|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671
Journeyman
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671 |
Yesterday I spent several hours trying to use HELP to find the answer to, How do you expand all choruses?"
I was frustrated that I could not get an answer.
I spent about 20 minutes just checking every menu. Surprised it was under the edit menu song form? But not an option when you click the song form button.
So does anybody else find it hard to get good help answers ,from the help feature in BIAB.
I would appreciate any suggestions, right now the forum is the best way for me to get my questions answered. I read almost any interesting post, I don't comment all the time.
Last edited by dga; 04/10/16 12:29 PM.
"When you help somebody else you are really helping yourself"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,598
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,598 |
right now the forum is the best way for me to get my questions answered. Yes, the help file is a little bit confusing and outdated. Often, asking the forum is much better and faster way of getting a solution to your problem,There are a lot of helpful people here.
Latest BIAB version, latest build.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,932
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,932 |
The help system and manual seem like a labyrinth to me! There seems like a ton of great info but there also seems like a ton of dated info.
I make an effort to find the answer to my questions but it is frustrating and I often find myself here asking for help. Fortunately there are lots of really great folks here who know the answers and are willing to help!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671 |
right now the forum is the best way for me to get my questions answered. Yes, the help file is a little bit confusing and outdated. Often, asking the forum is much better and faster way of getting a solution to your problem,There are a lot of helpful people here. Me too!
"When you help somebody else you are really helping yourself"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671 |
The help system and manual seem like a labyrinth to me! There seems like a ton of great info but there also seems like a ton of dated info.
I make an effort to find the answer to my questions but it is frustrating and I often find myself here asking for help. Fortunately there are lots of really great folks here who know the answers and are willing to help! Yes there are, and very quick responses too
"When you help somebody else you are really helping yourself"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976 |
Using the search button at the top of this forum to search the pgmusic.com site ( not the forum search) is a good way to get a question answered. Using a search term like expand all choruses I got a correct link answer within the first 5 shown http://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=312623
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671 |
"When you help somebody else you are really helping yourself"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Peter, your suggestion is fine, it's good but it's also called a workaround.
What about the official Help files?
I've asked about stuff like this for years. Here's the pertinent question posed in this thread:
How do you search Help to answer this question? Help is an integral part of the program and should be easy to use.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 647
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 647 |
Agreed!
The online help is poor, at best. I have found the PDF files much better. The search algorithm is far superior to the one in the help menu. And the results are more explanatory.
The help menu needs to be cleaned up. I typed in "lead-in" recently and got hits just on "in". Hundreds of them. It's very frustrating. Why do I need to see what the new features of release 2009 were.
I am sure the information is in there somewhere. But it is really difficult to navigate to find it.
BIAB for Windows Version 2019 (643)
Windows 10 (1909)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671 |
Peter, your suggestion is fine, it's good but it's also called a workaround.
What about the official Help files?
I've asked about stuff like this for years. Here's the pertinent question posed in this thread:
How do you search Help to answer this question? Help is an integral part of the program and should be easy to use.
Bob Going to resurrect this thread for one simple reason. On the computer I am using for BIAB and RB I keep it off the internet while using the program. Completely off the internet for days now. Because Focusrite says my antivirus is interfering with the device driver. So far 3 days with out an issue. So if I have to log into the internet and search for a technical problem. I have to do that on my laptop which is in another room. So I'd like a better way to use the help file.
"When you help somebody else you are really helping yourself"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,605
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,605 |
I haven't read the thread so it's likely that this might have already been mentioned... just in case it has not...
When I want help with BIAB, I usually use the pdf manual as the first port of call. I then use CTRL+F to open "Search" in Acrobat Reader and enter a phrase or word that I'd like to find.
I also find looking through the index of the manual (pages 3 - 12) very useful with helping me home-in on the particular area of BIAB that I need help with. I find this section very well referenced. The Index at the end of the document also helps me find what I'm after.
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671 |
where is the PDF manual same question I posed in another thread.
"When you help somebody else you are really helping yourself"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,932
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,932 |
where is the PDF manual same question I posed in another thread. Click the Help menu inside BIAB and you should see a menu option for Program Manuals (pdf). However, I do not know if they are up to date with the current version. I have not had tremendous success with them so I usually just try things until I give up and then come here and get help!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,605
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,605 |
In Windows 7, it's located under the start menu in the 'Band In A Box Folder'.
I don't know about Windows 10 but if it's similar to Windows 8, simply go to the screen that contains the touch sensitive icons and type "Band", it should appear in the list of files available.
If not, In Win 7 it's found in the \bb folder. It's called "Band-in-a-Box 2016 Manual.pdf".
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,168
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,168 |
Peter, your suggestion is fine, it's good but it's also called a workaround.
What about the official Help files?
I've asked about stuff like this for years. Here's the pertinent question posed in this thread:
How do you search Help to answer this question? Help is an integral part of the program and should be easy to use.
Bob Going to resurrect this thread for one simple reason. On the computer I am using for BIAB and RB I keep it off the internet while using the program. Completely off the internet for days now. Because Focusrite says my antivirus is interfering with the device driver. So far 3 days with out an issue. So if I have to log into the internet and search for a technical problem. I have to do that on my laptop which is in another room. So I'd like a better way to use the help file. Staying off the internet may not be a great solution when using biab, as I understand it a lot of the demo files for realtrack band styles are actually streamed from the PG site as there is no demo on the drive. There is an option in the realtrack picker to use the internet, think it used to be in the stylepicker too but can't see it there now Musiclover
Last edited by musiclover; 06/05/16 12:36 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,056
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,056 |
Peter, your suggestion is fine, it's good but it's also called a workaround.
What about the official Help files?
I've asked about stuff like this for years. Here's the pertinent question posed in this thread:
How do you search Help to answer this question? Help is an integral part of the program and should be easy to use.
Bob Going to resurrect this thread for one simple reason. On the computer I am using for BIAB and RB I keep it off the internet while using the program. Completely off the internet for days now. Because Focusrite says my antivirus is interfering with the device driver. So far 3 days with out an issue. So if I have to log into the internet and search for a technical problem. I have to do that on my laptop which is in another room. So I'd like a better way to use the help file. Staying off the internet may not be a great solution when using biab, as I understand it a lot of the demo files for realtrack band styles are actually streamed from the PG site as there is no demo on the drive. There is an option in the realtrack picker to use the internet, think it used to be in the stylepicker too but can't see it there now Musiclover Musiclover (and everyone else that might be interested) PG Music released 6.5 GB of demo songs January, 2015. The demo songs are available for download ++ Download Demo Songs HERE! ++
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,629
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,629 |
That's a nice link to know about, but many appear to be a couple years old .. looking at the date code in the file names.
Just noticin'
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671 |
@musiclover if the file is on the internet I should get an error opening up that demo. I have not so far. But, if they are on the internet and I get an error, at that point I can open up the internet and load the DEMO. Then close the internet connection and continue using BIAB ad RB.
Thanks for the heads up
"When you help somebody else you are really helping yourself"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671 |
@jim F Where do you put these files after you download them?
Edit: I see the instructions on the link page.
Last edited by dga; 06/05/16 04:49 PM.
"When you help somebody else you are really helping yourself"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671 |
In windows 10 the pdfs are located under ALL Apps>Band n a BoX. PDF BIAB User Guide and under that RB PDF User Guide in addition to these 2 PDFs there are 2 New Features 2016 PDFs
"When you help somebody else you are really helping yourself"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 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.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
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 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
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.
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 as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac 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 100 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
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
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 Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,301
Posts802,960
Members40,086
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean