In BIAB Win 2021 I am looking at the Show Form display. It looks like it could be helpful with song creation and analysis. But I cannot discern what it is showing. Please, Is someone able to share some light on this feature?
I get to the [Show form] button on the Edit Repeats and Endings dialog. It is in the bottom left corner. The Help under Add/Edit Repeats and Endings has a section titled Examining The Form Of A Song. One of the points is that it shows the form in 2-bar sections.
Example song [Chords] | C| F| C| G| C| F| C| G| | C| G| C| F| C F / /| C G / /| C G / /| C F / /|
Show Form display [A] ,0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7 [A] ,0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7 [-] ,99
I accept that it might be me, I may simply being too 'tik' to get it today. thanks Roy
I'm not sure if this is the 'Show Form' or the 'Song Form' you are referring to. Song Form is discussed in detail on pager 135 of the 2021 manual (available from BiaB > Help > Program Manuals).
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.
Thanks for the clarification. In my effort to assist, I searched the manual for the text SHOW FORM and nothing was found.
Perhaps there is missing data in the manual? I'll report it.
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.
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.
When I click on "Help", and scroll down the topic, I see the following:
Quote:
Examining The Form Of A Song
Right-click on Chord Sheet then select Repeats/Codas/1st- 2nd Endings and click on the [Show form…] button.
This displays a summary of the form of the song as examined by Band-in-a-Box. This is useful for analyzing the form of the song, in case you want to add your own repeats and endings manually, and want a quick summary of the form. Band-in-a-Box shows you the form in 2-bar sections. A typical AABA song might display a form like this.
0, 1, 2, 3
0, 1, 2, 4
5, 6, 7, 8
0, 1, 2, 4
Each of these numbers represents a unique 2 bar section of the song. You can see the first section (0, 1, 2, 3) is similar to the second section (0, 1, 2, 4) in fact they differ only in the last 2 bars. So this would be a good candidate for a 1st/2nd ending. Also the last A section of 0, 1, 2, 4 is identical to the 2nd A section, so would be a good candidate for a DC al Coda symbol.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA
*Wherever the same numeral occurs, this means that those two bars of chords defined by their first appearance occur.
*Since your second group of [A] is exactly the same as the first, then the 16 bars are identical to the first group.
Let's say I had the progression...
C|F|C|G|C|C|F|F
First section...
C|F = 0 C|G = 1 C|C = 2 F|F = 3
C|F|C|G|C|Dm|G|C
Second section...
C|F = 0 (this has already been defined) C|G = 1 (also defined above) C|Dm = 4 (it's a new chord pair so it takes a new numeral) G|C = 5 (another new chord pair)
This means, that if I want to use repeats, I could repeat the first 4 bars of the first section and and then jump to a second ending for the last four bars represented by chords 4 and 5.
OK Noel, Thanks for the insight. I am tracking with you on the logical representation of 8 pairs of bars. That is what I was expecting. It becomes a code to represent the sets of chord pairs. In your example the code is from 0 to 5.
Does your example work for you? | C| F| C| G| C| C| F| F| | C| F| C| G| C| Dm| G| C|
I tried it with the 16 chords you proposed. Alas, I get the same output Show Form display [A] ,0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7 [A] ,0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7 [-] ,99
OH WAITIF I replicate the 16 bars and make the song 64 Bars long . . . then Show Form displays [A] ,0,1,2,3 [A] ,0,1 ,4,5 [A] ,0,1,2,3 [A] ,0,1 ,4,5 [A] ,0,1,2,3 [A] ,0,1 ,4,5 [A] ,0,1,2,3 [A] ,0,1 ,4,5 [-] ,99
The mystery is a little less mysterious, with the 64 bars it begins to show the Song Form code.
I experimented with several other combinations of chords in 32, 48 & 64 bars, the results were erratic, unreliable and all over the map.
I am going to move on and try go on living without this SongForm report. Thanks still for the help RrR
Originally Posted By: Noel96
Hi Roy, ... Let's say I had the progression... C|F|C|G|C|C|F|F First section...
C|F = 0 C|G = 1 C|C = 2 F|F = 3
C|F|C|G|C|Dm|G|C Second section...
C|F = 0 (this has already been defined) C|G = 1 (also defined above) C|Dm = 4 (it's a new chord pair so it takes a new numeral) G|C = 5 (another new chord pair)
This means, that if I want to use repeats, I could repeat the first 4 bars of the first section and and then jump to a second ending for the last four bars represented by chords 4 and 5. Regards, Noel
That's strange that the 16-bars I used didn't work for you. They did for me. Did you generate the song? BIAB usually does its calculation things during generation.
The SGU file I used is below. I had my song set to one chorus. That might have made a difference.
IMPORTANT... I've changed the extension of the file to .txt so that I can upload it to the forum. You will need to change it back to .SGU so that it can be loaded into BIAB. (It is a BIAB song file.)
Thank Noel, the song you attached worked You may have exposed the key to the mystery with the suggestion to Generate. the 16 bar song form worked and a 48 bar generated version song form also worked
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.
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
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)
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