A question about what I think is a "missing feature" for Section Text in Print Options...
My chosen settings allow me to see JUST the bar lines, chords in between, and bar lyrics underneath the chords when in the LEAD SHEET window.
It took me awhile to sort out the settings of what controls what.
In the MAIN WINDOW, under the Chord Display button, I can choose to show Bar-based Lyrics and/or Section Text. (I'm using Section Text to remind myself where I've added or muted instruments, alerts for a key change, or any other details I want to easily see while working on the song. It's a great feature!)
Checking or unchecking the Bar Lyrics and/or Section Text in this sub-menu controls both of the on-screen views of the main chord chart window and the the notation window.
However, if I want to see / or not see the Bar-based lyrics in the Lead Sheet View, this is controlled only from the Print Options. I can choose one of 4 options: No bar-based Lyrics, Above, Below, and Separate.
For my use-case, I choose "Bar-based Lyrics Below" with a position of 1. I can see the Lyrics under the chords in both in the Lead Sheet View and the "OK generate preview" from the Print Options. If I choose "No bar-based Lyrics" in the Print Options, then the lyrics disappear from the Lead Sheet View.
My problem: I found out Section Text can not be turned on or off the way bar lyrics can. It shows all the time.
I recently worked on a song where I added a lot of Section Text throughout the song. It's very helpful on the main screen when working on the song, but this is not any information I need to see on the lead sheet view or a printed lead sheet. Does anyone know a work-around to this? The Layers sub-menu has no relevance to the lead sheet view and the printed document.
I hope that a control can be added in the Print Options to turn it on or off, just like the setting for the bar based lyrics. I realize this is an individual use-case, but maybe I'm not the only one. It would be nice to have the option to show or not show it.
I think more global options for section text need to be included, as well. I'm going to save a new version of this song without the text, so I can print my lead sheet. It looks like I will have to go through and delete the text measure by measure. It'd be nice to have a sub-menu for Section Text under "Edit" like there is for Lyrics (with options like "Erase Bar-Based Lyrics").
Kudos to all the BIAB staff for the hard work they do to continually update the program. I originally bought it in 2018, then upgraded in 2020, and although I tried numerous times to get going with it, it was just too daunting and didn't seem to do what I wanted. However, after reading about some of the amazing additions from 2021 to present, I decided to upgrade to 2023.
I am now absolutely loving it. The new features that have been added since 2020 are what I'm using the most. I had started dabbling with Reaper last year, so that has helped so much, to understand BIAB better in working with tracks, midi, etc. I'm finally somewhat successfully making some backing tracks, although it took 5 years to get started!
I think more global options for section text need to be included, as well. I'm going to save a new version of this song without the text, so I can print my lead sheet. It looks like I will have to go through and delete the text measure by measure. It'd be nice to have a sub-menu for Section Text under "Edit" like there is for Lyrics (with options like "Erase Bar-Based Lyrics").
That is a good point. There should be a separate option for section text. A work-around I found is to Copy the track to a Utility track - the text is not copied (for better or for worse) - then you can print that track.
Hi Andrew - thanks for replying. Hopefully, you can work in options for section text similar to bar lyrics. That would be great.
I played around with the info you posted as a work-around and I'm baffled. I'm not seeing any way to *NOT* see the section text on the Lead Sheet. I tried copying, I see the text showing on the Lead Sheet on ALL utility tracks, whether they are empty or have been copied into. What am I missing?
Just to clarify, I created a fake song (to avoid any copyright issues ) and attached some pics.
1 - Shows my chord chart with bar lyrics and section text turned on and text entered. Shows the lead sheet view in the same pic and the clashing text. The bar lyrics have an adjustment in the Print options. Where you see the lyrics sit in relation to the chords is at a 1. For lyrics below the chords 1 is the only option that works. That's as close to the chords as it will go.
2 - The Print Preview, showing the same thing. (The lead sheet view and the Print Preview are never exactly alike, but they both consistently have the clashing text.)
3 - Print option box showing that I deleted the Title, since for my purpose, it takes up way to much space, and makes all the chords and lyrics that much smaller to read on my ipad.
4 - Chord Chart after I went in and manually deleted the section text one measure at a time. I couldn't find any options to delete all section text, like there are with bar lyrics. Also, notice that the Song Title has disappeared!
5 - After removing section text on the main chord chart, and removing the Title, I can get a pdf to my liking. Then I have to remember to type the title back in.
Ideally, the section text could be adjustable with a number scale, just like the bar lyrics, so that each could be adjusted to be in their own lane and not clash, AND to turn OFF for those, like me, who don't want to see it.
It would also be great if there were some controls to determine how much or little space the title would take up (font size) and for it to not eliminate the main title, if we don't want it to print.
I'm having a few other print issues, but will save it for another post.
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.
) and attached some pics.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean