I just viewed the video on YouTube and was personally delighted that the GUI has been given a facelift - much needed in my opinion. But I think they should stop using that awful clown font - epsecially for YT videos, it is sooooooo outdated and betrays the sophistication of the product. I'm not sure the new GUI is as modern as it should be, but I assume it's a work in progress. If BIAB wants to appeal to younger likely customers (i.e. anyone younger than my 77 years...) it simply has to modernise the look and feel.
I do generally like the new interface, but when I first saw it my octogenarian’s eyes drowned in a sea of dark grey. Everything seems to merge into everything else. To my admittedly poor vision it all lacked clarity and contrast. And yes, I have tried to reconfigure the colours using trial and error with some improvement. That in itself was a bit of a challenge, and time consuming given the list of variables in small font, and an infinite number of colour options. My wish for the future is that there be a set of alternative skins or presets available which are designed to make the GUI more accessible to those of us with limited vision.
A very reasonable suggestion. If there were several different pre-made color format layouts available, the user could quickly select one that suits their needs best.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
Skyline, I disagree on "facelift" part. While it looks like a normal software now with solid design, the biggest achievement was, it made (most of) BIAB non-modal & modular. Not only you can adjust & resize views, you can work with different views simultaneously, on single or multiple screens. Overall it greatly improved workflow.
The younger audience... I don't know if I want that. Meaning mainstream Hip Hop, Techno / Electronic (and sub genres). Genres that are at heart of BIAB: Rock, Blues, Jazz, Folk, Light Pop, World...mainly appeal to folks 40+ And that is great, because there is almost nothing out there that has such a vast library of traditional genres, while there are tons of beat making software titles. Having said that, of course BIAB has to go further to modernize user experience. UI + Library were major steps toward that.
Skyline, I disagree on "facelift" part. While it looks like a normal software now with solid design, the biggest achievement was, it made (most of) BIAB non-modal & modular. Not only you can adjust & resize views, you can work with different views simultaneously, on single or multiple screens. Overall it greatly improved workflow.
The younger audience... I don't know if I want that. Meaning mainstream Hip Hop, Techno / Electronic (and sub genres). Genres that are at heart of BIAB: Rock, Blues, Jazz, Folk, Light Pop, World...mainly appeal to folks 40+ And that is great, because there is almost nothing out there that has such a vast library of traditional genres, while there are tons of beat making software titles. Having said that, of course BIAB has to go further to modernize user experience. UI + Library were major steps toward that.
Well, it did get a facelift but not just a facelift! (So, i agree with both of you!) I am finding the work they did greatly improved both the look AND the workflow and I am actually enjoying songwriting inside BIAB now! The day I saw the new UI I contacted a good friend who bought BIAB in 2023 on my recommendation. He loved the RealTracks but hated the UI. I told him he needed this upgrade and he has already bought it and LOVES it too!
Just watched the New GUI User Interface video. Don’t need multi-view templates and a lot of screen clutter. Only want/need a full screen of chords and lyrics from edge to edge, but keeping the tool bar at top. Is that possible with the 2026 version? Would that require a custom template? No buttons showing on left or right, but a full chord screen for songs in live play. Would appreciate a comment on that, before I order-up the new version.
Just watched the New GUI User Interface video. Don’t need multi-view templates and a lot of screen clutter. Only want/need a full screen of chords and lyrics from edge to edge, but keeping the tool bar at top. Is that possible with the 2026 version? Would that require a custom template? No buttons showing on left or right, but a full chord screen for songs in live play. Would appreciate a comment on that, before I order-up the new version.
Yes, this is possible. The sidebar menu can be dragged to zero width via mouse, and the mixer can be not shown, leaving only the top bar menu. This is how I work, too...
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
. But I think they should stop using that awful clown font - epsecially for YT videos, it is sooooooo outdated and betrays the sophistication of the product.
Is it the font on the chord sheet that you're referring to, or something else?
. But I think they should stop using that awful clown font - epsecially for YT videos, it is sooooooo outdated and betrays the sophistication of the product.
Is it the font on the chord sheet that you're referring to, or something else?
I'm not sure what font they are referring to but, for me, the default font used in the chord sheet is the one that drags the beautiful new GUI down! I hate that font because 1) it looks rough and amateurish and 2) it reminds me of the old BIAB GUI which I really don't like! Sorry, not sorry!
But once I changed the chord sheet font, this GUI rivals any of the best music production software on the market!
As I understand it, the usual font that BIAB displays is the traditional Big Band font that many notation engraving programs use, but I can see why that seems like perhaps the old Comic Sans font that often looks so outdated. DrDan just brought to my attention that there is that neat drop down menu on the new UI to change all of this to what you want. SO VERY COOL!
Last edited by Moonbeam9067; Yesterday at11:24 AM.
I use chord sheet with split screen for the memo section where I write both lyrics and other song info. Will that still be an option in 2026? This is very important to me and would like to know asap as I will be purchasing this week. If I can't have that memo section on sp0lit screen that would be a deal breaker for the 1st time since 2004. Please advise.
JJJ did you use a font off the biab included list or a custom font?
As I recall, BIAB font offerings are all a small set of stuff I don't care for so I used a Windows font.
Thanks! I see that there is a choice in the list that says "custom", but also mine says Arial. Is there some control to actually go pick a font off your Windows system other than Arial? I don't see any specific dialog asking me to choose from my Windows font list. Then I questioned AI about fonts and BIAB and it was helpful and I believe accurate:
"Can you change what BIAB uses? BIAB limits chord fonts intentionally. Even though Windows may have hundreds of fonts installed, BIAB will only expose fonts it knows will work. Many fonts break chord spacing, accidentals, or superscripts. If BIAB doesn’t list a font, it’s usually by design."
This made sense to me. Looking at your screen shot, I suspect this is what you picked.
Here is what mine looked like. I just threw in some random chords to see how they displayed. My "G" is slightly different than yours, but the vibe of the font is the same, though mine look larger probably because I had fewer bars showing.
Last edited by Moonbeam9067; Yesterday at02:53 PM.
JJJ did you use a font off the biab included list or a custom font?
As I recall, BIAB font offerings are all a small set of stuff I don't care for so I used a Windows font.
Thanks! I see that there is a choice in the list that says "custom", but also mine says Arial. Is there some control to actually go pick a font off your Windows system other than Arial? I don't see any specific dialog asking me to choose from my Windows font list. Then I questioned AI about fonts and BIAB and it was helpful and I believe accurate:
"Can you change what BIAB uses? BIAB limits chord fonts intentionally. Even though Windows may have hundreds of fonts installed, BIAB will only expose fonts it knows will work. Many fonts break chord spacing, accidentals, or superscripts. If BIAB doesn’t list a font, it’s usually by design."
This made sense to me. Looking at your screen shot, I suspect this is what you picked.
Here is what mine looked like. I just threw in some random chords to see how they displayed. My "G" is slightly different than yours, but the vibe of the font is the same, though mine look larger probably because I had fewer bars showing.
Looks Great! I think I made my rows a bit shorter. And I chose my font in the settings window for this toolbar by clicking the Custom button and then choosing what I wanted!!!
Super. That is quite interesting to me. I too used the custom button, but was already indicating only the font Arial. I think I will talk to PG tomorrow to see what they really intend with the "custom" designation. I am a bit of a typography fan so this interests me. If I find out anything interesting, I'll post.
I posted a screen shot replay but do not see it . . . pardon a double if that is that happens. I used the attachment manager below. Please let me know if you get this.
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!
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Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
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Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 60 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
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Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
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XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
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Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
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