Is it possible to generate a lead sheet with only chords and with the lyrics placed under the bars? I also use Musescore and to add lyrics, there must be notes. I just need chords and lyrics. The singer can do his own phrasing. Thanks.
I've made some progress on my lyrics question. When I print to a PDF, I get approximately what I want, however, from the attached pic you can see some issues.
- I want to move the chords closer to the top of the staves. Found out how to do this. It's in the Preferences->Notation dialog box!
- I need to get rid of the annoying lines. I have no idea where they came from.
If I can get that far, I'll be 99 percent of the way there ! Many thanks.
Okay, I've been answering everything so far, but now I really need your great minds to help me get rid of the lines seen in the attached picture. They appear in the Lead Sheet window and are carried forward all the way to the print phase.
At first, I thought they were some "non-printable" markers in PDF995 or Foxit, but they DO print. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks .
I've just been playing around with bar-based lyrics. I'm not sure that there's any way to remove the line. It's purpose seems to be to to separate and to help identify lyrics as opposed to instrument patches. This might be a Wishlist forum request.
Thanks for the reply Noel. I've seen YouTube videos where the Lead Sheet is previewed and printed. There are no lines present in the preview. The lines are showing up in my preview. I have a show coming up soon where this BIAB feature would be most useful. I really hope there is a solution.
We really need to sort out these lines! Any ideas folks???
The only way to get rid of them is by NOT displaying the lyrics. That's the whole point of a lead sheet. Somebody must be using this valuable feature without the major issue of lines.
If note-based lyrics are used, the lines do not show up. See below. I suspect the lyrics on the clip you've seen are note-based.
HERE is a link to a small article I put together on how to create simple note-based lyrics without the need to enter a melody. If you follow this tutorial, you will lose the line if you turn off the "Lyrics below" option. You can also turn off the note display.
The above image has a fully notated melody. BIAB lets me choose to print it like the above.
So, it's safe to say the Bar based lyrics tool is really broken and you have come up with a work around until Peter's team can fix this.
Next issue - where do I adjust the font size for the lead sheet? When I click Lead Sheet-->Opt -->Notation Options, no matter what modification I apply to the lyric font, the lyric font size doesn't change.
This is a great program but all the drill down menus are VERY confusing. Too many trap doors!
Okay, I found the font size adjustment. You use the percentage scale option box. This is totally counter intuitive to every GUI I've used. The font size option box is always used. What gives?
>>> The font size option box is always used. What gives?
If font size was used, you'd need to change the font size many times during program operation, because the font size changes depending on the number of staffs displayed, (which changes with each song). A % setting is a "set once and forget it."
Okay, thanks Peter. I used the percentage successfully, however, the Notation fonts also change. They become VERY large . Is there an independent control for each?
So, it's safe to say the Bar based lyrics tool is really broken and you have come up with a work around until Peter's team can fix this.
....it's not broken. That is how it works by design. If you're like to be able to turn the line on and off, simply put a request in the Wishlist forum.
Actually Noel, there is a way to differentiate the two. In the Print Options dialog box, you can set the font just for the printed lyrics. This setting leaves the Chord view fonts alone. Thanks.
Now I would love to find out how to get rid of the lines when you use the Bar based lyric entry method. It works for the Note based entry, which is far more cumbersome even with the neat idea you presented earlier.
The lines appear when you select Lyrics below in the Print Options dialog box. Why are they there? Can we get rid of them??
You are quite correct about the lines appearing when you select "Lyrics Below". I was the vert first to comment after the new upgrade 434 was issued and I raised the same complaint. Since nobody said anything or offered a solution, I thought it must be some peculiarity of my operating system. So I am pleased that someone else has now confirmed that it is a general problem.
I always use note-based lyrics and I have discovered a fix, even though it does sound a bit strange. All you have to do is leave the all the other settings the same and select "Lyrics Above". The lyrics are then below and the line disappears - strange a solution as it may seem. It works for both treble and bass clef lead sheets.
In respect to lead sheets, there is one good thing about the latest update 434 in that you can now at least use the "Print" button to "Print Options" window. With the previous release 433 this was not functioning and it was necessary to use the "Lead Sheet Window".
Thanks, Graham. Glad to hear the underline anomaly is not specific to my program. I tried placing the lyrics on top and they did actually move over the staves. So, on my system at least, that option does work. How does one request a "look see" into this issue with Peter's development team. I'm sure they could fix the issue and put forth a patch.
One other anomaly I notice - when you select Lyrics Below in the dialog box, and then click Print Preview, your choice is not saved. The options always revert to Custom. I would think your choice would remain for that project. We need to get BIAB to remember the desired default setting. Perhaps it can be done in Preferences, but I haven't found it yet.
Graham, you are correct! When I choose Lyrics Above, they are placed below the staves with no lines! I think there's something fishy here with the code . We need to bring this to Peter's attention.
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!
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.
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.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
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.
! Many thanks.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean