In the 16th century, music notation was engraved into metal plates from which ink copies were made. As technology progressed, so did engraving tools. Music typewriters were invented in the 19th century, though these devices weren’t sophisticated enough to produce the same level of artful craft.

 

Now, modern day engravers utilize computer softwares to achieve the high standards of legibility and elegance required in professional publications. As with other computer-aided arts, digital engraving is a specialized skill required a broad depth of knowledge of standards and practices.