I caught on to a trick for bossa tunes to get quarter note triplets to print properly. It was to create a swing style copy called lead-sheet where there is a division of 3 for the quarter notes then write the notes on (the beat, the let and the trip) so that the even division 2 made the triplets come out correct. Okay so I tried this on another tune using the exact same swing style but it did not work. Was it because I humanized it in swing feel? If so how do I get it back so the lead sheet looks like properly written triplets? I am wondering if I have to restart the process again and not humanize it.
Have a look at the tick setting. (Go to Notation Mode's Opt button and it's in the middle column of options.)
I find that a tick setting of 0 is a good starting place. The notation of quarter note triplets is not easily accomplished in BIAB. It will play them fine, though. I prefer to use Musescore (it's freeware) for notation.
I am going to try that right now. However just to let you know, I did try creating a copy of the version I call "lead-sheet" (renaming it test) and I took one triplet set, deleted it, then put it back in as 1/4 note triplets and that seems to have fixed that one set.
Okay I will let you know if you idea works in the next post.
It worked Noel. It saved me from having to reenter all those 1/4 note triplet fixes after deleting them to get the same result. I will take a note (note a musical note - LOL but a reminder note) which will remind me on a regular basis just in case it is a long time before I do it again.
In addition to Noel's excellent advice, another way to get triplet notation for only certain notes is to just change the beat resolution for those notes. This doesn't change the time signature, but changes the way that notes are interpreted and displayed:
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.
To insure proper triplet notation, I always have to be on the alert to make sure that I have the Tick Offset set to 0. Is there any way this can be defaulted to 0 at all times?
(I really don't understand the reason for having a Tick Offset. It has never proven useful for anything I do.)
In 2015 BIAB, the tick off-set can be permanently set to zero simply by deselecting the "Auto Set Tick Off Set" option in "Notation Mode | Opt".
Prior to version 2015, the tick off-set is automatically reset each time a song is generated and needs to be returned to zero manually.
Being able to advance or delay the melody is useful to giving a more human feel to some music types. For example, much jazz has a laid-back feel to the melody (negative tick off-set values) while some Latin music melodically leads (positive tick off-set).
In addition to Noel's excellent advice, another way to get triplet notation for only certain notes is to just change the beat resolution for those notes. This doesn't change the time signature, but changes the way that notes are interpreted and displayed:
Thanks VideoTrack from post #6 of this thread and everyone else too. Initially I had right clicked while in regular notation mode and got the wrong popup. Later I tried it in Editable notation mode and it worked.
I did a sound and print test with it later. It works good and sounds like 1/4 note triplets if the tune is left in boss and I change the 1/4 note division to 3 instead of 4 during a few bars. However it does not write it in quarter note triplets. It writes it as tied 1/8th note triplets (harder to sight read). I tried setting the tick setting to zero and it did not fix this. So far I guess I copy my bossa tunes as a swing and notate there while running the bossa version for practicing against. Some day I should try Musescore as Noel suggested for doing up the lead sheets.
Have a look at the graphic below. It will show you where to find tick off-set. (It can also be accessed via Notation Mode.)
To get quarter note triplets to show properly in BIAB, I've found that it's best to have "Triplet Resolution" engaged (#4 on image above). When you have this clicked on, the triplets will look like the below image.
In relation to Musescore. From what you've posted, it seems like you have opened the BIAB sgu/mgu file directly in Musescore. If that's the case, be aware the Musescore sometimes reads the notes and their timing incorrectly. When that happens, I simply delete the bar that's wrong, insert a new bar and enter the notes manually.
Quarter note triplets are easily entered in Musescore and, when entered manually, they look like below.
BIAB will only print triplets on the first two or the last two beats in the bar. I suspect you can actually make them on beats 2 and 3 but they won't print.
I think it's in the FAQ somewhere
I use 2013, so it may be fixed by now (lol)
BIAB for Windows Version 2019 (643) Windows 10 (1909)
However, the tick setting is already zero and triplet resolution is already checked by default.
I understand that there can be something wrong with the beat resolution setting functionality because I could not get the correct notation displayed when I change the style to swing-type.
This is the root cause of this problem and I understand there is the work around. Can PG-Music fix this problem?
I found the "beat resolution setting" has serious problem.
1) start new song. 2) select 8 beat style, Bossa2 for example. 3) set triple resolution at the third and fourth beat of the first bar. 4) put a quarter note at the third beat.
Then you will get extra "tie" mark.
I think this is very serious problem and one of my friend confirmed it has also happened at his BIAB2013.
Can PG-Musib fix this? Or Should I post this in "WishList"?
I suggest you send your findings to support@pgmusic.com and include your graphics, too. Also send the URL of this thread and tell the Support team to look at the last few posts in the thread.
It might be that something has changed between 2013 and 2015.
Also, I've been playing around a bit more and have found the following...
When I set the note resolution to "Triplet Resolution (Swing)", quarter note triplets enter and print correctly. If I use the beat resolution adjustment in an even time (such as bossanova), though, I get notation issues. Below is one such issue when I tried to enter a quarter note triplet on beats 3 and 4 using beat resolution to set 3 divisions per beat in an even 4/4 time.
Found out following solution to write "triplets" in a straight straight Bossa Nova in BIAB.
I wrote the triplets in my other scorewriting program, and exported the file as midi - to import the midi to BIAB, and notised that the "triplets" do not look like triplets in that case, but it sound like triplets.
The half note triplets in that case will look like on the attached picture
Yes it would be usefull to have a oportunity to write real triplets in a straist Bossa etc.., the example i wrote about before, do not sound as "real" triplets, but allmost.
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.
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)
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.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean