Hi Stephen My suggestion, and that of many of the forum, is to build the song out in linear form completely before working on the returns. Set the song to have 1 repeat and 100 or so bars. Do not try to use the built BIAB return. If you need the print out to look like a fake book, do it after the song plays through correctly from bar 1 to the final chord.
I haven't downloaded your song yet, but I think most of your problems will go away once you build out the song comletely.
BIAB for Windows Version 2019 (643) Windows 10 (1909)
I am afraid to have to agree with Dave on this one. Despite the fact that BIAB claims it can utilize all these arrangement shortcuts (See figure below) I personally have never been able to make it work. In the early days I tried hard since I worked alot with fakebook arrangements similar to what you showed, but alas it was beyond my pay grade. I just accepted that the linear arrangement was the way to make it happen. But good luck to you I admire your efforts. Perhaps one day someone will come along to show us all the way.
Thank you Dave and MusicStudent, I really appreciate your help. I had a feeling that might be what was needed (to write out the song in full).
I won't start now, as it's mid-afternoon in Ireland, and I'm heading off to get my COVID vaccine in the morning (3 hour round trip to the vaccination center). But it will give me something to do next week, if I'm laid-low by the side-effects.
Once you have built the song, then you can use the 1st/2nd ending dialog to create the face book. This song is a bit unusual in that is uses a DS following the second ending that appears to use the first chorus, including its ending before repeating the last couple of bars.
If that is what it is supposed to do, the I would use 1st/2nd/3rd endings and manipulate the chords to fit.
Don't forget to delete ALL of your existing repeats before starting to put new ones in.
BIAB for Windows Version 2019 (643) Windows 10 (1909)
This song is a bit unusual in that is uses a DS following the second ending that appears to use the first chorus, including its ending before repeating the last couple of bars.
I partly picked it because it has more than one example of something I had no idea how to deal with in BIAB. If I don't encounter at least 3 steep learning curves a week, I get bored.
Originally Posted By: Dave
If that is what it is supposed to do, the I would use 1st/2nd/3rd endings and manipulate the chords to fit.Don't forget to delete ALL of your existing repeats before starting to put new ones in.
Dave's advice reminded me that you first have to write out the entire arrangement in long (linear) form and only then can you go back and insert the D.S., and associated navigation markers and multiple endings. I think that is what is required. If you do get this figured out, please post the final result.
There are often many ways to do things in BIAB. I prefer not using the extended one-chorus method because I like 5to make use of the middle chorus for a solo over the B section busier rhythm that it selects automatically (there's a setting for this). However, if you decide to do one long form as recommended, and it does make good sense, then you really don't have to work too hard to prepare it. You can just do block copying of what you already have and construct the new long form pretty quickly. It's not like to have to re-type anything.
You sure are picking simple songs...
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.
There are often many ways to do things in BIAB. I prefer not using the extended one-chorus method because I like 5to make use of the middle chorus for a solo over the B section busier rhythm that it selects automatically (there's a setting for this).
Great to hear from you, Matt. I'd be interested in an alternative, just in case I have slack day.
Originally Posted By: Matt Finley
You sure are picking simple songs...
They don't call me..."I'll take the hard-way any day' Power (that's my surname), for nothing.
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
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.
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.
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.
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.