The <display-step> element

Parent elements: <rest><unpitched>

The <display-step> and <display-octave> elements are used to place <rest> and <unpitched> elements on the staff without implying that these elements have pitch. Positioning follows the current clef. If percussion clef is used, the <display-step> and <display-octave> elements are interpreted as if in treble clef, with a G in octave 4 on line 2.

The vertical position of the symbol is determined by the “origin point” from which the symbol’s SMuFL glyph is drawn. This origin coincides with the SMuFL specification of the baseline for each symbol. See the documentation for <rest> and <unpitched> for specific details about each.