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4.2.3 Types of properties

So far we have seen two types of property: number and symbol. To be valid, the value given to a property must be of the correct type and obey the rules for that type. The type of property is always shown in brackets after the property name in the IR. Here is a list of the types you may need, together with the rules for that type, and some examples. You must always add a hash symbol, #, of course, to the front of these values when they are entered in the \override command.

Property type Rules Examples
Boolean Either True or False, represented by #t or #f #t, #f
Dimension (in staff space) A positive decimal number (in units of staff space) 2.5, 0.34
Direction A valid direction constant or its numerical equivalent (decimal values between -1 and 1 are allowed) LEFT, CENTER, UP, 1, -1
Integer A positive whole number 3, 1
List A set of values separated by spaces, enclosed in parentheses and preceded by an apostrophe '(left-edge staff-bar), '(1), '(1.0 0.25 0.5)
Markup Any valid markup \markup { \italic "cresc." }
Moment A fraction of a whole note constructed with the make-moment function (ly:make-moment 1 4), (ly:make-moment 3 8)
Number Any positive or negative decimal value 3.5, -2.45
Pair (of numbers) Two numbers separated by a ‘space . space’ and enclosed in brackets preceded by an apostrophe '(2 . 3.5), '(0.1 . -3.2)
Symbol Any of the set of permitted symbols for that property, preceded by an apostrophe 'italic, 'inside
Unknown A procedure, or #f to cause no action bend::print, ly:text-interface::print, #f
Vector A list of three items enclosed in parentheses and preceded by apostrophe-hash, '#. '#(#t #t #f)

See also

Learning Manual: Scheme tutorial.

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