Thanks to a collaboration with the MuseScore development team, a much-requested update by ODLA users is finally here.
Starting with ODLA version 1.7.0, it will now be possible to use the device with MuseScore Studio (from version 4.4.2 onward), the original version of the open-source software.
We’d like to inform those who are used to using ODLA with the customized version of MuseScore that there are some minor changes. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to refer to the user manual, which explains the differences between using ODLA with MuseScore Studio and with MuseScore ODLA.
Since MuseScore Studio uses a Plugin to connect to ODLA — and this plugin needs to be activated each time the notation software is opened (as explained further below in this article) — we suggest that those using ODLA in educational settings continue to work with MuseScore ODLA, as it might prove simpler and more intuitive, particularly during the initial learning phase. In fact, with the customized version of the open-source software, no external plugin is required, which could make starting a project smoother and faster.
At the same time, using ODLA with the original MuseScore Studio enables you to work with a widely distributed software. This offers the significant advantage of easily collaborating with other musicians who use MuseScore — even those who may not use ODLA.
To properly start ODLA 1.7, you need to follow these installation steps in order (if MuseScore Studio and Musescore ODLA are already installed on your computer, you can ignore the first 2 points):
1 (required)
Install MUSESCORE STUDIO from the website https://musescore.org/
Important! By clicking on “Free Download” you will install Muse Hub, a portal where you can download and install various software like MuseScore Studio, Audacity, and others.
Make sure to proceed with the installation of MuseScore Studio before continuing.
IF MUSESCORE STUDIO IS ALREADY INSTALLED ON YOUR PC, YOU CAN SKIP THIS INSTALLATION STEP.
2 (Optional but Recommended)
Download the MUSESCORE ODLA installer:
WINDOWS MuseScore ODLA Installer
MACOS MuseScore ODLA Installer
Important! ODLA 1.7 is designed to work with MuseScore Studio, the original version of the open-source software. MuseScore ODLA is a customized version of the software updated to MuseScore 3.6.2 and may offer interesting features not available in MuseScore Studio. For this reason, it is recommended to have both versions installed on your PC. The two versions do not conflict with each other.
IF MUSESCORE ODLA IS ALREADY INSTALLED ON YOUR PC, YOU CAN SKIP THIS INSTALLATION STEP.
3 (required)
Download and install ODLA 1.7:
WINDOWS ODLA Installer 1.7.0
MACOS ODLA Installer 1.7.0
The ODLA 1.7 software is designed for use with MuseScore Studio, MuseScore ODLA, and Dorico 4 or 5.
For ODLA to work with MuseScore Studio, you must have MuseScore Studio already installed on your PC before proceeding with the ODLA 1.7 software installation.
If you install ODLA without first installing MuseScore Studio, the device will not function with MuseScore. In that case, you will need to uninstall ODLA, install MuseScore Studio (see point 1), and then reinstall ODLA.
IMPORTANT! Remember that for the device to function properly, the ODLA app must be running. If you notice that the device’s light keeps flashing, it could mean that the ODLA app is disconnected, and you will need to restart it manually.
4 (Required on MuseScore Studio)
ENABLE PLUGIN
To use ODLA with MuseScore Studio, you will need to enable the ODLA Plugin.
To do this, go to PLUGINS (found among the options in the top bar of MuseScore) and then to MANAGE PLUGINS.
You will then need to find ODLA among the available Plugins, click on it, and enable it.
a.
b.
From this point onward, the ODLA plugin will always be enabled, so you won’t need to repeat this process in the future.
Once the ODLA Plugin is enabled, you’ll need to activate it each time you open MuseScore.
This is very simple to do.
Again, in the top bar, under the “Plugins” option, you will now find the option “Composing/Arranging Tools”. Here, you can click on ODLA to activate it.
REMEMBER! If you do not activate ODLA as described above, the device will not work with MuseScore Studio.
TO USE CORRECTLY ODLA WITH MUSESCORE STUDIO, MUSESCORE ODLA AND DORICO, PLEASE REFER TO THE USER MANUAL.
