How to add or remove system breaks in Flat
Last updated September 23, 2026
A system break in Flat allows you to choose that a new measure will be unconditionally engraved on a new system. Flat applies it per measure, so you control where a line of music ends and the next one begins, and the break can be removed at any time to hand the layout back to the engraver.
Where is the system break tool?
The system break tool lives in the Measure section of the Notation tab, in the editor's left panel. It is a toggle: clicking it with the cursor in a measure adds the break, and clicking it again on the same measure removes it.
| Feature | Where to find it | Icon |
|---|---|---|
| System break | Notation tab, Measure section |  |
What is a system break?
A system break allows you to choose that a new measure will be unconditionally engraved on a new system. A system is one line of music across all the staves of the score, so the break decides which measure opens the next line rather than letting the engraver fit as many measures as it can.
How do I add a system break?
To add a system break on Flat, put your cursor somewhere in the measure that you want to be the first of the new system. Open the Notation tab in the left panel, then click the system break tool under Measure.
How do I remove a system break?
To remove a system break, you can either:
- Click on the system break on the page then click on delete
- Put your cursor somewhere in the measure that is the first of the new system, and click again the system break tool under Measure.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a system break and a page break?
A system break decides which measure starts the next system - the next line of music - while a page break decides which measure starts the next page. Use a system break to control line endings inside a page, and a page break to control where the music turns over.
Can I control the number of measures per line instead?
Yes. The Layout tab has a Max. number of measures per line setting that applies to the whole score, which is often a better fit than breaking systems one by one. See measure layout. System breaks stay useful for the individual lines you want to fix by hand.
Does a system break change the music or only the layout?
Only the layout. A system break decides where a measure is engraved, not what it contains, so the notes, rhythms, and playback are untouched. Removing the break hands the decision back to Flat's engraver and the music itself is unchanged.