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I thought I'd start a thread here with what I hope are constructive thoughts on the manuals, and ideas on how to make them easier to read and understand.
I'd earlier said in a thread started by malevans that I thought the manual was "cluttered", so I thought I should expand on that. Someone also mentioned the Reaper manual as quite a good example, though there are several others. Reaper, BTW, have a footnote on each page with a link to LULU.com who are one of several organisations that offer printed manuals on demand.
Some of that "clutter" is due to probable documentation conventions, which could be made more concise by declaring those conventions somewhere, possibly right near the start of the manual. For example the convention used for buttons: [Style] if explicitly defined in the conventions as a button, would negate the need within the body text to say "using the [Style] button". Icons are good, though can be confusing when there are multiple GUI styles available, e.g., the monochrome or coloured icons styles.
Similarly predefine font meanings. Generally, the fewer fonts the better, though in manuals for software, "fewer" is usually quite hard to achieve.
Similarly sequences of actions. I personally tend to use, e.g., File->Load_Style_Special->"filename"->[OK] to describe a sequence. I note that the | symbol is used in some places, which is OK (though for me | means "or"). This would reduce the desire/need to use verbal descriptions.
A common problem in the manuals for many applications is that a section describing something, e.g., perhaps the MIDI Settings, without telling the user, right at that point, how to get to that something. Incidentally, I picked that from the index, expecting to see the instructions for setting up a MIDI device.
During a main explanation, focus upon a "preferred" way to do something, offering "other ways to do this" as a separate item. Then each of the sequences can be described completely in and of itself.
Hierarchically numbering every header helps navigation, and also helps suggestions or error-reports to focus closely to the correct location. In my specifications, where I need to incorporate similar changes, I usually number every paragraph, though most word-processors seem appallingly bad at doing that properly. A fall-back I've used is to number every line on every page, which is something with which most word-processors seem more adept. "Changed" indicators are often useful if the tools support them. You almost certainly already do that internally; it can be less useful in a published document, as it add clutter.
White-space, including indenting, helps quick navigation by eye and usually makes the document look nicer. On a .pdf document, white-space costs nothing. Printed it can, but better clarity can often reduce the number of pages needed.
It's worth looking at the keyboard shortcuts section and considering how an additional line before each sub-header and indenting the keys from that header would make it easier to use. At present, it isn't easy to pick out the subheadings from the keys. It's worth noting that many publishers consider the white-space to be the most important part of a document, yet we ordinary folk tend to forget it, particularly when close to a particular text. It can pay sometimes, just to hold a page at arms-length and look at it.
It's surprising how much the choice of font affects the appearance of a document. Some publishers are quite obsessive about fonts. I can see why. I take some care with them, but I'm neither obsessive, nor really a publisher.
Good indices are a Godsend, but are also darned hard work to do well. The best indices are defined manually by the authors, based upon good keywords by which people will want to look for things, but that's a huge task which most of us baulk at. Sometimes what's important is to exclude things that are not so helpful. BiaB's index is not actually bad, though it could be better.
I think a separate sub-section just for the chord-entry shortcuts might be worthwhile.
In quite a few documents, I despair at the standard of grammar and punctuation. I have to say that I haven't noticed any real howlers, no "xxx was charged with murder in the court today".
The following may well not be feasible with BiaB now, and is much more software design than manual. Some software has a philosophy: "Everything that you can do with any object will be found in a right-click menu on that object".
I think I've written more than enough for now.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Very Well said GS. I concur.
I have, in the past, taken content out of the pdf into Word to reformat for precisely the reasons you outline here.
the manual is large and it is superb to have it in two file formats. I Often search the file for info I am after.
How do you feel about a collaborative community project to reformat the Manual?
Assuming we obtain PGM consultative support for the project. And use of IP approval.
Use something like GitHub for version control
RrR
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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How do you feel about a collaborative community project to reformat the Manual?
Assuming we obtain PGM consultative support for the project. And use of IP approval.
Use something like GitHub for version control
RrR It's certainly something I would be prepared to keep in mind. I think there's a good change PGM may be amenable to the idea as, it seems to me, they must know the manual has been less than perfect for some time, but I suspect they also well understand that it'll likely be a huge task. If they were amenable, then some dialogue to firm up ideas like mine above, though not necessarily actually mine above ... I'm sure others have comparable thoughts ... then we could establish a convention and potentially have many people working towards the same goal. I just thought to look if there are other language versions. There appears not to be. That's a relief for now, but offers perhaps both a challenge and an opportunity for the future.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Jun 2012
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How do you feel about a collaborative community project to reformat the Manual?
Assuming we obtain PGM consultative support for the project. And use of IP approval.
Use something like GitHub for version control It could possibly work if you had enough people who were passionate and capable enough. They would have to put in a ton of work. And even if they succeeded would need to reconvene every year to cover new and changed features. In my life in tech I have seen many attempts at a project like this but not many successes. And even the successes were never sustained for long. My opinion is this effort has to come from those who have a vested interest, namely, PGM.
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Jan 2015
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OP
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My opinion is this effort has to come from those who have a vested interest, namely, PGM. Indeed. My reason for posting was to share some ideas that may help and perhaps to encourage PGM, rather than to suggest a user-authored manual. Also, if I'm honest, the brutal and vindictive way I was treated by my last employer has left me struggling with some mental issues, particularly around focus on a task. I used to be bullet proof unstoppable. Now I struggle at least some of the time most days.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 110
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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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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
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Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
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No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
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Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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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!
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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.
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