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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Hi there!

I Copied all my .mgu songs (thousands of hours of work), and when I open any song in 2022, there are only very tiny bar-based lyrics showing up above the staffs on my Melody and Solo screens.

I installed all of BIAB and it went smoothly (BIAB hard drive). Updated BIAB. Updated Windows 10.

Everything else WORKS in 2022, everything else about 2022 is frankly, incredible. But this?!

These files display and play PERFECTLY in BIAB 2011. (whether line or bar-based).

I have sent e-mails to tech support and was told to first delete fonts, etc. Ridiculous. Then, was told that this is normal, that these are bar-based. I can't even read these lyrics, very small, and none of the lyrics display where they should be, or, not at all.

Lyrics should appear, once entered, whether bar-based or line based, BELOW the Treble Clef and ABOVE the Bass Clef.

I have checked EVERY setting imaginable, and this just does not make sense.

Has anyone else seen this?

Help, please!

Thank you.

David

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Before 2016, Band-in-a-Box had line-based lyrics instead of bar-based. A line spanned over 4 bars, and was limited to 78 characters (19-20 characters per bar). With bar-based lyrics each bar has a limit if 255 characters, so you don't have to cram everything together without spaces.

When opening a song in current versions, line-based lyrics are automatically converted to bar-based. The settings for this are found at Options > Preferences > Overrides.

The latest update patch (build 924) has been fixed so that your lyrics will have spaces inserted before capital letters.
Click here to download build 924.


As for the font size, go to Options > Preferences > Display. You can choose the font, size, color, and background color here. This affects how the lyrics are displayed in both Notation and the chord sheet.





Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
Bar-Lyrics font options.jpg (180.26 KB, 111 downloads)
Display Options
Last edited by Blake - PG Music; 07/14/22 06:05 AM.

Blake

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Hi David,

In addition to what Blake has mentioned...

When you used the line based lyrics, how did you use them?

The reason I'm asking is because once I have an idea of how you want to use them in mind, I'll try to come up with a solution for you.

You mention Melody and Soloist... does this mean that you used Notation editor to view/read the lyrics on the melody or soloist track while you played the song?

Regards,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Thank you Blake! I really appreciate your response.

This is first I've heard of another upate. Installed it!
No install problems whatsoever, as before.

The bar lyrics did not auto install into the song, but I was able to look into Overides:'Convert now'and that brought up some lyrics. The tiny lyrics then showed up well up above the notation. That "lyrics" line was about 3/32 of an inch.

Screenshot 1:
I didn't see your screenshot at first but I am able now to increase the lyric bar vertical size from 3/32 to about 1/2 inch, and between. That HELPS me be able to at least SEE and read lyrics.

A. These BAR lyrics are not displayed anywhere near the notation.
B. As you can see, the BAR lyrics do not line up with the notation
(without painstaking editing).


Screenshot 2:
LEADSHEET screenshot... I edited the bar lyrics some so that they line up better. But there are NO LYRICS whatsoever showing in the leadsheet.


1. I should not have to edit these broken up lyrics for another thousand hours
2. The lyrics should be displayed WITHIN the staves. This is not any kind of readable 'sheet music' appearance that I need to play keyboards, sing and perform live.
3. Is there an easy way at this point to turn the bar based into note based?
4. Can the BAR be lowered (is that a pun? :>) so it is under the Treble staff?

Thank you,
David

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
BIAB Forum 1.png (246.91 KB, 55 downloads)
BIAB Forum 2.png (172.15 KB, 49 downloads)
Last edited by David1970; 07/15/22 03:14 AM.
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Thank you. The lyrics are currently displayed nowhere near the notation, but above. (Lyrics should be just under the Treble-Clef, under each note), and, above the Bass clef. That's the way lyrics should display, just like a sheet of music.

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Originally Posted By: David1970

The bar lyrics did not auto install into the song, but I was able to look into Overides-'Convert now'. The tiny lyrics then showed up above.

Right, the line-based lyrics are only automatically converted if the song file has:
line-based lyrics
no bar-based lyrics
So if the lyrics were previously converted, and you re-saved the song,
then you just need to use Convert now to re-convert them (as you have done).



Originally Posted By: David1970

None of this improved the tiny lyrics I see in the light blue bar up above. That "lyrics" line is about 3/32 of an inch.
Tiny, ridiculous display.

Did you choose the font size as well as the font name? See my comparison picture below.
I used Bahnschrift Condensed (the characters are tall & narrow) size 28.
It does not look the same as 2015, but I find it easier to read with the words split apart.



Originally Posted By: David1970

Why are the lyrics not displayed anywhere near the notation? (should be just under the Treble-Clef), and above Bass clef.

In 2015 (and earlier) the line-based lyrics were at the top of the notation screen.

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
Lyrics 2022 vs 2015.jpg (436.17 KB, 65 downloads)

Blake

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Oh my gosh Blake! I apologize about the lyrics being "below". You are absolutely right, the lyrics were above.

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And to actually see the lyrics so I can Print, you have to go into the Leadsheet and select the Lyric to be above or below the staff.

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