Where to add the arranger name in Guitar Pro

The arranger name goes in the Document Properties dialog, which you reach through the File menu. Open your score, click File at the top, then select Document Properties. A window opens with tabs for different metadata fields — composer, artist, album, and others. The Arranger field is on the first tab, usually labeled "Notices" or "General". Type the arranger's name directly into that field and click OK to save it.

This metadata embeds the arranger information into the file itself, so it travels with the score when you share it or export it to other formats. The name appears in the header or footer of printed versions, depending on your page setup choices.

Key Takeaways

  • The arranger field is in File > Document Properties on the first tab, alongside composer and artist information.
  • Entering a name here embeds it into the file and displays it when you print or export the score.
  • Different versions of Guitar Pro may label the tab differently, but the Arranger field location is consistent across recent versions.
  • If the Arranger field is blank, the score will print without arranger attribution unless you add it manually to the page layout.

What happens when you leave the arranger field blank

If you do not fill in the Arranger field, the score will still print and export normally — the absence of an arranger name simply means that line will be empty or omitted from the header. This matters most when you are sharing the score with others or printing it for distribution, because the arranger's contribution becomes invisible.

Some users add the arranger name to the title or subtitle instead, but the dedicated Arranger field is cleaner and keeps the metadata organized. If you are working with a score someone else created and you made significant changes, adding your name as the arranger gives you proper credit in the file's metadata.

How to display the arranger name on the printed page

Entering the name in Document Properties does not automatically place it on the page — you also need to configure the page layout to show it. Go to Format > Page Setup, then look for the Header and Footer options. Most templates include placeholders for composer, title, and artist, but you may need to add the arranger placeholder manually.

In the header or footer text field, you can type the word "Arranger:" followed by a code or variable that pulls the name from Document Properties. The exact syntax depends on your Guitar Pro version, but it usually looks like $arranger or <arranger>. Check your version's documentation or try typing the placeholder and seeing whether it populates when you preview the page.

Exporting scores with arranger information

When you export a Guitar Pro file to PDF, the arranger name travels with it if you have filled in the Document Properties field. The PDF will include the arranger information in its metadata and in the printed header or footer, depending on your page setup. This means anyone who opens the PDF will see the arranger attribution.

If you export to other formats — MusicXML, MIDI, or image files — the behavior varies. MusicXML preserves the arranger metadata, while MIDI files do not support metadata fields at all. Image exports (PNG, SVG) will include the arranger name only if it appears in the header or footer of the page layout you chose.

Editing arranger information in an existing score

You can change the arranger name at any time by returning to File > Document Properties and updating the field. This is useful if you made a mistake, want to credit a different arranger, or need to add your name after the fact. The change takes effect immediately in the current file.

If you have already printed or exported the score with the old arranger name, those copies will not update automatically. You will need to re-export or reprint from the updated file to see the new name appear.

Arranger versus composer: which field to use

The Composer field is for the person who wrote the original music. The Arranger field is for the person who adapted, transcribed, or rearranged that music for a different instrument or ensemble. If you are transcribing a published song for solo guitar, the original songwriter goes in Composer and you go in Arranger.

If you are creating an original composition and also arranging it yourself, you can enter your name in both fields, or use only Composer if you prefer. Some users leave Arranger blank when they are the sole creator. The choice depends on how you want the score credited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the arranger name show up if I email the Guitar Pro file to someone else?

Yes. The arranger information is embedded in the .gp file itself, so anyone who opens it in Guitar Pro will see the name in Document Properties. Whether it appears on their printed or exported version depends on their page setup, but the metadata is always there.

Can I add multiple arranger names?

The Arranger field accepts text, so you can type multiple names separated by commas or "and" — for example, "John Smith and Jane Doe". Guitar Pro does not split this into separate fields, so it will display as a single line of text.

What if I do not see an Arranger field in Document Properties?

Older versions of Guitar Pro may not have a dedicated Arranger field. Check whether your version has a "Notes" or "Comments" field where you can add arranger information instead. Alternatively, add the arranger name to the page header manually through Format > Page Setup.

Does the arranger name appear in MIDI exports?

No. MIDI files do not support metadata like composer or arranger names. If you need to preserve that information, export to MusicXML or PDF instead, or include the arranger name in a separate text file alongside the MIDI.