Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 134
R
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
R
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 134
It's cool, nice look and all, it's just too big.

Maybe an option to turn of text on the icons? Hover text gives text now.

Or maybe an option to go into "Expert Gui Mode" where only one row of user selectable icons appear?

I use hotkeys, and midi to control everything. Sometimes I let others read the chords off the screen, but now it has too much clutter.

It was Sampletank which I need to use Windows Magnifier to see, and now BIAB which I need to un-magnify the top.

Just whining smile

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
Look at this thread below: Ultrabook screen size for BIAB?

Later, Ray

Last edited by raymb1; 12/08/13 06:49 PM.

Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 134
R
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
R
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 134
Thinking I could flop the display, and then slide it down off the bottom of the screen.

I hit Ctrl-T to "Put Notation/Chords on Top"
And the Mixer/Plugin/Piano/Patches stays on top.

Looks like a bug?

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Originally Posted By: raintalk
Thinking I could flop the display, and then slide it down off the bottom of the screen.

I hit Ctrl-T to "Put Notation/Chords on Top"
And the Mixer/Plugin/Piano/Patches stays on top.

Looks like a bug?


ctrl-t bug reported and duplicated and is on the todo list to be added to one of the upcoming Updates.


--Mac

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 134
R
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
R
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 134
Cool! Thanks!

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,427
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,427
In previous versions I edited the tool bar and removed lots of icons I never use. In 2014 I am forced to see all of these all the time?! Can we please have the old arrow button back which used to list the tools and I could untick the ones I never want to see? This would make things a little better.


Songs web site
YouTube Channel
BIAB 2024
Cakewalk by BandLab
Studio One 7
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,617
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,617
Hi John. It is our understanding that customization of the GUI is being worked on.


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.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,427
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,427
Thanks Matt!


Songs web site
YouTube Channel
BIAB 2024
Cakewalk by BandLab
Studio One 7
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 673
B
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
B
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 673
Originally Posted By: Skyline
In previous versions I edited the tool bar and removed lots of icons I never use. In 2014 I am forced to see all of these all the time?! Can we please have the old arrow button back which used to list the tools and I could untick the ones I never want to see? This would make things a little better.


I agree.

The user interface should be fully 'user configurable'
Right now (2014) there are basically 4 sections:
Drop, Song, Transport and Views (and the Mixer/Plugins box to the right)

To free up some working real estate, how about allowing the user to toggle OFF/ON any of these sections?

Also the ability to add or remove icons in each section would be nice.

BTW, the current new interface is a big improvement!


BIABguy
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,617
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,617
We believe this is a new direction that will only improve as PG Music has more time to consider how, and release patches or upgrades. Hang in and enjoy what's there now, as you are doing. Good attitude.


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.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
))) The user interface should be fully 'user configurable'
Right now (2014) there are basically 4 sections:
Drop, Song, Transport and Views (and the Mixer/Plugins box to the right)

To free up some working real estate, how about allowing the user to toggle OFF/ON any of these sections?
------------------------

That's a real good idea biabguy . I will look into that.


Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Hi Peter,

Good idea, how about a Toggle Off of everything BUT Transport all in one stroke.

I'm thinking about being able to instantly bop back and forth from minimal tools and maximum Chord Sheet or Notation Window and back to Full View as needed...

--Mac

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,617
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,617
+1 to Mac's suggestion.

Or

I also still like the idea of having only one row of tools with tabs to select the toolbar you want, rather than having multiple toolbars that require multiple rows. If you had that and could toggle the mixer window, problem solved. And the Transport window should probably be visible at all times, preferably located directly over the chordsheet.

But whatever you can do will be much appreciated.




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.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Matt,

Having to toggle the Mixer view separately from the toolbars view?

Mixer would still take up all that vertical real estate, what happens to the LH side?

I don't want a big empty gray area there, taking up space like we already can if you expand the Mixer to show both the Thru and Audio sections.



And I wouldn't like to have to do TWO commands in a row to basically do one thing, see the Chord Sheet or Notation window, or work with all of the things across the top as now.

The only things needed to see when viewing the Chord Sheet or Notation View while BB plays are the Transport buttons.

Think of those using BiaB to play out live.

I fold my laptop out flat and place it on the big black music stand or on the pianoboard and use the Notation View as the chart while playing live, set to the Melody channel. Lyrics, Melody Notes and Chords are right there together, getting used to the two bar refresh scrolling didn't take more than a few minutes, using the Note Based Lyrics means that the old row for Lyrics can be used to indicate what's coming up in a song:

------------> SHOT! -->

And such.


--Mac

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,617
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,617
Sure, you have a point, but I am thinking of the most flexibility for everyone, including those who play out live on gigs. I didn't want to get too deeply into GUI design: not my area of expertise, and not my responsibility to speculate how difficult the changes would be. However, since you asked, what I envision is that the mixer can be toggled off. What I should have added is that it could be dragged.

I don't see this as requiring two actions to do one thing. Just toggle the mixer as follows:

When the new mixer is hidden, there would be one double-height row of toolbars at the top, with tabs to select which one you see. Then there would be a single height transport toolbar. The chordsheet would come up and abut just below the now-smaller area for toolbars. Two rows of toolbars of space saved.

When the new mixer is viewable, it could be dragged anywhere just like the old mixer, so you could position it anywhere over the chordsheet, which is still much larger than now because of the smaller toolbar space.

When playing live, perhaps you might not want to use the new mixer, and instead have up the small older mixer?


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.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
I've never needed to Mix while playing out, I spend time getting the proper sound and equal output from song to song, Save, and leave that alone at the gigs.

Really, if you've got to be constantly fiddling with the sound at that level at the gig, something's wrong somewhere.

I like to focus on my performance, not be the sound man.


--Mac

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,617
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,617
Agreed. I wish I didn't have to do sound on my own gigs.

I was just trying to figure out what your objection was to my suggestion for the GUI.


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.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 134
R
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
R
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 134
I could do this in 2013 (hoping attached "File Manager" pictures appear.)

If not,
I could ^T, then slide the window down so all the icon stuff was off the screen.
Bring up the mixer, turn on the metronome and place then at the top. Put a clock up there, sometimes. All is pretty.

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
Capture2.jpg (40.86 KB, 50 downloads)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
+1 Mac. That's all I need on a gig. The Transport bar. Later, Ray


Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 506
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 506
How about using a "Ribbon" Like MS Office?

My chess software, Fritz, used to have a clunky and esoteric GUI. I used to have to hunt down features in sub menus and dialog boges much like BIAB.

A couple of versions ago (ver. 12, they are now on ver. 14... another program I need to update), they decided to adopt the "Ribbon" interface ans things are much more intuitive.

I think BIAB would benefit greatly from this.

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
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.

Holiday Weekend Hours

It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:

Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Regular hours
resume Tuesday, May 19th!

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!

Don't wait - order today!

Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

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®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,449
Posts805,257
Members40,124
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
kmmkelsns874, Patrick McMillan, Goodmanje, AlfredoR616, Jerry Gerber
40,125 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 134
DC Ron 93
rsdean 90
WaoBand 67
Today's Birthdays
jm12947, Morais
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5