I’m here with a tiny message of hope for Finale users. You’re not starting from scratch with Dorico.
Actually, let me give you three messages of hope.
First, the big one. Dorico is better than Finale. It took me only a few months of trying Dorico before I winced when I had to open Finale, after 25+ years using Finale. It just works better, has better design. Dorico’s superiority in part generation alone has saved me countless hours since 2021 when I switched.
Second, a resource or two. The Dorico forums on Facebook and on their website are both excellent, supportive, overwhelmingly positive internet “places.” I’ve had questions answered, answered others’ questions, and learned a ton. (I joined the forums well before I switched, and I urge you to do the same! Though at the moment it’s pretty loud with Finale switchers who are experiencing some heightened emotions.)
Third, the most important one. You will not be starting from scratch. Read that again. Yes, there is a new workflow to learn, and yes you’re going to be typing Finale commands into Dorico for a little while. That will go away pretty fast, though. And more importantly, you’ll be bringing all your vision, style, preferences, and more to Dorico. Those skills are platform independent. You might think they’re Finale dependent because you’ve always exercised them there. But they’ll be fully intact on the first day you transition to Dorico.
Yesterday was a hard day for Finale users, and I’m feeling very very glad I made this switch three years ago. I have no regrets and am happy to be a resources to friends and colleagues as you join me using Dorico.