It should just run standalone, any problems just install AutoHotKey you can also right click > Properties > Compatibility > Run As Admin
Use the Bass, Drum, Piano.. buttons to set the instrument/s to play over a Rest, Shot or Hold. Use the < > to move or use the keyboard arrows. Use - for a comma between chords. Use / for slash chords. Use the Tabs to select your key and scale.
EDIT: Fixed m6 m7 Ma7, added View Mode button.
EDIT: Update, Added Set existing Chord to Push 1/8 or 1/16 Added View Mode Normal/Compact Added DAW Plug-in Mode (small)
EDIT: Update Added Remove Push Shot Hold or Rest from Chord Added GUI Color Picker Added Move BB Window with cursor keys or mouse
You can use the GUI to do any Biab function by adding a button to send the shortcut keys or keystrokes to access the menus by sending down right and enter, see below. If you have AutoHotKey installed just right click the script.ahk > Compile, this will create the GUI.exe Use WindowSpy.ahk in the AutoHotKey Installation folder to get the window name to send the keys to an application, like ahk_class RealBand
SmartGUI is simple to use, just drag in the button or any other components, save to file or clipboard, paste or open in SciTE4AutoHotKey or Notepad and add the keystroke send for each button.
Add this to the end to completely close the GUI so it's not running in the tray:
Chord Picker beta 2.0b Fixed order Harmonic Major/Minor chords Added Set existing Chord to Rest, Shot or Hold Added Custom Actions Tool Tab To create your own Actions for the buttons rename "Action name"
Gui, Add, Button, x22 y100 w90 h20 gButtonCA1-1, Action Name
then go down the text or search for "ButtonCA1-1:"
ButtonCA1-1: winactivate,ahk_class TBandWindow Send C Return
it is sending c as default, change the keysend to what you like, save and run.
For example, if we want to make Custom Actions 1 Button 1 Unfold:
Update Fixed C Major Chords Tab FMa7 > FMaj7 Added Set existing Rest Shot Hold to Bass Drums Piano Guitar Strings Added background image, use a custom jpg image rename to bb.jpg and keep in the same folder as BB Chord Picker.exe or BB Chord Picker.ahk
To keep your Custom Actions
copy & paste replace all the buttons under
;Custom Actions 1 (2,3,4)
"""""""""""""""""
and all the keysends under
;Custom Action Buttons 1 (2,3,4)
"""""""""""""""""
Then right click BB Chord Picker.ahk > Compile (to BB Chord Picker.exe)
Update Fixed copying and changing chords with pushes hold shot rest and long chords e.g ^^C13sus#5b9#11,G13sus#5b9#11...db so you can change the push from 16th to 8th or 8th to 16th, add/remove rest shot hold, add b,d,p,g or s to the rest shot or hold or remove without having to re-type the chords.
For earlier versions of Biab the only thing that needed changing was when you Edit the Chord in 2011 the chord is already highlighted but in 2018 it's not so i just took the highlight line out of the script.
Unzip Biab Chord Picker User Buttons.ahk & Biab Chord Picker User Functions.ahk keep them in the same folder as Biab Chord Picker xxx.ahk Edit them in notepad or any text editor, just drag in, edit and save. When you right click Biab Chord Picker.ahk > Compile, it will create Biab Chord Picker.exe with your custom action buttons.
!E = Alt+E brings up the Edit menu. User can upload and share their custom actions. If you have trouble let me know what action you need.
Send ^ = Ctrl Send ! = Alt Send + = Shift Send # = Win Key Press the Alt key the shortcuts will show underscores Send !E will open Edit menu Use the keys below to access menu items Send {Enter} enter key Send {Left} left cursor Send {Right} Send {Up} Send {Down} Send {Down 3} down 3 Sleep, 100 will slow the keystrokes
Update 2.1b beta Flat/Sharp #/b change Button added Middle Mouse Button (Mouse Wheel "Press Down") Set for Custom Action
Choose A Custom Action for the Middle Mouse Button from the droplist at the bottom (these are the Actions in the User Tab), to try this choose CA1-2, now when you select a chord in BB and press the Mouse Wheel or Middle Button down the chord will change from F# to Gb or Gb to F#
Unzip Biab Chord Picker User Buttons.ahk & Biab Chord Picker User Functions.ahk keep them in the same folder as Biab Chord Picker xxx.ahk Edit them in notepad or any text editor, just drag in, edit and save. When you right click Biab Chord Picker.ahk > Compile, it will create Biab Chord Picker.exe with your custom action buttons.
!E = Alt+E brings up the Edit menu. User can upload and share their custom actions. If you have trouble let me know what action you need.
Send ^ = Ctrl Send ! = Alt Send + = Shift Send # = Win Key Press the Alt key the shortcuts will show underscores Send !E will open Edit menu Use the keys below to access menu items Send {Enter} enter key Send {Left} left cursor Send {Right} Send {Up} Send {Down} Send {Down 3} down 3 Sleep, 100 will slow the keystrokes
Choose A Custom Action for the Middle Mouse Button from the droplist at the bottom (these are the Actions in the User Tab), to try this choose CA1-2, now when you select a chord in BB and press the Mouse Wheel or Middle Button down the chord will change from F# to Gb or Gb to F#
Unzip Biab Chord Picker User Buttons.ahk & Biab Chord Picker User Functions.ahk keep them in the same folder as Biab Chord Picker xxx.ahk Edit them in notepad or any text editor, just drag in, edit and save. When you right click Biab Chord Picker.ahk > Compile, it will create Biab Chord Picker.exe with your custom action buttons.
!E = Alt+E brings up the Edit menu. User can upload and share their custom actions. If you have trouble let me know what action you need.
Send ^ = Ctrl Send ! = Alt Send + = Shift Send # = Win Key Press the Alt key the shortcuts will show underscores Send !E will open Edit menu Use the keys below to access menu items Send {Enter} enter key Send {Left} left cursor Send {Right} Send {Up} Send {Down} Send {Down 3} down 3 Sleep, 100 will slow the keystrokes
Choose A Custom Action for the Middle Mouse Button from the droplist at the bottom (these are the Actions in the User Tab), to try this choose CA1-2, now when you select a chord in BB and press the Mouse Wheel or Middle Button down the chord will change from F# to Gb or Gb to F#
Unzip Biab Chord Picker User Buttons.ahk & Biab Chord Picker User Functions.ahk keep them in the same folder as Biab Chord Picker xxx.ahk Edit them in notepad or any text editor, just drag in, edit and save. When you right click Biab Chord Picker.ahk > Compile, it will create Biab Chord Picker.exe with your custom action buttons.
For Earlier Biab versions (defaults to 2015-earlier (if you can right click to edit the chord then it will work on your version, and it's already highlighted then use this version)
!E = Alt+E brings up the Edit menu. User can upload and share their custom actions. If you have trouble let me know what action you need.
Send ^ = Ctrl Send ! = Alt Send + = Shift Send # = Win Key Press the Alt key the shortcuts will show underscores Send !E will open Edit menu Use the keys below to access menu items Send {Enter} enter key Send {Left} left cursor Send {Right} Send {Up} Send {Down} Send {Down 3} down 3 Sleep, 100 will slow the keystrokes
Biab Chord Picker Tool 2015 to 2010 (if you can right click to edit the chord then it will work on your version, and if it's already highlighted then use this version) It will work on older versions below 2010 but most of the editing chords won't, it can be modified to edit the chord via Alt+F5 Chord Options window, it depends on how many users are still using the older than 2010 versions ????
Update 2.1f beta Transpose Selection Edit/Transpose Beat All Biab versions in 1 32/64bit installer settings.ini to easily add/modify your Custom User Actions
The 2009-earlier should work on all versions as it uses the Chord Options dialog to edit the chords. In the 2017 & 2018 version the set to Bass Drums Piano Guitar Strings shortcuts were left out, this prevents the Chord Picker Tool from working correctly using 2009 mode in 2017 & 2018, however PG should have a fix out soon for both 2017 & 2018 to add the shortcuts back.
When you start the new version for the first time you will be asked to set the version in the bottom left, you can then change versions at anytime to try what suites you best.
After the version is set you can then also edit the settings.ini located in the install folder. This will let you easily add/modify the Custom User Actions keys in the User tab. Here's an example of adding an Unfold action to CA11 (Custom Actions 1 button 1) it's a simple matter of filling in name=*** and funct=*** of the buttons you need. Alt+E (Edit menu) Down 10 Right Down 5 and Enter !E,{Down 10},{Right},{Down 5},{Enter} ** Save a copy of your settings.ini !!! See Biab Chord Picker ReadMe.txt in the install folder for more details.
Honestly, why PG hasn't properly hired you already remains a mystery
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
Unfold
!{e},{Down 10},{Right},{Down 5},{Enter}
Freeze All
!{p},{Down 13},{Enter}
UnFreeze All
!{p},{Down 14},{Enter}
Jazz Up Chords
!{e},{Down 14},{Right},{Down 4},{Enter 2}
Jazz Down Chords
!{e},{Down 14},{Right},{Down 5},{Enter 2}
Output Chords
^{e},{Tab 13},{Enter}
If you just click the buttons you will see what they do, it is pretty self explaining. If you read back through the posts you will see how it all works. If you can't work it out I will try and make a tutorial or video for it.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
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!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 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.
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