Most of us are pleased that dialogs like style picker finally are not modal any more, I think.
But why are we not allowed to put non modal dialogs to the background? I don't want to aim at the little red cross in the upper right corner of the multi picker, just to hit some random button underneath; I rather want to keep some specific part of that dialog in sight or just have it in reach.
The one thing I don't want to be hidden all the time is the main window.
So what's the rationale for keeping the dialogs in front of it? I don't think it's a default in any user interface library, so they must have put some work into it!
Let's not drift off into a discussion about the design of those windows here...
... Let's not drift off into a discussion about the design of those windows here...
OK, we won't.
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.
I would like to be able to put the multipicker to background, while the main window stays in foreground.
How will you bring it to the foreground again?
You made a statement earlier that is quite contradictory to the way the Windows operating system works:
Quote
So what's the rationale for keeping the dialogs in front of it? I don't think it's a default in any user interface library, so they must have put some work into it!
The Windows UI design is to have a main form which is the parent form, and child forms: dialogs which are owned by the parent. They can be modal or non-modal. When launched they are not usually designed to be hidden behind the parent form. They are launched for a particular purpose: information / interaction by the user. Displaying a dialog behind the main form would be incredibly confusing. Frankly I think your view on user interfaces is incorrect.
Quote
The one thing I don't want to be hidden all the time is the main window.
If you launch a dialog, do you really want it to be displayed behind the main window? Wouldn't it be launched because you have a need for it, and therefore should be in front, at least until you have no further need for it?
I find your comments quite confusing. Why launch a dialog that you don't want to be in the way of the main window? Most dialogs in BIAB never hide the main window. When is the main window "hidden all the time"?
The multi-picker has a specific purpose. You can select the required function(s) and then simply close it. You can also resize it. It does not have to continually exist. You can also access functions of the main window by simply moving the multi-picker.
I'm really confused why you are not able to see the way this can be used and the associated benefits of the design.
Couldn't you just close the multi-picker when you no longer need it?
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.
While I concur with AudioTrack about having new windows not open behind the ‘main’ window, I am remembering one example that might be relevant where we got into trouble: the DAW Mode (Note: this is not the Plugin). People were opening this, which was programmed to stay on top, but then maximizing the window. They got confused where they were, and how to proceed. I requested and got a visual indicator that helped. So if rgo is talking about something like that happening, I understand. I would like an example, and if there is one, we can ask the developers to make a fix.
About your question, you added an angry icon to your instruction of what you didn’t want. It’s often a challenge to stomach, but you have to be prepared for any direction in which a discussion might go, and you don’t know what we might know that could possibly be helpful. So, I was happy not to have to take my time to even try. But I also try take each post as evenly on its merits as I can.
There’s absolutely no rule against posting in the Wishlist forum but my advice is to post first in the main user forum and work out the details before posting here. As you saw, it isn’t clear to some of us that the question has yet been properly defined and supported.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
PS: What wrong did I commit to make you all so mad at me?
Thats easy, you cast dispersions on the GUI! This has been a sore point with the BIAB forum members for many years. Most of us just want to let that dead dog lie.
I frequently use this way of arranging my windows, e.g. with the help window of BiaB.
PS: What wrong did I commit to make you all so mad at me?
I'm certainly not angry, just confused.
Although perhaps not obvious, the Help display that you referenced above is not actually part of the BIAB program itself but is part of the separate Windows Help system. Yes, it is launched from BIAB - but it is a completely separate program instance and thus can be managed / positioned separately.
But you can do exactly the same thing from within BIAB without the main window being 'hidden' by the multi-picker. Just change the window sizes and move them around:
I hope this tip helps.
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.
Thank you all for giving me a second chance, really. I'd like to respond to some points:
Originally Posted by Matt Finley
...which was programmed to stay on top, but then maximizing the window.
That's one of the most dreadful things windows programs like to do; but it's not what I meant.
Originally Posted by Matt Finley
About your question, you added an angry icon to your instruction of what you didn’t want.
Oh, I see. I don't know why I selected this icon any more, but it surely resulted from some different association that had to do with what DrDan said. Sorry for that.
Originally Posted by Matt Finley
...my advice is to post first in the main user forum and work out the details before posting here. As you saw, it isn’t clear to some of us that the question has yet been properly defined and supported.
As I understood, I was referred to this forum by some seemingly official "Simon - PG Music" in another thread for exactly this kind of discussions???
the Help display that you referenced above is not actually part of the BIAB program itself
I'm a user. For me, it's all BIAB.
Originally Posted by AudioTrack
Just change the window sizes
Some screens just aren't as wide as yours. And for my original question: You seem to deny my preference of keeping some subwindows open. In my original post, I already asked for a reasen for that denial: Why? Probably, I'm misunderstanding something here again.
Sorry, had listed some very bad examples in my previous post, so I deleted them.
Examples that work the way I think of are the bookmark manager in Firefox and the editor for writing mails in Thunderbird. And, as I mentioned above, the help window in BIAB.
...my advice is to post first in the main user forum and work out the details before posting here. As you saw, it isn’t clear to some of us that the question has yet been properly defined and supported.
As I understood, I was referred to this forum by some seemingly official "Simon - PG Music" in another thread for exactly this kind of discussions???
You probably mean this: “Looking to the future, we are planning UI enhancements, and we will consider removing the keyboard shortcut. Typically our decisions are shaped by response from our beta testers and by users requests in our Wishlist forums, so if you have any suggestions that would be the best place for them.”
I think the distinction is subtle and as I said, there is no rule, but my opinion is to have the discussion in the regular BIAB Windows forum. Then make a specific suggestion in this Wishlist forum. In this case, Simon seems to be referencing your comments only on Ctrl+T. I could be wrong.
By the way, yes, Simon works for PG Music and participates in the forums. No, the beta testers are not all power users and are not co-developers, whatever that means.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
For me, it's difficult to cope with cognitive dissonances - things that are inconsitent or even self-contradicting, these kinds of misunderstandings or things I can't imagine how they can be understood at all. I got run away from BIAB and it's ecosystem fast.
For me, it's difficult to cope with cognitive dissonances - things that are inconsitent or even self-contradicting, these kinds of misunderstandings or things I can't imagine how they can be understood at all. I got run away from BIAB and it's ecosystem fast.
I had to look that terminology up.
I doubt that the programmers can change the BIAB program though to lessen the issues that you encounter when using BIAB, and this possibly applies to many other programs as well.
However, I thank you for clarifying your position. This assists us to understand the reasons and perspective that you are coming from.
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.
...and this possibly applies to many other programs as well.
Definitely: YES
Originally Posted by AudioTrack
However, I thank you for clarifying your position. This assists us to understand the reasons and perspective that you are coming from.
I'm surprised and very thankful indeed that you seem to take me seriously [and hope I use this phrase correctly - sounds like kind of a false friend to me, but it's from a dictionary...]. That encourages me to explain a little bit more of it: As I understand it, this extreme difficulty handling 'cognitive dissonance' is part of one trait of ASD, autism spectrum disorder; in my case the version formerly known as Asperger. Better known aspects of this trait go under headings like rigid thinking, black-and-white thinking and, at least in part, the cliché that autists rely on rituals. On the one hand, it's really annoying everyone, not least me. On the other hand, that sensitivity is one reason why Aspies are favored software testers; but then again, some of us are kind of stuck in that testing mode.
Maybe this is a telling example. Every late summer the marketeers start their annual barking: 'Customers love Band in a Box [this year plus 1]' - how's that? Existing customers for something that doesn't yet exist? Most of you say it's just PR, or think of it as self-mockery or something like that, I suppose. I have the impulse to toss a shoe at my screeen when that mail hits my inbox, or rather to bang my head against the wall. So if you want to do something for the disabled, you know where to start [hope this traditional smiley is apropriate here]
Maybe this is a telling example. Every late summer the marketeers start their annual barking: 'Customers love Band in a Box [this year plus 1]' - how's that? Existing customers for something that doesn't yet exist? Most of you say it's just PR, or think of it as self-mockery or something like that, I suppose. I have the impulse to toss a shoe at my screen when that mail hits my inbox, or rather to bang my head against the wall.
FWIW, I'm not autistic and those emails make me feel a little similar; probably less strongly. "The statement can't be true, why do they say it every year?". I guess they need only two such customers for the plural to be valid.
To answer the subject line, non-modal does at least mean that one can move the dialog-window aside and work with the main window, which one couldn't previously do.
I think that one can move them over to another monitor if you have one. You may also be able to minimise it. I'm on a different OS at present, so am unable to check those statements, so I apologise if I'm mistaken.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
... non-modal... I think that one can move them over to another monitor if you have one. You may also be able to minimise it.
Yes for the first, no for the second, though one can minimize it together with the main window or maximize it by itself. Don't know whether it would make sense to minimize it versus closing it; maybe on a slow notebook? At least it would be consistent. At any rate, I understand that the whole thing is in flux. I'll keep quiet and wait.
... And for my original question: You seem to deny my preference of keeping some subwindows open. In my original post, I already asked for a reasen for that denial: Why? ...
You are now asking for something different. In your original post you asked:
Originally Posted by rgo
But why are we not allowed to put non modal dialogs to the background?
As has been explained, non-modal windows allow the user to also interact with other parts of the program without having to completely close the dialog that they are currently using. As an example, they can change the volume, start / stop playback etc. Previously, many dialogs were modal, and this often created troublesome / restricted workflow. There was reduced flexibility.
You can keep some subwindows open. That is exactly what non-modal is. If you want to see the main window without closing subwindows, why can't you just drag them to the edge of the screen? It doesn't seem to be that difficult. Please consider that you might have to adjust your workflow.
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.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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)
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=30863&filename=2025-06-21_3-45-59.jpg)
![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=30871&filename=2025-06-21_8-59-28.jpg)
[hope this traditional smiley is apropriate here]
![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=30902&filename=2025-06-23_21-42-57.jpg)
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean