
A bend (with regard to Finale behavior) is just a special case of a slur.

A Smart Shape slur expands and contracts with the music and automatically breaks in two if it straddles a line break. The simplest way is to use a Smart Shape. There are two ways to create a slur in Finale. In this discussion, the term slur also refers to phrasing. However, you use the same Finale techniques to create both. Additionally, slurs and phrase markings technically serve different musical purposes.


A tie connects two notes to hold a pitch for the duration of both notes, while a slur phrases two notes together (sometimes on different pitches, but always re-struck). Graphically, there isn't a large difference between ties and slurs, but musically and functionally in Finale there is. Noteman says: View the Slurs, hairpins, and other shapes QuickStart Video for an overview.
