I've kinda been holding back from commenting too much until I've had a chance to actually use BIAB 2026 on some real projects. So far I can easily acknowledge that this represents substantial improvement to BIAB! But, I would also agree with ZeroZero on certain points.

Anyone can see that the main screen UI is dramatically improved. Once I switched to dark mode and changed the font from the "classic" BIAB font I felt the main screen UI looks as good or better than anything else out there!

[Linked Image from petrichoric.com]

I mean, c'mon, that is light years from where it came from, right?

[Linked Image from petrichoric.com]
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My suggestion to PGM for immediate implementation: In the next build for 2026, and in all of your marketing materials/presentations, set the default color scheme to dark and change the font to a common, modern Windows/Mac font.

What made me stop and go "WOW!" was DrDan's screenshot of the main screen UI AFTER he had modified it (DrDan's post )!

Out of the box, for me, it was still too reminiscent of older versions of BIAB. For something this cool, I think you should dress it up to look new and exciting without remnants from the past like the old font and background color.
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One of the main places where I agree with ZeroZero is, once you get past the beautiful new main screen UI you quickly remember you're back in Windows 95 territory!

[Linked Image from petrichoric.com]

There are so many of these "classic" Windows screens and dialogs, all loaded up with hundreds of obscure options and settings, that it makes my eyes roll whenever I have to go there. Thank goodness for folks here who know the program so well that I can usually just ask how to do something and I get a kind response with a roadmap to the option or setting I'm seeking. I fear new users or prospective younger users might be quite put off by this aspect.
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My suggestion to PGM for future implementation: You need to tame this beast! And we know it won't be easy because there are so many settings and options spread all over the place in this program. Maybe start by moving all non-essential stuff to a less visible area. And make the most commonly used settings and options easier to find. This is a tough one but if you can pull it off that will make the program a lot easier to use.
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My suggestion to PGM for near-term implementation: Change the screens and dialogs throughout the program to match the dark mode main screen UI. They will still be complex but they will look more modern.
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In summary, I am really looking forward to exploring the new main screen UI as it looks really beautiful and seems to offer significant workflow improvements! I think the PGM team deserves a big round of applause for this version. And I hope more UI improvements throughout are planned!