Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,870
zedd Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,870
Hey Folks,

Almost all modern Mac applications have an "Open Recent" option under the File Menu.

It would be a very nice addition to the file menu so that we can easily open up a song we were working on a few hours ago or the day before. Most "Open Recent" lists display at least 10 of the most recently opened files but user preferences can sometimes determine how many will show.

Here is my mockup of what it would look like...



I have created workarounds for the absence of the "Open Recent" option, but I would love for the streamlined efficiency of being able to quickly review and select from a list like that.

Sometimes I save multiple versions of a song which have been regenerated in different ways. Being able to see them all in a pop-out menu like that and the selecting whichever one I want to go back to in an instant would be so helpful.

It would also be cool if the existing "Select Favorite / Recently Used Styles" would also pop-out a menu where you could immediately choose the one you want and let go of the mouse to activate it, rather than opening up another window and creating more click steps. With the pop-out menu, letting go selects the target file so it saves 2 unnecessary clicks.

Thanks in advance,

Zedd


BIAB 2024 Audiophile, MacPro (Mid-2010) OSX 10.12.6
DAW: Digital Performer 8

Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,514
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,514
Pretty standard, useful command. You're right. I don't recall seeing this idea here before, so good job.

+1


BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,074
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,074
Yes, I always use <Shift><F3>, but selecting from the drop-down would be a great addition.


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.
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,569
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,569
+1

Good idea.


Back in my day the only time we started panic buying was when the bartender shouted "last call"!

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944
Thanks


Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 1
N
Newbie
Offline
Newbie
N
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 1
YES !!!
I miss this feature too

Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,514
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,514
I'm all for this, but I have an implementation question.

What happens when you move the BIAB external USB drive from one computer to another? I know some users do that.

I think it would make sense to store the Recent files list on each computer rather than the removable drive, even if you are running the main program from the removable drive on both machines. Thus, the list could be different on each computer, and that's OK. Make sense?


BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,074
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,074
The recent files list would probably live in INTRFACE.BBW, which I think is installed on the local PC drive even for a minimum install.

I notice this idea was acknowledged in 2016, but obviously never happened, so I guess it's unlikely to ever be implemented.


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.
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,851
C
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,851
<< It would be a very nice addition to the file menu so that we can easily open up a song we were working on a few hours ago or the day before. Most "Open Recent" lists display at least 10 of the most recently opened files but user preferences can sometimes determine how many will show. >>

Based on this original statement, I thought this issue related only to Mac versions, but there have been several comments by Windows users that haven't referred to this feature being available in the Windows versions.

In my BIAB Windows version, there is a 'recently opened files' list I can use to open up a song I was working on from a few hours ago or days ago. There's a list of the last five opened songs. Is the request asking for something different than what the attached screen shots display?

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
Recent Files Opened.jpg (177.22 KB, 48 downloads)
Help File documenttion.jpg (194.86 KB, 44 downloads)

BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,635
J
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
J
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,635
this need baffles me...i just use the file menu for recents .

like charlie shows....also when im demoing lots of styles i add the word LATEST to last save before i close down bb so i know where i am when i come back to bb.

om 🇨🇦🇨🇦 🇬🇧🇬🇧


my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..)
https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs
(90 songs created useing bb/rb)
(lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,074
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,074
Quote
... there's a list of the last five opened songs. Is the request asking for something different?
Answer: Yes. The suggestion is for this to be a user definable value, not fixed at 5.

"It would be a very nice addition to the file menu so that we can easily open up a song we were working on a few hours ago or the day before. Most "Open Recent" lists display at least 10 of the most recently opened files but user preferences can sometimes determine how many will show. "


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.
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,851
C
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,851
Originally Posted by AudioTrack
Quote
... there's a list of the last five opened songs. Is the request asking for something different?
Answer: Yes. The suggestion is for this to be a user definable value, not fixed at 5.

"It would be a very nice addition to the file menu so that we can easily open up a song we were working on a few hours ago or the day before. Most "Open Recent" lists display at least 10 of the most recently opened files but user preferences can sometimes determine how many will show. "

I saw this but it's a second request that's dependent on the poster's first request to exist. It expands on the first which I interpreted that open recent files does not exist in Mac BIAB based on the title of the post and the opening statement.

also, "I have created workarounds for the absence of the "Open Recent" option, but I would love for the streamlined efficiency of being able to quickly review and select from a list like that." has the word 'absence' which infers there's no list to add user variable preference to how many recent songs listed.

I didn't address the second expanded wish assuming the Mac version must not have the recent opened menu list the same as the Windows versions have and I was confused that no Windows users confirmed the recent open list shown in the screen shots I attached from my Windows BIAB.


BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!

If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!

If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!

Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!

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!

Order now!

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.

Happy New Year!

Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.

Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,088
Posts800,048
Members40,031
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
Newest Members
misoprostol, roshan2121, Din, AurealiusB, sam31985
40,031 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 143
rsdean 93
WaoBand 91
DC Ron 91
DrDan 69
Today's Birthdays
(charlie), WobblyGstring
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5