drawn, so the words are added separately as text. Flat's annotation tool covers the text you attach to the score, including the expression text used for wording that sits under or above the staff.