I have asked PG 967 times since 1954 to add this feature...
I shouldn't laugh, I know it's frustrating, but you can't blame me for having a quiet chuckle
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.
Maybe slightly exaggerated. I tried it with BB2016 as it has XML export, took about 10secs to get the Audacity Labels. As well as saving to text file it can be made to write the Chord markers to midi file along with held chords, that can also be saved.
I have asked PG 967 times since 1954 to add this feature. I asked Adar to add it to the BBPlugin code, that is a different code, and he added it. In the PIC below you don't have to learn Reaper to do that, and as I said I can modify the script to save it to a text file that can Import into Audacity. Reaper is free to try n try n try n try n try......til your heart's content then you can pay for it if you so like. As long as BB2016 exports to musicxml.
I was born in 1954 :-) Maybe if you try 1,000 time they will listen.
I am afraid to use Reaper because it is probably better than Audacity. My goal is to be as good a market trader and guitarist as can be expected for my age. My weakness is being easily distracted. Reaper will distract me. I also need to use Audacity for the club (free and simple encourages more to participate).
I had to hide from email all day to get one song done by tonight. Six more to go (I just realized I didn't count correctly) :-) Even if I decided to try you idea I would not get to it for probably 2 or 3 weeks.
If you have a program script that can process the BIAB ABC file that would get me interested. If I was determined t o write that script in access I would schedule it for the summer.
I know ! as I typed that in I heard "that is your age", I pick up the vibes.
Ok, I'll have a look a making a script to convert the ABC to Audacity Label. I did make/modify one in the forum Biab Chords to ImproVisor maybe modify that or make an AutoHotKey one.
This is working on 4/4. I need to work out the 3/4 but 3/4 is not importing the chords back to Biab on beat 3 as they go to beat 4 (greyed out) so there is an issue there. *remove .mp4 and install the latest version of www.autohotkey.com set the Autohotkey.exe to run as admin.
I already use a program called Macro-express which runs on windows hotkey shortcut triggers. I am heavily invested in this program (can't remove it). Is this autohotkey likely to create issues with it?
I don't understand why you say delete the Mp4. I see no MP4 in the ABC export out of BIAB file. Whatever you are programming my understanding is it will read the ABC file into memory (Just like I would write in access) and create a file that Audacity can read in (just like I would write in access). I have zero doubt I can write such an access program. It isn't easy but it is a lot easier than other stuff I have written.
I have about 10 access programming projects I want to write but I have higher priorities so they keep getting put off. This access script I might write for the Audacity Labels file is pretty low priority compared to those other programming projects. I am not even sure the other musicians will use it (ts a trivial extra that might be useful at times). I would not go too crazy with this project unless you really love to program (a fun puzzle to figure out). I have been programming so long now that it has lost all its novelty for me. It's just a tool I still use a fair bit. Its not a be all and end all in itself.
I did that, my virus checker didn't care for it. I moved it to the virus chest. Can't afford any problems. Like I said it isn't that important. If PG-Music decides it has economic value that's great. Otherwise that is fine too. If I get freed up I will write the code in MS-Access.
I ran your program again after the Avast Labs people got back to me to verify your program was safe (one never knows these days). Thanks for your efforts so far. It crapped. See picture. I tried a few things to get around the error but no cigar. The file data is below. I noticed this file data is a lot simpler than the other one I posted.
In your original post you wanted midi markers like the BBPlugin now has. I showed you how to do this with Reaper. But then you wanted to import them into Audacity, so I made a script to do this in Reaper, but you did not want to use Reaper, so I made an AutoHotKey script to do it, but you did not want to install AutoHotKey, so I compiled it to an exe, then you got a virus on your computer, because the exe I made had a virus in it. You seem to be blocked at every turn, the only option you are left with is type the labels up manually or wait and hope that PG will add an Audacity Label export.
For any other users that need this just use Reaper, it will do it all.
I compiled it to an exe, then you got a virus on your computer, because the exe I made had a virus in it
My prior post does not suggest your exe has a virus in it. Avast suspected it might have a virus which scared me a bit. Avast suggested I move your exe to the virus vault and wait for their lab to review your exe and get back to me as to whether it is safe to run or not. So I decided to follow the avast recommendation. They got back to me the next day and said your code did not have a virus (I said that in My prior post). So I decided to again go with the Avast recommendation and run it. I then posted that your code appears to have a simple bug where it is adding .txt at the end of its file read command and thus is unable to find the ABC file.
I should add that I had a use for Chord symbol labels in Audacity today. It is the first time actually. I made a mistake and removed the BIAB count in on my current project. Someone joined in and submitted a track without a count-in. I had to manually add a label track and manually add a few chord labels in order to get his track lined up. So it is a good feature for PG-Music to put in and to be honest users having to write the code is not really all that efficient. It makes a lot more sense for PG-Music to have a checkbox which remembers to stay checked as I recommend in my first post of this thread. Clearly it will get used now and then and not just by me.
Are there any plans to put in the feature request I mention in the very first post. Once it is in I won't be able to resist an upgrade (assuming I am aware of it) as I am creating chord labels in every Audacity mix now as you can see in the attached picture. What would also be useful would be a second set of labels for the sections of the song which is controlled by the BIAB part markers. Maybe something like this in a standard 32 bar song with 3 choruses.
C1-1A (c1 meaning chorus 1) C1-9A C1-17A C1-25B C2-1A (c2 meaning chorus 2) C3-9A C4-17A C5-25B C2-1A (c3 meaning chorus 3) C3-9A C4-17A C5-25B
Pipeline just reminded me that I can write a script using the BIAB abc file export. I kind of forgot because I did not have much of a need for this until recently then all of a sudden it became really important.
A attached a picture with the abc file and some ideas for how the MS-access program will process it. I know MS-Access and its VBA language well enough that I will have the script done within about 8 to 16 hours hours. It will be able to handle jazz songs where the melody is outside the chorus as well. It will automatically create both chord labels and section labels (two files for import into Audacity). I am not sure exactly when I will start.
The wish-list request that I made in Post #1 of this thread needs an enhancement and I will be creating a 2nd very closely related request here as well.
The enhanced wish is to have a button on the BIAB export screen that opens a special screen to allow export of chord labels and click tracks to various popular DAWs. These export choices would be remembered. I attached a picture of how this might look. For me being able to export these tracks to multiple DAWs all at once would be a big time saver. I would use this feature probably once a week on average. When you study the picture it should become obvious that many new tracks would be exported with (only one button click each week) to a folder containing all tracks for the song and the chord label tracks and click tracks would need to be in the format "DAW-Name_Track-Type-Optional-Sub-Type" (Examples: Audacity_Labels_Chords.txt, Audacity_Labels_Sections.txt, Audacity_Clicks.wav, Reaper_Labels_Chords.mid, Reaper_Labels_Sections.mid). You might notice the 2nd picture shows song section labels and I have section labels in my example here but my first picture does not show a section label column. I missed that. A section label column would be needed to match the BIAB sections. I am not sure if all DAWs can handle this. Audacity certainly can as my 2nd picture shows. This would need to be investigated.
For me this 2nd feature would never be used if the main request above was put in. The 2nd related wish is to copy the feature demonstrated at this BIAB 2021 VST video jump into BIAB itself. Note that the BIAB 2022 VST has a C7 button for dragging items into the DAW. I personaally think this feature set is better in BIAB itself. There are several reason for this. 1/ The BIAB VSP plugin has a lot of bugs. 2/ The BIAB VSP stand alone plugin also has a lot of bugs. 3/ one of the bugs is you can't get the chords to copy properly from BIAB to the Plugin. Okay to be fair I have been emailing with support about these bugs and I believe they will eventually be fixed. However this leads to the final reason. 4/ I highly doubt the Plugin will EVER be as good as BIAB because BIAB is a massively great program. Why make a duplicate that is never likely to be as good?
I attached a few additional pictures that may help make this request clear.
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.
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)
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.
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