---
title: "Notation Settings"
slug: "notation-settings"
description: "Switch between modern, square note, pointed, and text-only formats. "
tags: ["Notation Formats", "Music Customization"]
updated: 2025-08-06T16:02:05Z
published: 2025-08-06T16:02:05Z
canonical: "help.sourceandsummit.com/notation-settings"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.sourceandsummit.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Notation Settings

Learn how to recognize different notation formats in the Source & Summit Digital Platform and how to apply them to your Ordo.

> [!NOTE]
> The information in this article applies to all Source & Summit customers.

## **Notation types**

In Source & Summit, music can appear in four formats:

### 1 - Modern notation

![Modern musical notation for Psalm 23.](https://cdn.document360.io/2f4703e0-6aba-4ef3-bb5e-e77c48482a6f/Images/Documentation/The%20Lord%20is%20My%20Shepherd_Modern-notation.png)

**Description:** Modern notation uses a five-line staff, round notes, is set to a fixed pitch, and includes a key signature.

**Where it’s available:** All musical selections in the Source & Summit Digital Platform.

### 2 - Square notation

![Square notation for Psalm 23.](https://cdn.document360.io/2f4703e0-6aba-4ef3-bb5e-e77c48482a6f/Images/Documentation/The%20Lord%20is%20My%20Shepherd_Square-notation.png)

**Description:** Also known as Gregorian or chant notation, square notation uses a four-line staff and is set to a relative pitch.

**Where it’s available:** All chant settings in the Source & Summit Digital Platform.

### 3 - Pointed text

The Lord *is* my shepherd; * there is nothing *I* shall want.

**Description:** Text that uses markings to show how words are sung. When paired with a musical tone, these markings show you when to change pitch and how to phrase music.

**Where it’s available:** Pointed text is used for Psalm verses in these Ordo sections:

- Entrance Chant
- Responsorial Psalm
- Alleluia
- Offertory Chant
- Communion Chant

> [!NOTE]
> Want to know more about pointed text?
> 
> Visit [Using pointed text](/v1/docs/using-pointed-text) to learn about interpreting pointed text formatting and more.

### 4 - Text Only

**Description:** Best for congregational booklets and those who do not read music, these settings provide only the words of the musical selection.

**Where it’s available:** All musical selections in the Source & Summit Digital Platform.

> [!NOTE]
> Pro Tip
> 
> 
> If you’re making text-only selections for a congregational booklet, work in the Resource Editor to save time. Visit [Creating booklets and music packets](/v1/docs/creating-booklets-and-music-packets) to learn more.

## **How to change notation settings**

[Video](https://cdn.document360.io/2f4703e0-6aba-4ef3-bb5e-e77c48482a6f/Images/Documentation/Notation_V2_1080.mp4)

1. [Create or open an Ordo.](/v1/docs/how-to-create-an-ordo)
2. Make a musical selection ([Add a hymn](/v1/docs/selecting-hymns), [select an Antiphon](/v1/docs/preparing-antiphons), etc.)

→ The right panel will open with customization settings.
3. In the right panel, find **Notation.**
4. Click the **Square**, **Modern,** or **Text.**

→ The music will update in real time in the center canvas.