|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,621
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,621 |
Good question.
I think you are going to get two to three camps here.
SAVE In File menu for all apps
1) I personally learn 3 decades ago that Ctr + S saves so I do not need to waste space with save button.
2) Others may have been hitting your save button for years.
OPEN In File menu for all apps
1) Many DAWs have a dedicated song browser with tabs. PGM has the Song Tab. 80% of the time I use the OS file browser to go the directories in my organization so no button for me.
2) Others have used your Song Browser.
So, I would vote for let the user decide what buttons are in the tool bar.
You can default you what you have but let others remove them. I have to disagree here with #1. I'm at the moment helping out in some beginners' courses for computers and newcomers will not be familiar with those shortcuts, so I think the items must be on the menu. Those of us who work with multiple different operating systems can find that useful, too. Whilst most applications have adopted the Microsoft or MS-like shortcuts, some have shortcut systems that differ (usually from historic incompatibility). I would certainly have: New New from template Open Open Recent... Save Save As... Import Export Close Quit Possibly, though these could be Exports: Print preview Print Open and saves would be BiaB-native formats. Import and Export for other formats, with a sub-menu and/or a dialog for the format. I don't disagree with the concept of letting the user decide, but I do think a conventional list is the right default. I don't know what degree of disruption user-configurability would cause to development, though I do know that it's already doable with at least some menus.
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
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,525
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,525 |
I believe I predicted there will be at least three camps.  Sure, for the menu. Of the dozens of programs I use on a daily basis, none have a Save button except BB. Although popular in the 90s when GUIs started, we currently have no option other than to ignore.
Last edited by jpettit; 02/12/25 02:43 PM.
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).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,396
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,396 |
Jeff, sorry, but put me in the camp of wanting and using a Save button. Is that door number 1, 2, or 3?
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,994
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,994 |
My camp! Where you can make all 4 "Save buttons" if you really - really want to  Also in my camp you would be able to save a triple key shortcut(s) of your choice as a quick access button.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,621
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,621 |
I believe I predicted there will be at least three camps. Sure, for the menu. Of the dozens of programs I use on a daily basis, none have a Save button except BB. Although popular in the 90s when GUIs started, we currently have no option other than to ignore. You did, though I believe it was for the menu, not for buttons. I was just stating my view. The other part is curious ... I too use dozens of applications and a great many of them do have a save button, though I just looked through several music-related applications to find that only one of those did, whilst most office tools had one.
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
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,525
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,525 |
I believe I predicted there will be at least three camps. Sure, for the menu. Of the dozens of programs I use on a daily basis, none have a Save button except BB. Although popular in the 90s when GUIs started, we currently have no option other than to ignore. You did, though I believe it was for the menu, not for buttons. I was just stating my view. The other part is curious ... I too use dozens of applications and a great many of them do have a save button, though I just looked through several music-related applications to find that only one of those did, whilst most office tools had one. Yes, I understand, and I guess the open buttons and recent lists have been moved to the opening screens, which I do use in Studio One, Cakewalk, Adobe Suite, Office 365 apps. I can't think of a save button. To be honest I use a close with the dirty bit set so your flagged to make the choice to save on a shut down. Anyway a common solution for all inputs so far would be user configurable buttons with the BB classics as a theme and more minimal themes available and savable. I use a custom tool bar with only Muli Picker Library and Track View/Chord view toggle on it 80% of the time. I also add Audio Edit for envelops and Piano Roll buttons for Playable RTs.
Last edited by jpettit; 02/12/25 05:55 PM.
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).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,621
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,621 |
I agree that the New, Open, Save and Save-As buttons that are sometimes on the toolbar are mostly just wasted real estate, particularly when the icons are a 5-1/4 floppy or a hard drive with an arrow. These days, many young people have seen neither.
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
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,555
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,555 |
all i ask...and i know its a challenge for any developer to put out a feature rich app like bb...is...please....make sure the bb new gui doesnt end up cluttered like some music apps ive tried recently.
for example i like reaps v2 because its not cluttered imho.
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 02/13/25 05:02 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.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,937
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,937 |
The Freeze and Simple track buttons presently list individual legacy track and all tracks for selection but does not list utility tracks. Please add individual utility tracks to the selection lists. ![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=30307&filename=Clipboard01.jpg) ![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=30308&filename=Clipboard02.jpg)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,525
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,525 |
if the definition of the Multi picker Library is:
A "Library of sounds" to build a song with, then the tabs:
1- Styles
2- Real Tracks
3- Real Drums
4) MIDI Super Tracks
5) MIDI Tracks
6) MIDI Soloist
7) Melodist
8) User Tracks
9) Loops
10) MIDI Patches
meet that definition and make a strong browser to sounds.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUGGESTION 1: Chord Progression and Chord Variation are "Reference Tools" that would be fit in a horizontal panel associated with the Chord View.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUGGESTION 2: Lyrics tab is a Tool more associated with a tool to build dedicated Phrased based Lyrics track in the Track view, or a dedicated Note based Lyrics Track in the Piano Roll and Notation views.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUGGESTION 3: Titles tab is a Tool directly associated to the Style Tab workflow and would fit better as a button in the Styles tab.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUGGESTION 4: Songs tab should be an "Opening Panel" that brings you into a song like many creative apps on the market.
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).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,937
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,937 |
Jeff, not arguing with the points you're making but I'm having trouble understanding how it applies to "Make Freeze & Simple Icons Work With Utility Tracks".
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,994
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,994 |
Jim, I think, because you changed "sub" thread subject from main ( Specific suggestions - Toolbars and layout) to "Make Freeze & Simple Icons Work With Utility Tracks", it seems Jeff is replying to you. I think he is replying to main thread.
Jeff +1000 on suggestions on layout sorting.
Last edited by Rustyspoon#; 02/23/25 04:56 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,994
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,994 |
We need dedicated Solo and Mute buttons at VST3 window so it does these without going to the mixer. This is a standard everywhere else.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,525
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,525 |
Jeff, not arguing with the points you're making but I'm having trouble understanding how it applies to "Make Freeze & Simple Icons Work With Utility Tracks". It has nothing to do about that post. It is part of the OP. All the other pinned request lists name specific views. This is the only pinned list that can cover other topics like the multi Library. The Post actually has four distinct suggestions in it.
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).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,937
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,937 |
Jeff and RustySpoon#,
Thanks for both of your responses.
I changed the heading of my post from the thread's default title to reflect the subject of my improvement suggestion. That way I can look at my posts and from the titles know I'm not duplicating suggestions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,525
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,525 |
Yes, I think editing the OP title and all further posts inherit the edit title, is a bug in the forum software. Ironically, I first saw it with Misha edited the title (F5) about a month ago.
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).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,621
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,621 |
Some confusions occur by using the quick-reply area rather then explicitly replying to a post by using the [Reply] or [Quote] buttons. The quick-reply inherits from the original post ... I sometimes think it would be better if the quick-reply area wasn't there.
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
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,525
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,525 |
Another idea for improve experience. I was thinking about this at the beginning of this effort and never got around to bringing it up. The Keyboard/Guitar view as a floating window, and buried in the mixer tabs (never used it), would seem more natural and more integrated into the process if it was a docked horizontal panel at the bottom of the screen.. I am seeing this in several other musical apps. This has at least four advantages: 1) More room for more keys and streamlines the usage. 2) Can be used as an MIDI input device with on screen chords recognition adding to workflow. 3) Can be used across many of the views as an educational/FYI view. 4) Eliminates the need for the 'piano per track view in the mixer' and enhances the floating keyboard to process input/recognition. I know you can float a window at the bottom, but this integrates it more with chord input/recognition and output/playback workflow. This does not take away the option to un-dock it. ![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=30349&filename=BIAB keyboard.jpg) (COMMENT: PGM has historically made an easier floating window instead of engineering a docked panel approach. A docked panel approach would greatly modernize the GUI, with relatively a small amount of effort.)
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).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,136
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,136 |
Although not a specific suggestion but I though this article by Kanaryi sounds would apply here. It shows ideas on what works and what doesn't work as it applies to GUIs. https://karanyisounds.com/crafting-...;mc_cid=d7c64b2f1f&mc_eid=44d89f9b4c
I'm in a fitness protection program. I'm been hiding from exercise.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,908
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,908 |
This is very valuable information, Mario. Critical design is one of the most important steps with user interface development.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,511
Posts792,782
Members39,905
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean