This thread is for suggestions regarding the Toolbars, layout, menus, preferences and other. This is for specific suggestions only, not general comments. There are a few ideas extracted from the main user interface enhancements thread
Rustyspoon: Radio Bar - removed or made optional. Definitely hidden on default installation. *Usable "Timeline" Navigator across most views.
Jeff Pettit: TRANSPORT: Moving the Transport to the bottom giving more room for navigator view, more interactive transport buttons and other global things such as snap and loop states.
1) Areas in gray at the top are fixed showing the open/save options, to the Left are fixed icons (buttons) that control (Open/Close) windows in the main window (Green area) 2) The blue area is for wherever PGM feels should go there. 3) The Red areas are for toolbars (See earlier post showing how clean the GUI is, doing this) 4) Any window that opens in the green area should be able to float if the user wants.
if you think my comments arent applicable please delete.
my concern is re new users. i would like to see commonality of layout tween rb and bb to cut down the learning cycle for new users. but thats just me.
om
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs (90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
1) +1 Radio optional (this hinges on "Layouts" based on customers' needs and what they are aspect they are using at the time) 2) + 1 movable Transport (because it gives more room for the global actions (loop, snap, bar/beat, navigation).
R 1) + 1 to idea of fixed things. location and content up to PGM 2) Same as 1 3) +1 Toolbars, (standards (based on workflow) and Custom (based on customer) 4) +1
OM: Off topic, suggest adding thread on thing you like in RB that you would like to see in BB
Last edited by jpettit; 01/22/2507:28 AM.
Studio One (latest version), Win 11 23H2 , i9 -10940X 3.3 GHz, 32GB Mem, a 4K 40" monitor, PreSonus Studio Live III Console as interface/controller. secondarily test on Reaper, Cakewalk, and S1 on Surface Pro 3 Win 10 (latest versions).
About the radio buttons (radio bar), I recall looking over everything I wanted to do and finding that I could do it using the menus. Since the radio buttons are no longer complete, given the introduction of Utility tracks, I don't think they need to be there. I suppose +1 for it being an option, but one turned off by default going forward.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
why ? because if things go on as they are confusion will continue for new users....as currently...new users are often confused by 'when should i use xyz in bb vs rb'. ...as evinced by many posts on these forums over the years. ie the look and feel of bb will continue to be way different between bb and rb. ie toolbars/layout/gui etc etc.
if pg decide my views are 'off base' they can delete this post....but i feel strongly that the nits and grits of a new bb gui should take into account all pg's products. not just bb. after many many years of useing pg's products even i get confused sometimes going between bb and rb....even though there are features that overlap tween both programs.
maybe thinking about it maybe a user layout in any pg product should be user configurable not just bb ? JP lots of nice layout ideas have been presented but i'm very concerned about new users.
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 01/22/2508:28 AM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs (90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
I believe there is a general consensus that panels are the way forward. If this will be adopted, I believe that newly added unrelated - non content tools do not belong in the Library (MTP) and should be moved elsewhere. Specifically Chords and Lyrics as they belong to Tools category - likely perfect candidates for panel tabs.
An exception to this wish would be if PGM makes possible to detach certain tabs and user would be able to assemble their own custom tabbed clusters, with user defined order.
1) I believe there is a general consensus that panels are the way forward. 2) If this will be adopted, I believe that newly added unrelated - non content tools do not belong in the Library (MTP) and should be moved elsewhere. Specifically, Chords and Lyrics as they belong to Tools category - likely perfect candidates for panel tabs.
An exception to this wish would be if PGM makes possible to detach certain tabs and user would be able to assemble their own custom tabbed clusters, with user defined order.
1) Panel are a direct replacement for all modal and non-modal windows (Tabs are panels within panels (think current mixer)) 2) I feel the same way, The Library of "Smart Musicians" should be just that. Just like in a browser panel.
Studio One (latest version), Win 11 23H2 , i9 -10940X 3.3 GHz, 32GB Mem, a 4K 40" monitor, PreSonus Studio Live III Console as interface/controller. secondarily test on Reaper, Cakewalk, and S1 on Surface Pro 3 Win 10 (latest versions).
"(Tabs are panels within panels (think current mixer))" I don't want to think current mixer, we are trying to think with new heads here In the spirit of specific suggestions for this thread, transplanting a wish for modular "Tabs". If this idea is too much, please consider at least an option for any tabbed panel to be able to hide the tabs you don't need/use and re-arrange order.
Sure, no issue. I was just trying to open the eyes to potential of the modern approach to details.
Studio One (latest version), Win 11 23H2 , i9 -10940X 3.3 GHz, 32GB Mem, a 4K 40" monitor, PreSonus Studio Live III Console as interface/controller. secondarily test on Reaper, Cakewalk, and S1 on Surface Pro 3 Win 10 (latest versions).
Transplanting a video example of auto track zoom. If "none" of the tracks are selected, pulling edge of the track expands all dynamically. When track header is selected, you should be able to expand just single track, while others retain their width:
One DAW feature that I used extensively for the past 8 years is touch screen navigation. While definitely is clunky for edits and 80% of other tasks, I found it simply amazing for scrolling and zooming in and out of tracks. So request is Touch-screen compatibility for navigation in Track View and any other view that deals with horizontal scrolling and zooming.
I noticed that last night while testing on my laptop. No touch screen support.
I was hesitating in which specific suggestion area to mention it as it's a global feature pertaining to the entire UI.
PGMs development tool should have touch screen support libraries available to use.
Studio One (latest version), Win 11 23H2 , i9 -10940X 3.3 GHz, 32GB Mem, a 4K 40" monitor, PreSonus Studio Live III Console as interface/controller. secondarily test on Reaper, Cakewalk, and S1 on Surface Pro 3 Win 10 (latest versions).
I don't like the usage of large, puffy buttons with very pronounced gradient in BIAB. I would prefer a more flat /neutral look (everywhere) If it was up to me, I would get rid of at least 1/2 of the button graphics and replace them with just text buttons. If re-design will be done with future in mind - fully configurable, you can have different "themes", and if someone is into puffy-gradient stuff, they can have this look in a matter of of a few clicks.
I don't like the usage of large, puffy buttons with very pronounced gradient in BIAB. I would prefer a more flat /neutral look (everywhere) If it was up to me, I would get rid of at least 1/2 of the button graphics and replace them with just text buttons. If re-design will be done with future in mind - fully configurable, you can have different "themes", and if someone is into puffy-gradient stuff, they can have this look in a matter of a few clicks.
Yes, all buttons should first and foremost support the OS level text which is crisper and easier to read and scales to customers needs. Pictures are a secondary nice to have and should be translucent backgrounds to support the color theme.
There is one small exception where you're making small toolbars of tools such as pencils for writing erasers for deleting Cursor for moving in that case a small transparent background picture works best because you do not have room for the text,
Studio One (latest version), Win 11 23H2 , i9 -10940X 3.3 GHz, 32GB Mem, a 4K 40" monitor, PreSonus Studio Live III Console as interface/controller. secondarily test on Reaper, Cakewalk, and S1 on Surface Pro 3 Win 10 (latest versions).
If it was up to me, I would get rid of at least 1/2 of the button graphics and replace them with just text buttons.
Me too. For me there's too much 'clutter'.
One of the difficulties with graphics buttons is making a suitable set of graphics that mean something to the user. It seems a great idea to avoid words and use pictures, but in reality, for many graphics buttons, we read the short text or hover to read the tool-tip. Of course using text does need translations, though I guess most/all of that already exists.
I think part of the issue with the present graphics buttons is that PGM try to get the pictures meaningful by putting in quite a bit of detail, which is why the buttons are quite large. That both wastes real-estate and makes the effect rather VGA-like.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
Yes, all buttons should first and foremost support the OS level text which is crisper and easier to read and scales to customers needs. Pictures are a secondary nice to have and should be translucent backgrounds to support the color theme.
BIAB is delivered in multiple language translations. The company needs to effectively manage that when considering multilingual versions.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Yes, all buttons should first and foremost support the OS level text which is crisper and easier to read and scales to customers needs. Pictures are a secondary nice to have and should be translucent backgrounds to support the color theme.
BIAB is delivered in multiple language translations. The company needs to effectively manage that when considering multilingual versions.
Yes the OS will know what the native language is. This is why some do use pictures but they have to be universally recognized like a pencil or scissors. Buttons that toggle on/off should show the current state visually.
Studio One (latest version), Win 11 23H2 , i9 -10940X 3.3 GHz, 32GB Mem, a 4K 40" monitor, PreSonus Studio Live III Console as interface/controller. secondarily test on Reaper, Cakewalk, and S1 on Surface Pro 3 Win 10 (latest versions).
ive used many apps in the past that have pens and scissors and other tools. drives me nuts....frustrates the heck out of me....CONSTANTLY. just keep it KISS...
eg editing a audio or midi track.
1..user hilites a track section then.. 2..right click over the hilited area and a edit menu appears. ie kiss.
i recommend taking a leaf out of reaps v2 book that i like. KISS !! thats why i like it. i prefer an app be more intuitive and for me the fewer the graphic tool buttons the better.
honestly i'm NOT trying to be a 'A' ...but the above are my honest feelings. think of vision impaired people for example trying to use a pen . but thats just me.
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 01/27/2504:52 PM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs (90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
Although I would agree with you and I'm a huge advocate of PGM simplifying existing to pure context actions and adding missing unique context menus, that action is at least two clicks away. There is a difference between editing audio and editing midi. Usually, MIDI edits can involve more action tools.
The state of the art in editing is what many companies call a smart tool. Smart tools change to a behavior that you would expect based on a where you are at on the target. For example, editing midi the tool will change depending on if you're on the left right top or bottom of a note, when editing audio, the tool will change depending on if you're at the top, middle, bottom or start/ends of an audio clip.
Studio One (latest version), Win 11 23H2 , i9 -10940X 3.3 GHz, 32GB Mem, a 4K 40" monitor, PreSonus Studio Live III Console as interface/controller. secondarily test on Reaper, Cakewalk, and S1 on Surface Pro 3 Win 10 (latest versions).
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=30008&filename=main_screen.png)
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean