I just viewed the video on YouTube and was personally delighted that the GUI has been given a facelift - much needed in my opinion. But I think they should stop using that awful clown font - epsecially for YT videos, it is sooooooo outdated and betrays the sophistication of the product. I'm not sure the new GUI is as modern as it should be, but I assume it's a work in progress. If BIAB wants to appeal to younger likely customers (i.e. anyone younger than my 77 years...) it simply has to modernise the look and feel.
I do generally like the new interface, but when I first saw it my octogenarian’s eyes drowned in a sea of dark grey. Everything seems to merge into everything else. To my admittedly poor vision it all lacked clarity and contrast. And yes, I have tried to reconfigure the colours using trial and error with some improvement. That in itself was a bit of a challenge, and time consuming given the list of variables in small font, and an infinite number of colour options. My wish for the future is that there be a set of alternative skins or presets available which are designed to make the GUI more accessible to those of us with limited vision.
A very reasonable suggestion. If there were several different pre-made color format layouts available, the user could quickly select one that suits their needs best.
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.
Skyline, I disagree on "facelift" part. While it looks like a normal software now with solid design, the biggest achievement was, it made (most of) BIAB non-modal & modular. Not only you can adjust & resize views, you can work with different views simultaneously, on single or multiple screens. Overall it greatly improved workflow.
The younger audience... I don't know if I want that. Meaning mainstream Hip Hop, Techno / Electronic (and sub genres). Genres that are at heart of BIAB: Rock, Blues, Jazz, Folk, Light Pop, World...mainly appeal to folks 40+ And that is great, because there is almost nothing out there that has such a vast library of traditional genres, while there are tons of beat making software titles. Having said that, of course BIAB has to go further to modernize user experience. UI + Library were major steps toward that.
Skyline, I disagree on "facelift" part. While it looks like a normal software now with solid design, the biggest achievement was, it made (most of) BIAB non-modal & modular. Not only you can adjust & resize views, you can work with different views simultaneously, on single or multiple screens. Overall it greatly improved workflow.
The younger audience... I don't know if I want that. Meaning mainstream Hip Hop, Techno / Electronic (and sub genres). Genres that are at heart of BIAB: Rock, Blues, Jazz, Folk, Light Pop, World...mainly appeal to folks 40+ And that is great, because there is almost nothing out there that has such a vast library of traditional genres, while there are tons of beat making software titles. Having said that, of course BIAB has to go further to modernize user experience. UI + Library were major steps toward that.
Well, it did get a facelift but not just a facelift! (So, i agree with both of you!) I am finding the work they did greatly improved both the look AND the workflow and I am actually enjoying songwriting inside BIAB now! The day I saw the new UI I contacted a good friend who bought BIAB in 2023 on my recommendation. He loved the RealTracks but hated the UI. I told him he needed this upgrade and he has already bought it and LOVES it too!
Just watched the New GUI User Interface video. Don’t need multi-view templates and a lot of screen clutter. Only want/need a full screen of chords and lyrics from edge to edge, but keeping the tool bar at top. Is that possible with the 2026 version? Would that require a custom template? No buttons showing on left or right, but a full chord screen for songs in live play. Would appreciate a comment on that, before I order-up the new version.
Just watched the New GUI User Interface video. Don’t need multi-view templates and a lot of screen clutter. Only want/need a full screen of chords and lyrics from edge to edge, but keeping the tool bar at top. Is that possible with the 2026 version? Would that require a custom template? No buttons showing on left or right, but a full chord screen for songs in live play. Would appreciate a comment on that, before I order-up the new version.
Yes, this is possible. The sidebar menu can be dragged to zero width via mouse, and the mixer can be not shown, leaving only the top bar menu. This is how I work, too...
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
. But I think they should stop using that awful clown font - epsecially for YT videos, it is sooooooo outdated and betrays the sophistication of the product.
Is it the font on the chord sheet that you're referring to, or something else?
. But I think they should stop using that awful clown font - epsecially for YT videos, it is sooooooo outdated and betrays the sophistication of the product.
Is it the font on the chord sheet that you're referring to, or something else?
I'm not sure what font they are referring to but, for me, the default font used in the chord sheet is the one that drags the beautiful new GUI down! I hate that font because 1) it looks rough and amateurish and 2) it reminds me of the old BIAB GUI which I really don't like! Sorry, not sorry!
But once I changed the chord sheet font, this GUI rivals any of the best music production software on the market!
As I understand it, the usual font that BIAB displays is the traditional Big Band font that many notation engraving programs use, but I can see why that seems like perhaps the old Comic Sans font that often looks so outdated. DrDan just brought to my attention that there is that neat drop down menu on the new UI to change all of this to what you want. SO VERY COOL!
I use chord sheet with split screen for the memo section where I write both lyrics and other song info. Will that still be an option in 2026? This is very important to me and would like to know asap as I will be purchasing this week. If I can't have that memo section on sp0lit screen that would be a deal breaker for the 1st time since 2004. Please advise.
JJJ did you use a font off the biab included list or a custom font?
As I recall, BIAB font offerings are all a small set of stuff I don't care for so I used a Windows font.
Thanks! I see that there is a choice in the list that says "custom", but also mine says Arial. Is there some control to actually go pick a font off your Windows system other than Arial? I don't see any specific dialog asking me to choose from my Windows font list. Then I questioned AI about fonts and BIAB and it was helpful and I believe accurate:
"Can you change what BIAB uses? BIAB limits chord fonts intentionally. Even though Windows may have hundreds of fonts installed, BIAB will only expose fonts it knows will work. Many fonts break chord spacing, accidentals, or superscripts. If BIAB doesn’t list a font, it’s usually by design."
This made sense to me. Looking at your screen shot, I suspect this is what you picked.
Here is what mine looked like. I just threw in some random chords to see how they displayed. My "G" is slightly different than yours, but the vibe of the font is the same, though mine look larger probably because I had fewer bars showing.
JJJ did you use a font off the biab included list or a custom font?
As I recall, BIAB font offerings are all a small set of stuff I don't care for so I used a Windows font.
Thanks! I see that there is a choice in the list that says "custom", but also mine says Arial. Is there some control to actually go pick a font off your Windows system other than Arial? I don't see any specific dialog asking me to choose from my Windows font list. Then I questioned AI about fonts and BIAB and it was helpful and I believe accurate:
"Can you change what BIAB uses? BIAB limits chord fonts intentionally. Even though Windows may have hundreds of fonts installed, BIAB will only expose fonts it knows will work. Many fonts break chord spacing, accidentals, or superscripts. If BIAB doesn’t list a font, it’s usually by design."
This made sense to me. Looking at your screen shot, I suspect this is what you picked.
Here is what mine looked like. I just threw in some random chords to see how they displayed. My "G" is slightly different than yours, but the vibe of the font is the same, though mine look larger probably because I had fewer bars showing.
Looks Great! I think I made my rows a bit shorter. And I chose my font in the settings window for this toolbar by clicking the Custom button and then choosing what I wanted!!!
Super. That is quite interesting to me. I too used the custom button, but was already indicating only the font Arial. I think I will talk to PG tomorrow to see what they really intend with the "custom" designation. I am a bit of a typography fan so this interests me. If I find out anything interesting, I'll post.
I posted a screen shot replay but do not see it . . . pardon a double if that is that happens. I used the attachment manager below. Please let me know if you get this.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
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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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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!
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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®.
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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!
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!
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Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
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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.
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)
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