Digital Sheet Music Viewer CG Suite / Lyra

This guide explores the digital PDF sheet music viewer, built for stage visibility, power efficiency, reliable page turns, practice annotations, and integrated floating acoustic tools.

Supported Applications

The sheet music library and fullscreen viewer are available in Classical Guitar Suite (CG Suite) (menu_book Scores Tab) and Lyra Score (Main Screen). Enabling Google Drive sync (Lyra_Scores folder) shares your PDF scores, handwritten notes, bookmarks, and setlists between both apps.

Limitations in Pulsar Tuner

Pulsar Tuner is a dedicated tuning and acoustic practice app and does not contain a sheet music viewer. To view and manage sheet music, please use Lyra Score or Classical Guitar Suite (CG Suite).

Key Limitations in the Web (PWA) Version

Due to browser sandbox security boundaries and local filesystem constraints, the Web (PWA) version of the sheet music viewer has the following limitations:

• No Local File Storage (Google Drive Required / Cloud Streaming Only): The browser environment cannot persist PDF files to local disk or maintain an offline cache. Therefore, Google Drive connection is required to manage and view sheet music on the Web. Scores are streamed and rendered on-demand directly from Google Drive; they cannot be opened in offline environments (e.g., Airplane Mode, underground studios, or venues with no Wi-Fi/cellular signal). In addition, offline pinning and cache management are unavailable.
• No Annotation Writing (Handwritten Notes & Markings Unsupported): Drawing tools (pen, highlighter, eraser, text input, musical stamps) are exclusive to mobile devices (iOS / Android). The Web version functions in read-only mode. While you can view existing annotations drawn on other devices, creating or editing annotations is not supported on the Web.
• No In-App IMSLP Browser Import: Automated detection and import via an embedded WebView browser is unavailable. Download PDFs using your external browser and import them via regular file or folder upload.
• No System Share Sheet Receiver: Directly receiving PDFs from the OS Share menu is exclusive to mobile apps.
• No Hardware Screen Auto-Dimming: Because web browsers cannot control device display brightness APIs, hardware-level screen dimming (power-saving auto-dim) is disabled.

For stage performances requiring 100% offline reliability or practice sessions with handwriting annotations, we strongly recommend using the iOS, Android, or Windows native apps.

Score Library Screen & Toolbar Icons

The upper toolbar in the sheet music library gives you quick access to library organization, cloud synchronization, importing, and offline storage management.

Icon	Feature	Platforms	Primary Function
create_new_folder	Import Folder	PC / Web / Mac / Windows	Batch scan an entire folder of PDF scores with automatic metadata extraction
storage	Storage & Cache Management	iOS / Android / Windows (Hidden on Web/PWA)	Inspect local offline cache usage, set cache size limits, retention periods, and clear temp files
cloud_done / cloud_queue	Google Drive Cloud Sync	All Platforms (Drive required on Web)	Perform instant 2-way cloud synchronization (launches setup wizard if disconnected)
tune	Display & Sort Settings	All Platforms	Sort order, recent scores visibility & count, scroll direction, vertical trim, landscape layout, tag manager
add	Add Score	All Platforms	Pick local PDF files or search and download public domain scores via IMSLP
more_vert	More Menu	All Platforms	Access official documentation (user manual) or open account settings

Storage Icon (storage) (Native Apps Only)

Due to browser sandbox constraints, local caching is unavailable on the Web (PWA) version. This icon is exclusive to iOS, Android, and Windows native applications.

Tapping it opens the Storage & Cache Management sheet:

1. Cloud Sync Status & Account:
   • Toggle Google Drive synchronization ON/OFF (cloud_done / cloud_off).
   • View your linked Google account email and jump directly to sync configuration.
2. Storage Usage Breakdown (Per-Device):
   • Displays the total MB/GB of cached scores stored locally on your device.
   • Pinned Scores (push_pin): Count and size of scores pinned for guaranteed offline stage access.
   • Temporary Cache (arrow_circle_down): Count and size of scores automatically downloaded during recent browsing.
3. Cache Storage Limit (Per-Device):
   • Choose between 500 MB / 1 GB (Default) / 2 GB / 5 GB / Unlimited.
   • When the limit is reached, unpinned temporary files are automatically and safely purged from oldest to newest without touching your pinned pieces.
4. Cache Retention Period (TTL):
   • Select 7 days / 30 days (Default) / 90 days / 180 days / Never expire.
   • Cleans up unpinned PDFs that haven't been opened within the chosen timeframe.
5. Clear All Temporary Cache:
   • Instantly cleans out all temporary browsing cache to free up storage space while preserving your pinned, annotated favorites.

Cloud Icon (cloud_done / cloud_queue)

Adapts its icon and behavior depending on your Google Drive connection status:

• Disconnected (cloud_queue Outline Icon):
  • Tapping opens the Cloud Sync Wizard.
  • Guides you through signing in with your Google account and creating a dedicated Lyra_Scores sync folder for automatic backup across all devices.
• Connected (cloud_done Solid Blue Icon):
  • Tapping triggers an Instant Two-Way Cloud Sync.
  • Quickly compares local files with Google Drive, uploading newly added scores, handwriting annotations, bookmarks, and setlists.
  • Displays a Sync Summary upon completion showing uploaded, downloaded, and updated score counts.

Display Settings Icon (tune)

Opens the Display Settings sheet to configure library browsing and score viewer defaults:

1. Sort Order:
   • Switch between Title (sort_by_alpha Alphabetical) and Composer (person). The right-hand quick index bar (A–Z) updates automatically.
2. Recent Scores Carousel:
   • Toggle the "Recent Scores" section at the top of your library ON/OFF and adjust the displayed count (1–10 scores).
3. Viewer Scroll Direction:
   • Vertical Scroll (swap_vert): Continuous smooth vertical scrolling.
   • Horizontal Scroll (swap_horiz): Classic side-by-side page turning.
4. Vertical Margin Trim (0% – 25%):
   • When vertical scrolling is active, compress and crop blank page header/footer margins by 0% to 25% using the slider, bringing staves closer together.
5. Landscape Layout Mode:
   • Configure multi-page rendering when holding a tablet or monitor in landscape orientation:
     • Single Page (crop_portrait): Enlarges one page to fill the screen width.
     • Two Pages (auto_stories): Side-by-side booklet spread.
     • 4-Page Grid (grid_view): 4 pages tiled simultaneously for macroscopic overview.
6. Tag Management (label_outline):
   • Opens the Tag Management sheet to create, color-code, and organize custom tags (e.g., Baroque, Practice, Concert).

Add Score Icon (add)

Opens a bottom menu to choose your score import source:

1. upload_file Add from Device:
   • Opens the native OS file picker to select single or multiple PDF files from your storage.
   • If filenames follow the Composer - Title.pdf convention, fields are filled in automatically.
2. public Search IMSLP (Native Apps):
   • Launches the built-in IMSLP browser to search, preview, and download thousands of public domain classical scores with automated metadata extraction (Web and Windows prompt with an external browser link).

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Search, Tags & Fast Filtering

Instantly locate any piece in your collection using real-time search, instrumentation chips, custom colored tags, and the fast alphabetical index bar.

Real-time Search Bar (search)

Type keywords into the search bar at the top of the library to filter scores on the fly:

• Multi-Field Matching: Matches against Title, Composer, Arranger, and assigned Tags simultaneously.
• One-Tap Clear (clear): Instantly clears the query and restores the full library list.

Tags & Instrumentation Filter Chips

Directly beneath the search bar is a horizontally scrollable chip bar:

• library_music All: Clears active tag filters to show all scores.
• Standard Instrumentation Tags: Filter with a single tap by guitar instrumentation: Solo (person), Duo (group), Trio, Quartet, Ensemble, Concerto, or Other.
• Custom Tags: User-created tags (e.g., "Baroque", "In Progress", "Recital 2026", "Favorites") appear as interactive chips to isolate specific repertoires.
• Visual Color Badges: Tags are displayed on each score card as distinct colored badges for effortless visual scanning.

Tag Management & Custom Colors

Tap "Tag Management" (settings_outlined) at the end of the filter bar or from the display settings menu (tune) to:

1. Create Custom Tags: Enter any tag name for your repertoire.
2. Assign Palette Colors: Choose distinct accent colors (Red, Blue, Green, Amber, Purple, etc.) to make cards stand out.
3. Tag Scores: Open a score card's "Edit" menu (edit) to attach multiple tags.
4. Rename or Delete: Clean up or modify existing tags globally across your library.

Alphabetical Quick Index Bar (A–Z)

When no active search filter is applied, an alphabetical index bar appears along the right screen edge:

• Tap or slide your finger across the bar to jump straight to pieces starting with that letter.
• Syncs with your current sort setting (jumps by Composer when sorted by composer, or by Title when sorted by title).

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Importing Sheet Music & Bulk Folder Scans

Add PDF sheet music files from the library screen through multiple convenient workflows. Built-in SHA-256 hash checks prevent duplicate file entries automatically.

1. Select PDF Files (Single or Multi-select): Tap the Add button (add) to import individual or batches of PDF files from your device.
2. System Share Sheet: Share PDF files directly from mobile web browsers, file managers, or email apps into the score import dialog.
3. Bulk Folder Import (Recommended for Large Collections):
   • For extensive digital libraries stored on your computer, use the "Import Folder" tool in the Web (PWA) or Windows app.
   • It scans entire directories, adds PDFs to your library, and uploads them in batch to Google Drive (note: on Web, scores are uploaded directly to Google Drive without being stored locally in the browser).

Automatic Title & Composer Extraction

During file or folder imports, the app extracts Title and Composer metadata from file and folder naming conventions:

• Filename Parsing (Composer - Title.pdf):
  • Filenames containing spaced hyphens (-, –, —) are automatically split: the left side becomes Composer and the right becomes Title (underscores are converted to spaces).
  • Example: Villa-Lobos - Etude No.1.pdf → Composer: Villa-Lobos / Title: Etude No.1
  • Without hyphens (e.g., Lagrima.pdf), the filename becomes the Title.
• Subfolder Composer Fallback:
  • When organized in composer subdirectories on your PC (e.g., Bach/Prelude_BWV998.pdf), the parent folder name (Bach) is automatically assigned as the Composer.

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Score Metadata Management & Editing

Imported scores can be organized with detailed metadata, including title, composers, arrangers, instrumentation, tags, and personal study notes. In addition to automatic filename parsing, you can inspect and refine this information at any time.

How to Edit Score Metadata (3 Access Points)

Depending on your workflow, you can open the "Edit Score Info" dialog from three distinct locations:

1. During Import (New Score Registration):
   • When picking PDF files, receiving PDFs via OS share sheets, or downloading from IMSLP, the registration dialog appears automatically. You can review and adjust the extracted title, composers, and instrumentation before saving to your library.
2. From the Score Library (List View):
   • Tap the overflow menu icon (more_vert) on any score card and choose "Edit (edit)".
3. Inside the Score Viewer (During Practice or Rehearsal):
   • While reading a score in fullscreen, tap the center of the display to bring up the HUD toolbar, then tap the menu icon (more_vert) in the top-right corner and select "Edit Score Info (edit_note)". You can immediately tweak notes, tags, or credits without leaving your practice session.

Editable Metadata Fields

Field	Required	Description & Input Guidance
Title	Yes	The primary piece title. Displayed prominently across score cards and the fullscreen HUD header.
Title Phonetic / Sort Key	Optional	Phonetic spelling or transliteration (e.g., Aranjuez). Used for A–Z / phonetic sorting and quick index navigation.
Composers	Optional	Composer name(s) and sorting phonetic. Supports multiple composers for co-composed or collaborative works. Entered as removable input chips.
Arrangers	Optional	Crucial for classical guitar repertoire. Like composers, supports multiple arrangers with sorting phonetics.
Instrumentation	Optional	Categorizes the score into: Solo, Duo, Trio, Quartet, Ensemble, Concerto, or Other.
Tags	Optional	Free-form categorization tags (e.g., Baroque, Recital, In Progress, Drop D). Includes quick-add chips from existing tags.
Memo	Optional	Multi-line text field for personal notes, edition provenance, fingerings, tempo targets, or performance history.
Pin Score (Keep Cache)	Optional	Protects the local cached PDF from automatic cleanup, ensuring 100% offline access for concerts and gigs (iOS / Android / Windows native apps).
Replace PDF	Optional	The "Replace PDF" action at the top lets you swap the underlying PDF with a clearer scan or revised edition while preserving all existing metadata, handwritten annotations, and bookmarks intact.

Multiple Composers & Arrangers with Dropdown History Selection

Classical guitar music frequently involves co-composers, traditional melodies transcribed by artists, or multiple arrangers.

• Multi-Person Chip Input:
  • Add multiple composers or arrangers by entering each name and tapping the Add (add) button, or by typing comma-separated names (Villa-Lobos, Jobim). Each person is displayed as an independent chip and can be removed with a single tap on the delete icon.
• Dropdown Selection from Past History (Fast & Consistent):
  • Any composer or arranger previously registered in your library appears in the history dropdown menu accessed via the dropdown icon (arrow_drop_down_circle_outlined) inside the text field.
  • Selecting an entry instantly populates the name along with its saved phonetic sort key. This prevents spelling discrepancies (e.g., "F. Tarrega" vs. "Francisco Tárrega") and maintains a clean, harmonized catalog.

Where Metadata is Reflected Across the App

Your score metadata integrates seamlessly throughout the application:

1. Score Library Cards:
   • Displays the title as the primary header, with a formatted credit string: Composer (arr. Arranger). Configured instrumentation and tags appear as color-coded badges, along with the pin indicator.
2. Sorting & A–Z / Phonetic Quick Index:
   • Switching between "Sort by Title" and "Sort by Composer" in Display Settings (tune) uses the phonetic sort keys. Dragging the right vertical index bar scrolls directly to the corresponding initial.
3. Real-Time Incremental Search (search):
   • Queries match against titles, all registered composers, arrangers, tags, and personal memos simultaneously.
4. Instrumentation Filters & Tag Chips:
   • Selected instrumentation and custom tags link directly to the top horizontal filter bar for one-tap category filtering.
5. Fullscreen Score Viewer (HUD Header):
   • The top control bar displays the piece title and composer/arranger credits for immediate reference during rehearsals.
6. Annotation-Merged PDF Export & Printing (print):
   • Embedded into the exported PDF document header and document properties when sharing marked-up scores.
7. Setlists (Concert Program Management):
   • When assembling performance setlists, pieces retain their titles, composer credits, and instrumentation for structured program management.
8. Cloud & Multi-Device Sync:
   • All metadata synchronizes instantly across iOS, Android, Windows, and Web (PWA) via Firestore and Google Drive.

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Google Drive Cloud Sync & Best Practices

Enabling Google Drive Sync in the setup wizard backs up imported PDFs and handwritten annotations to your Google Drive account (Lyra_Scores folder), synchronizing them across iOS, Android, Web (PWA), and Windows. Pinning favorite pieces protects their offline cache from automatic cleanup (note: offline caching and pinning are exclusive to native iOS / Android / Windows apps; the Web version streams scores directly from Google Drive).

Do Not Place Files Directly into the Lyra_Scores/ Folder in Google Drive

To protect your personal cloud files, the app requests strictly scoped access permissions (drive.file). Under this security boundary, the app can only view and read files that it created or uploaded itself.

If you manually paste PDF files into the Lyra_Scores/ folder using the Google Drive web interface or desktop folder sync, the app will not detect or import them.

💡 Best Method to Upload Large Collections: Log into the Web (PWA) version on your computer browser and click "Import Folder". This uploads files through the authorized pipeline, syncing them across all your devices.

Figure: Sheet music library with instrumentation filter, index bar, and setlist management

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IMSLP (International Music Score Library Project) Integration

Search and import public-domain classical sheet music directly from IMSLP within the app.

1. Select Search IMSLP from the Add menu and accept the public-domain compliance agreement.
2. Search for pieces or composers in the built-in browser and navigate to the PDF edition download link (passing through normal copyright notices).
3. Upon detecting a PDF stream, the app validates headers, verifies duplicates, and opens the registration dialog with Title and Composer pre-filled.

Figure: Automatic PDF detection and metadata extraction from IMSLP

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Fullscreen Reading, Page Turns & Bluetooth Pedals

Tap any score to launch the fullscreen viewer. The top and bottom navigation bars (HUD) fade out automatically after 3 seconds to preserve immersion.

Gestures & 80% Step Scrolling

• Tap Center: Toggles top toolbar and bottom page scrubber.
• Tap Left / Right Margins: Turns to previous / next page.
• Fit-Width & 80% Step Scroll: Maximizes stave readability on smaller tablets and phones in landscape orientation. Each page advance scrolls by 80% of screen height, retaining the lower 20% at the top with a cyan guide flash (600ms) to ensure continuous reading.

Top Toolbar (HUD) Actions

• arrow_back Back: Returns to library (unflushed annotations and scroll positions save immediately).
• bookmark_border / bookmark Bookmarks: Add and jump to movement landmarks.
• brightness_6 / brightness_2 Quick Dim: Toggle dimming; long-press to choose Eco, Stage Amber, or Night presets.
• crop Crop Margins: Trim white page borders or reduce vertical gap spacing up to 25%.
• playlist_play Performance Order: Enables repeat and Da Capo navigation based on defined CutPoints.
• edit Annotation Mode / content_cut CutPoint Editor / print Export Annotated PDF

Bottom Control Bar (Scroll Mode, Page Count & Mini-Tools)

A translucent bar at the bottom provides quick access to page navigation, scrolling orientation, multi-page layouts, and integrated practice tools.

Icon / Indicator	Feature	Primary Function
chevron_left / chevron_right	Previous / Next Page	Explicitly turns backward or forward by one page.
Current / Total	Page Number Badge	Displays current and total page numbers. Tap to open the "Page Jump Dialog" for instant direct navigation by entering a page number.
swap_vert / swap_horiz	Scroll Direction Toggle	Instantly switches between Vertical Continuous Scrolling and Horizontal Page Turning.
fit_screen / photo_size_select_actual_outlined	Vertical View Toggle	Visible in vertical scroll mode. Toggles between Fit Width (maximizes stave size with 80% step scrolling) and Fit Height (fits the entire page vertically).
crop_portrait / auto_stories / grid_view	Multi-Page Layout Toggle	Visible in horizontal scroll mode. Cycles the number of visible pages per screen: Single Page → Two Pages (Book Spread) → 4-Page Grid (Overview).
tune / tune_outlined	Mini Acoustic Tools Menu	Opens a menu to launch or switch the overlaid Mini Tuner, Mini Metronome, Mini Recorder, or Mini Practice tools (details below). The icon illuminates when a tool is running.

• Page Scrubber Bar: While the HUD controls are visible, a scrubber bar with bookmark indicators appears at the bottom (or along the right edge in vertical mode). Slide your finger along the track to jump smoothly across multi-page scores.

Bluetooth Page-Turner Pedals

Standard Bluetooth pedals utilizing HID keyboard profiles (PageDown / PageUp, Arrow keys, Space) work instantly without complex configuration. When Auto-Dimming is active, the first pedal tap dismisses dimming without advancing the page, preventing accidental turns.

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Annotations, Dual Layers & CutPoints

Limitation in Web Version

Handwritten annotation and drawing tools (pen, highlighter, eraser, text, musical stamps) are exclusive to iOS and Android native apps. On the Web (PWA), the viewer runs in read-only mode (annotations previously drawn on other devices will still display).

Tap edit to open the Handwriting Annotation Toolbar:

• pan_tool Read Mode / edit Pen / border_color Highlighter / auto_fix_normal Eraser
• title Text Tool / stars Music & Fingering Stamps (p / i / m / a, barre signs, dynamic markings)
• undo Undo / redo Redo / delete_sweep Clear Page
• Palm Rejection & Dual Layers: Manage technical notes on a "Practice Layer" while keeping clean, critical cues on a "Performance Layer".
• content_cut CutPoints & Setlists: Place jump markers on specific staves to handle repeats and codas, or organize pieces into a seamless Setlist for concerts.

Figure: Annotation toolbar and ultra-thin floating mini-tool capsule

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Floating Acoustic Mini-Tools

Access tuning, metronome, and quick recording without leaving your music via an ultra-thin floating capsule bar (250×38px frosted glass). Tap its center to expand details, or tap tune for settings.

• music_note Mini Tuner: Note name, horizontal needle bar (glows green at ±3 cents), and cent readout.
• speed Mini Metronome: Play/Stop, meter badge, swinging visual dot, and BPM display (with acoustic tap-tempo).
• mic Mini Recorder: Recording LED, level meter, and elapsed time counter for quick phrasing checks.
• track_changes Mini Practice CG Suite Only: Technique badges (ami / im) and real-time Evenness (%) gauge.

Mini-Tool Differences in Lyra Score

In Lyra Score, the mini-tools operate as follows:

• Mini Tuner: Operates in wideband chromatic mode (40 Hz to 2100 Hz) for all instruments.
• Mini Recorder: Uses a universal Record → Stop → Auto-Loop Playback manual workflow (manualWithLoop).
• Mini Practice: Exclusive to Classical Guitar Suite (CG Suite).