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Band-in-a-Box and RealBand manuals presently are provided electronically as pdf files. While pdf files are generally are okay for display on a computer screen they do not adapt to all resolutions well. Similarly pdf files are terrible when viewed on alternate displays such as a tablet, e-reader or smartphone. EPUB was created specifically to resolve the issue of viewing documents on various displays. EPUB is the most widely supported vendor-independent XML-based (as opposed to PDF) e-book format; that is, it is supported by the largest number of hardware readers. More information about the ePUB standard is available +++ HERE +++ This wishlist request is for PG Music to provide user manuals electronically as ePUB files in addition to the current, pdf, file format.
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Interesting info; thanks Jim.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box 2024. Custom Build Desktop PC W/ Windows 10 Home 64-bit. CPU: Intel Core i5-9600k @ 3.7GHz (6 core x 6 threads) RAM: 16GB DDR4. Storage 238GB SSD + 2.7 TB HDD. GPU: ZOTAC NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB
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I muri sono creature... scontrose
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I actually tried to convert the PDF file to ePub format, but it fails on something in the file. I'll look at it more closely as I have time. Clearly, PGMusic should do this, but I just thought I'd give it a shot so I can have it on my Kindle. I use Calibre (free) to convert various document formats to ePub or Mobi formats.
If I get a clean conversion in the near future, I'll post a copy for folks to take a look at.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
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In reading a little about this, I noticed Kindle is one of the few devices not supported. Maybe that has changed since the articles I read.
There is no way to save a Microsoft Word file to ePub but there are workarounds using a third-party utility.
I did not look yet at other programs that could save a PDF as an ePub but there appear to be some.
John, perhaps the problem you ran into is similar to Music XML, which I understand to be a similar concept to ePub. There may be syntax requirements that haven't yet been standardized. In Music XML, a single misplaced or missing character, or missing or misspelled tag, can cause the importing program to reject the file (sometimes with no warning message).
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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For Kindle, you have to convert to MOBI format. I've helped another Music Vendor convert their documentation accordingly (Diamond Cut Software). The problem is that my source material for BIAB was the PDF file, rather than the source Word File. The Diamond Cut folks provided me with the Word document, which made the conversion much easier.
Actually, you can load a PDF and view on Kindle, but then you don't get adjustable text sizes and it becomes very difficult to read. I didn't spend a lot of time with it yesterday, but will probably pursue it further. I tried to convert the PDF back to Word, but it died about 50% through. I'll try some other means to see if I can do it.
Barnes and Noble Nook requires the EPUB format. The Calibre application supports both formats (and others).
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
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Calibre was mention in several how-to articles about using Word.
You would think Word would just add it as a supported file type.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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If it's an open standard and is gaining popularity with devices especially suitable for reading electronic format material. +1
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.
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Bump primarily to allow more people the opportunity to support the idea of having electronic manuals available in the ePub format.
Last edited by Jim Fogle; 01/10/18 12:49 PM. Reason: Removed misinformation
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BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school.
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64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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I muri sono creature... scontrose
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Get it done correctly so that text size works and graphics are viewable.
+1
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Band-in-a-Box, BiaB-plugin, Reaper, Win10 64bit, i7-8565U, 24GB RAM (always latest versions)
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Here are the reasons I believe this request to be worthwhile:
(1) EPUB is built on the Open Web Platform. HTML, XML, CSS, JavaScript and SVG can be used for content authoring. The PG Music webmaster and documentation group use these tools every day so they will not need much time to become familiar with using them in this context.
(2) Using the Open Web Platform means all formatting technology needed to display a document on screens of all sizes and resolutions is readily available to PG Music.
(3) As a web based document EPUB allows the use of GIF (single and multiple images), JPEG (images), PNG (images), SVG (content documents), MP3 (audio), MP4 (audio), Javascript and many other applications. Expanding the documentation through the use of these applications opens the door to the use of content based tool tips, multiple GIF images with audio demonstrating new features.
(4) PG Music documentation will become an offline resource users can view on any digital device, any time they want to.
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I'm all plus one for this. I'll have to try again now that I have newer versions of Word to see if I can convert the PDF and see what kind of result I get.
With a Kindle, as long as the file is in MOBI format, you can email the file to your Kindle account on Amazon (look online at your Amazon account to find the email address) and it will appear in your downloadable library. It will then display text in scalable fonts; however, be aware it will only use fonts available to Kindle (so you might see some weirdness).
That being said, the Word file I converted for Diamond Cut Productions for their DCArt (Audio Restoration Tools) is now offered as an option on their web site for the user documentation (in both MOBI and EPUB formats).
It should not be that difficult to do the same with PGMusic documentation. And Calibre is free!
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
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I have the Manual PDF on an iPad which is ok.
I have found generally using Calibre on PDFs is not all that successful and often end up with a document that is almost unusable, say on a Kindle.
I do find however, now that the manuals are online, they are a really great tool. The online manual is easily searched. It can be scaled (on an iPad) very simply. I doubt the manual would be much chop on a Kindle or similar eReader.
My thoughts after a bit of a think.
Tony
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home,
Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612
BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
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The online manuals are a blessing. I'm VERY grateful PG Music has made both Windows and Mac manuals available online.
However, many e-readers and some tablets are offline only devices. I know this is true for both my e-reader and my wife's tablet. I use a USB memory stick to load E-books, updates, music files and videos to these devices.
Interesting side note, I download books using my account with the local library. Those files have a return time just like there is when I check out a physical book. When the return date occurs the file automatically deletes. I can extend my check out date if I extend prior to the return date and the book has no calls from other users.
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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.
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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.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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