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Joined: Nov 2005
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OP
Expert
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,598 |
PG Music has done a great job with the redesign of the GUI in the 2026 version, a GUI that integrates elements that were previously scattered in different places into a single location, providing coherence, flexibility, and ease of use to the program. Most users have welcomed the new version positively, and they're right, as it represents a huge step forward compared to previous versions. However, after several days of using the new interface, there are several aspects that, in my opinion, continue to hinder the program and pose an obstacle to the workflow of most users. There are many aspects that could be considered, but if we focus exclusively on the GUI, there are IMO, three key areas: a) The Disconnection of the Different ViewsThe ability to work with different views is one of the greatest points of the new GUI; however, these views should be synchronized so that user actions in one view are reflected in the others. For example, if we have the "Chords" and "Tracks" views active and we select measures 5 to 10 in the first view, that selection should automatically be made in the "Tracks" window, or in any other view that is currently open. Or, if we mute the bass track in measure 5 via "Chord View > F5", the "Tracks" and "Audio" views should show that this track is muted by displaying a volume automation node. However, none of this works in BIAB. The user can maintain several views simultaneously, yes, but these views behave as if they were completely independent, which is not only counter-intuitive but (even worse) is a guarantee of unexpected behavious and bugs from the program. For instance, if we select some bars in the "Chords" view and some different bars in the "Tracks" view, and then press the "Del" key, how will the program know exactly what we want to delete? Note: Try it and you will see a very strange bug in the program. In summary, it is great to be able to have several views simultaneously, but these views must behave in a coordinated and coherent manner. b) The Lack of Contextual MenusMost users of modern music software are used to contextual menus: you select an element, right-click, and the program shows you a list with the commands you can perform on that element. However, in BIAB, these contextual menus are rare, and in some views (such as the "Tracks" view) they are almost non-existent. Suppose a user wants to regenerate measures 5 and 6 of the bass track in his project from the "Tracks" view, and that he has forgotten the convoluted keyboard shortcuts to do so directly (to make things more difficult, there are three of them). Most users would expect to simply select those two measures, right-click, and access a contextual menu showing, among others, the Regenerate command, right? Well, no. The right-click over a selection from the "Tracks" view does absolutely nothing. Instead, the user must make his selection and then click on a small arrow in the bottom right corner of the track, which shows an overcrowded menu with non-descriptive submenus, where he has to choose the correct option from three very similar ones, to finally be able to do what he wanted: ![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=31884&filename=Captura de pantalla 2025-12-08 173229.png) If that user does not use BIAB daily, I assure you that in a week he will have completely forgotten how to regenerate a part of a track (let alone memorizing the different key combinations —CTR+F8, Alt+F8, or F8— to execute practically identical commands). That's one of the main reasons why people uses to find BIAB difficult to use. So please, PG Music, add contextual menus! c) Inconsistency between Track TypesEdit commands should have the same effect on all the different track types (audio, RealTracks, RealDrums, MIDI, etc). For example, if we select a couple of measures on a track and press "Delete," that section should be erased. However, pressing "Delete" on any selection will have different effects depending on the track type: - With RealTracks: It works as expected. - With RealDrums: The user will get s a dialog box with the following question: "There is no RealTracks on this Track. Would you like to select one?". An old known bug. - With MIDI tracks: There is no effect at all. Again, the new GUI represents a very important step in the right direction and makes things much easier, but in my opinion, there are still certain basic aspects to improve, so that the BIAB GUI adheres to current standards and the workflow can be as fluid as it can be.
Latest BIAB version, latest build.
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Waitress "How did you find your steak sir"?
Me "I just looked next to the potatoes and there it was"!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Cerio, fantastic effort summarizing issues, most of which I really hope to see resolved in the next month or two., View consistency was a soft spot for a long time way before new UI. Now the time is better than ever to fix that. One item I disagree on. Mutes at the bar are tricky, they don't utilize nodes, but some kind of internal instructions. While I like the feature and logic of F5 (automated mutes / back to normal), nodes in traditional sense will not work. However some kind of indication throughout all views would be nice, even something simple as thin line, as we have in Chord sheet when settings at the bar are altered. And one item you mentioned, I want to amplify. Partial regeneration. I would bet that 1/2 of the users are not familiar with it at all, but it is likely one of the 3 top tools of the "box". It deserves it's own single press "action" button, not just context right click menu  By the way, that is how I have it programmed in Streamdeck. I select part of the track press single button on Streamdeck and get a new version of the segment. Rinse and repeat till I get something close to what I am looking for. But taking discussion a bit wider, what about custom buttons that can accept any "open dialog" or action that is achievable with a shortcut.? Select that custom button, write in your shortcut and make it appear in upper toolbar. For example single press partial regen
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 232
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2024
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Very helpful analysis. I am a light user of BIAB and I must say that yes I am baffled by the user interface (2025 currently) and its menus, sub-menus and options that really make no sense to me. Often I have no idea how to do something and must rely on help from the forum whereas in most software these days, you just right click on an item and the answer of what you want to do is right there for one click. For instance my year long adventure and documentation here of importing an audio file, splitting and aligning the results with a chord chart etc. was so inconsistent and buggy that I finally just gave up in defeat and use SMP instead. I have never encountered a software program as byzantine as this one, and because after several years with it and I still cannot understand much of it, I just use it for quick backing track creation for guitar improvisation practice over the SPECTACULAR sounding RealTracks. So while the front end GUI seems to have been improved for 2026, I know from all these comments generously shared by users, that this will not solve my difficulty using the program. So I will be making the choice to upgrade only based on whether there are some great new RTs and styles available that I will actually use. I suspect not for $150, but I am am still waiting for the PG fix of the non-playing RT demos that are new in the 2026 update. Pretty weird situation. I can see why younger folks may not go for this program. I am not really complaining here; just describing my experience. Other than quick custom backing track creation, for me I have found other more modern tools to do other complex music manipulation and transcription chores.
Last edited by Moonbeam9067; 12/08/25 11:18 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 608
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 608 |
+1./ for suggested improvements.
BIAB 2026, Studio Pro 8, Song Master Pro, Win11 Home. i7-9700K CPU, 32GB, ESI MAYA44eX, ZOOM UAC-2, Guitar Pro 8, Transcribe, (EZKeys2, EZD3, SD3, EZBass, EZMix3)
Amateur: fiddle, guitar, vocal, beginner on bass.
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Joined: Jul 2000
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Very nice summary.
I completely agree that this proposal is the next evolutionary step. Now that the overall GUI has been modernized, the windows must be synchronized, both in identifying location and range in each view, and consistency of how commands work (especially right-click context commands).
This concept was identified years ago by a small group who put forth many of the suggestions that were implemented this year. I would hope that this 2026 version is but a step in the full needed direction, and I’m grateful for that first step.
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; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Big +1 for these recommendation!
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Now that the overall GUI has been modernized Not to nitpick but there is a large portion of the program that has definitely NOT had a GUI modernization! Any time I open the preferences dialog I feel like I'm playing some sort of complex role-playing game!
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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You are correct. The changes this year were most notable on the ‘main’ windows, not the underlying menus and dialogs.
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; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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You are correct. The changes this year were most notable on the ‘main’ windows, not the underlying menus and dialogs. The upgrades they made to the main windows are exceptional! As I explore this further I find I am actually enjoying using the software! I have always LOVED what I could get OUT of BIAB; now I may just end up loving using it too! And yes, the sync issues the OP explained so well are def something that need addressing but my advice for everyone is BIAB 2026 is a MUST UPGRADE!
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Yes, I also think this has been one of the best updates in many years. Highly recommended
Latest BIAB version, latest build.
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Yes, I also think this has been one of the best updates in many years. Highly recommended Yes, this is one of the best updates in many years. Hopefully this is just the tip of the iceberg. After the Mac version I hope they continue to work on the menus and have everything sync together. I also hope they ask for our input, as they did this year.
Waitress "How did you find your steak sir"?
Me "I just looked next to the potatoes and there it was"!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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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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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.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
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