1. Settings

If you want to adjust the settings of SongBook+, you can find more information here: Settings.

2. Insert Data

When you download and install SongBook+ from the AppStore, it does not contain any data.

You need to insert your own files with song lyrics or sheet music into SongBook+, preferably in the form of PDF files. Additionally, you can also insert audio files, MIDI files, and videos for use in SongBook+.

If you prefer to try out SongBook+ without your own data first, you will also find a link to download demo data in the freshly installed SongBook+. More information about this can be found here: #demo-daten-zum-ausprobieren-von-songbook.

There are different ways to insert your files into SongBook+. More information about this can be found here: Inserting Files into SongBook+.

Alternatively, you can use SongBook+ to photograph your paper texts or sheet music with the built-in camera of your iPad or iPhone. More information about this can be found here: Scanning Song Lyrics on Paper with Built-in Camera.

3. Create Songs

The inserted files will appear at the very top of the list in SongBook+ in a section called "Unused Files".

Create songs from these files. The files will then disappear from the "Unused Files" section once they are used by a song.

More information about this can be found here: Insert Unused Files into the Song List.

4. Edit Songs

If you want to change the created songs later, you can do so at any time.

More information about this can be found here: Editing Song Details.

5. Use Songs

Once you have created the songs, you can simply tap on them in the list to open them.

The song list can be sorted in any way, and using the search field, you can find any song even in a very long list with hundreds of songs in no time.

More information about this can be found here: Using the Song List.

6. Working with Playlists

If you don't want to use the complete list with all songs but instead want to create smaller lists with specific songs, you can find more information here: Playlists.

7. Unlock Full Version

If you want to use SongBook+ with more than 15 songs, you can unlock the full version.

More information about this can be found here: Full Version and In-App Purchases.

8. Back Up Data

Although this is not one of the first steps, it is important that you know and remember it.

Regularly back up your data after major changes so that the time you have invested in SongBook+ is not suddenly lost due to a defective or lost device, a mishap, or a software error.

More information about this can be found here: Backing Up and Restoring Your Data.

In-App Settings

Press this button to access the settings.

System Settings

A few settings for SongBook+ can also be found in the device's operating system, specifically in the "Settings" app.

These are mainly privacy settings that grant SongBook+ permission to use certain hardware or system functions.

Using Finder (on Mac Computer)

On newer Mac computers (from macOS version 10.15 "Catalina"), files are added to SongBook+ using the "Finder" program.

If you have a Mac with an older operating system or a Windows PC, please see the next section on how to do this with "iTunes."

Using iTunes (on Windows PC or older Mac Computer)

On Windows PCs or older Mac computers, the "iTunes" program is used to insert files into SongBook+:

Using Wi-Fi Share (Windows PC, Mac Computer)

You can temporarily share the SongBook+ folder over Wi-Fi and then access it wirelessly and without iTunes with a computer.

Without an additional computer, using "Import Files"

With the "Import Files" function, you can import files into SongBook+ from a USB stick, your preferred cloud app, or even a server directly into SongBook+.

Without an additional computer, using the "Files" App

With the "Files" app, you can copy files from a USB stick, your preferred cloud app, or even a server to SongBook+.

Importing files from emails or other apps

You can import PDF, music, or video files from any other apps that can create or download such files and pass them to another app using "Open in..." or "Share."

The following image shows an example of importing a PDF from an email attachment into SongBook+:

Transferring data from another SongBook

If you already have SongBook+ on one device and want to transfer the same data to another device, you can create a backup of the SongBook+ data on one device and restore this backup on the other device.

There are various ways to create a backup of the SongBook+ data and restore the backup. Please see the Backing Up and Restoring Your Data page for details.

If both devices use the same Apple ID and have access to the internet, the easiest way is through iCloud.

Before you can start, you need to copy the files (PDF, TXT, ChordPro, music, MIDI, or video files) you want to use in SongBook+ into the SongBook+ app.

The following two pages offer several options for copying files into SongBook+ on the iPad or iPhone or into SongBook+ on the Mac.

With the Finder

With the Finder, you can directly access the files of SongBook+.

You can find the SongBook+ folder on the Mac at the following path:

or

With "Import Files"

When you call up the menu item "Import Files", a dialog window from the operating system opens, allowing you to choose a file. The file is then copied to the SongBook+ folder and appears in the "Unused Files" section.

With WLAN Sharing

You can temporarily share the SongBook+ folder over WLAN and then access it wirelessly with a computer.

Adopting the data of another SongBook

If you already have SongBook+ on one device and want to transfer the same data to your Mac, you can create a backup of the SongBook+ data on the other device and restore the backup in SongBook on the Mac. (Of course, this can also be done vice versa, from the Mac to another device.)

If both devices use the same Apple ID and have internet access, the easiest way is via iCloud.

General Description

SongBook+ is the stage-ready app for musicians!

With SongBook+ you manage your songs with lyrics and/or sheet music, playbacks, MIDI files, videos, and you always have them ready for your performance.

SongBook+ can set and control your MIDI-compatible devices according to the chosen song.

SongBook+ can be downloaded for free from the Apple AppStore, but the free basic version is limited to 15 songs. If desired, the basic version can then be upgraded to the full version via an in-app purchase.

SongBook+ itself does not include any song lyrics, sheet music, or other data! It serves to display or play back your own data.

Features at a Glance:

• Available for iPad, iPhone, and Mac

• Manage songs with good search and sorting options

• Display song lyrics or sheet music (PDF, TXT, PNG, JPG, JPEG, TIF, TIFF, GIF, LRC, ChordPro)

• Play back playbacks (MP3, WAV, AIFF, M4A), up to 5 audio files simultaneously in sync

• Multitrack audio player (5 stereo audio files) with separate audio outputs

• Multichannel audio routing to separate audio outputs (if the corresponding hardware is available)

• Mixing console with 10-band equalizer and separate volume for the 5 audio files, globally and per song

• Play MIDI files (with external sound generation)

• Play karaoke videos (MOV, MP4, MPV, 3GP, M4V)

• Play background videos on an external monitor or projector

• Play jingles

• Loop function for optionally extending songs live (for audio, MIDI, and video files)

• Use in portrait or landscape mode

• Insert annotations/chords/symbols/notes/images/shapes

• Highlight/underline/strike-through text passages

• Handwrite/draw in the document

• Insert your own configurable function buttons into the document

• Page-turning full pages or continuous scrolling

• Automatic page-turning or scrolling

• Record the song position with your finger and play it back later like in karaoke

• Display lyrics from MIDI/MP3 files

• Control with foot pedal (MIDI foot pedals or keyboard-simulating foot pedals)

• Wirelessly connect multiple SongBooks for synchronous song selection

• Pre-select the next song while a song is playing

• Create playlists

• Music log for accounting with GEMA/SUIZA/…

• Photograph lyrics/sheet music and convert them into PDFs

• Night mode with inverted colors

• Visual and/or auditory metronome

• Connect an external monitor with possible rotation of 90/180/270 degrees

• Division into multiple books, e.g., one book per band

• Categorize songs with colored tags as desired and filter by them

Exceptional MIDI Capabilities:

Remotely control other devices via MIDI

• Call up the appropriate registration on the keyboard when opening the song

• Send configurable MIDI commands when opening/starting/stopping/closing the song

• Insert buttons for MIDI commands into the lyrics/sheet music

• Reusable MIDI macros

Remotely Control SongBook+ via MIDI

• Open songs in SongBook+

• Turn pages or scroll to a specific position

• Start/stop playback

• Start/stop metronome

• Play jingles

• Adjust device volume with MIDI ControlChange

• Adjust the volume of the audio players with MIDI ControlChange

• Configurable actions upon receipt of freely configurable ControlChange, ProgramChange, NoteOn, NoteOff, or SysEx messages

Additional Features

• Built-in MIDI monitor

• Play MIDI files via MIDI-Out on the keyboard/MIDI player/expander

• MIDI routing for targeted sending to specific MIDI outputs

• 2x MIDI-THRU for forwarding received MIDI data from a configurable MIDI input to a configurable MIDI output

After inserting the PDF, music, or video files into SongBook, they appear as "Unused Files".

Manually Insert Individual Files

With the following steps, you can add these files to the song list and provide additional information such as title, artist, genre, and MP3 file for background playback.

Insert All Files at Once

If you have copied many new files into SongBook+ and do not want to manually insert them into the song list individually, SongBook+ can also automatically insert them into the song list.

The file name will then be used as the title. All other fields remain empty and can be edited later.

Press "Edit" to start editing songs.

Tap the song in the list that you want to edit.

Edit the song's details.

Press here to change the sorting of the list.

When you enter text in the search field, only the songs containing that text will be displayed.

With the “+” you can toggle between “Unused Files” and “All Existing Files”.

Tap a song in the song list to display it.

Press the "X" button to return to the song list.

Press "Play" to start recorded scrolling, finger pointer, or the music file.

1. One finger: One page forward.

2. Two fingers: (*): Press "Play" button.

3. Three fingers: (*): Jump to the next song in the playlist.

1. One finger: One page backward.

2. Two fingers: (*): Press "Stop" button.

3. Three fingers: (*): Return to the song list.

When you press this button, a window with the same song list as in the main overview appears.

The currently playing song is marked in green and with a play symbol in the list.

If a song is already pre-selected, it appears in the first row of the table and in the button in the toolbar. Additionally, it is highlighted in blue and marked with a pause symbol in the list.

With the "Night Mode" option, you can specifically switch between normal colors and inverted colors for a dark stage or allow the corresponding setting to be adopted from the device.

With colored tags, you can categorize songs according to any criteria, making these categories easily visible in the list at a glance.

These tags can be used, for example, to note the singer of the song, the instrument needed for the song, or the band in which you play this song.

You can also filter by tags in the search field and choose to display only the songs that contain at least one or all selected tags. Within the remaining songs, you can then search as usual.

Press the "..." button in PDF document view.

Then select "Turn pages / Pointer."

Select “Record page turns.”

Metronome settings can be changed in two places: In the editing window with the song details or in the menu when a song is open.

You can enter the desired values directly in the text fields.

Tap here in the rhythm of the music to set the tempo.

In the PDF document view, press the "..." button.

Then select "Edit annotations."

You can move the toolbar using this bar and position it on the left, right, or top.

Press the button "..." in the PDF document viewer.

Then select “Browse / Finger Pointer”.

Select “Record Finger Pointer”.

First, select in the toolbar the type of annotation you want to insert and then place it at the desired position in the document.

There are several variants of the annotation types for highlighting text and drawing shapes. (You can recognize this by the small arrow in the corner of the button.) If you press such a button a little longer, a menu will open to select the desired variant.

Below you will find an overview of all possible annotation types.

On the buttons and menus in the image below, you will see a number. The corresponding annotations are marked with the same number.

If a button in the toolbar is still active, press it again so that no tool is active anymore.

Tap anywhere on the annotation to open the related menu.

Press "Save" to save the annotation for later reuse.

If there is still an active button on the toolbar, press it again to deactivate the tool.

Tap anywhere on the annotation to open the related menu.

Press "Remove" to delete the annotation.

If a button in the toolbar is still active, press it again so that no tool is active anymore.

Tap anywhere on the annotation to open the corresponding menu.

Press "Copy" to copy the annotation to the clipboard.

If a button is still active in the toolbar, press it again so that no tool is active.

Tap anywhere on the annotation to open the related menu.

Press "Properties..." to open a window with the properties (color, font, etc.).

It is also possible to create function buttons that display the value of a specific MIDI controller on a specific MIDI channel. And when you tap the button, a slider appears, allowing you to change the controller value.

To do this, create a normal function button and add "MIDI CC Button" as the only action.

A very special annotation is the functional button annotation.

With it, you can insert a button anywhere in the document and configure it with various actions to be executed when tapped.

Possible functions include sending various MIDI commands, jumping to another page, starting or stopping playback, scrolling, or the metronome, and much more.

Press this button to insert a functional button annotation.

Press "Properties" to open the properties window.

Use the “+” to add the desired actions that should be executed later when the button is pressed.

The functional buttons can optionally also have a group number. This is used, for example, to control specific functional buttons or one functional button after another with a foot pedal based on this group number.

It is also possible to create functional buttons that display the value of a specific MIDI controller on a specific MIDI channel. When you tap the button, a slider appears, allowing you to change the controller value.

To do this, create a normal functional button and add "MIDI CC Button" as the only action.

SongBook+ can either display the entire list of all available songs or playlists that contain only a portion of the songs.

What are playlists in SongBook+?

• Playlists have any name

• Playlists contain references to songs from the full list.

• A song can be included in multiple playlists.

• A playlist can contain the same song multiple times.

• Songs in playlists are manually sorted with "drag and drop."

• However, it is possible to sort the currently included songs in a playlist by a specific criterion (e.g., by title) instead of doing it manually.

• Newly added songs to a playlist are inserted at the end of the list.

The following pages explain how to use playlists in SongBook+.

Press this button to open the playlist menu.

Press “Insert New Playlist”.

Enter the name of the new playlist.

Press „Save“.

The new playlist appears and is selected.

The new playlist does not contain any songs yet.

On the page Edit Playlist Content you will learn how to add, remove, move or sort the desired songs in the list.

Press this button to open the playlist menu.

Select the playlist you want to use.

The title of the selected playlist will appear here.

The list now contains only the songs from the selected playlist.

If your songs have a duration, the total playtime of the playlist will be displayed here.

Select the stamp tool

Select the tab "Saved Annotations".

Press on the desired annotation

SongBook+ can import lyrics and chords from MP3 files, MIDI files, LRC files, and ChordPro files.

The following pages explain the import process for the various file types.

With the "Share Song" function, you can share an entire song (.sbk) or individual files from it (.pdf, .mp3, .mid, ...):

• send as an attachment in an email

• send to another app (e.g., Dropbox, iBooks, ...)

• transfer directly to another SongBook in the vicinity

When the use of the live playlist is enabled in the settings of SongBook+, the live playlist always appears as the first playlist, and additional menu items are available.

This is a special playlist that cannot be deleted or renamed. Only its content can be changed, deleted, or copied from another playlist.

The live playlist, for example, is used to plan the next dance round during a break.

If SongBook+ is configured for synchronous switching of songs on multiple iPads, the live playlist can also be automatically synchronized to the other iPads in the same manner.

Press "Edit Playlist" when a playlist is active to start editing.

While editing the songs in the playlist, you can sort and filter to find the songs you want to add to the playlist.

Press the red “-“ button to remove a song from the playlist.

This feature allows you to export an existing playlist and transfer it to another SongBook+.

The playlist is exported into an .sbklist file and can be imported into the target SongBook+.

When exporting, you decide the extent to which the playlist is exported:

• Only Song References: The export contains only song titles, codes, and the settings of the "MIDI sliders" of the songs. The corresponding songs must already be present on the target SongBook+.

• Song Data Without Files The export also includes complete song data (title, artist, genre, actions upon opening/starting/stopping/closing), recorded paging, finger pointer, annotations...

• Complete With Linked Files The export includes the complete song data as above and additionally all linked files such as PDF files, audio files, MIDI files, and video files.

Press this button to open the playlist menu.

Press "Rename or Delete Playlists".

To delete a playlist, press the red button.

Import lyrics and chords from LRC files

Importing lyrics from LRC files works similarly to the method described above for MP3 files (From MP3 Files).

However, you do not directly select the LRC in the song. Instead, SongBook+ searches for a file with the LRC extension that either has the same name as the song title or the assigned MP3 or MIDI file.

Import lyrics and chords from ChordPro files

ChordPro files are initially inserted into SongBook like regular text or PDF files. Upon opening, they initially display the unformatted original content of the ChordPro file.

With the menu item "Import ChordPro File," you can then import them similarly to MP3 files (From MP3 Files). This will generate a PDF file.

Importing Lyrics and Chords from MIDI Files

Importing lyrics from MIDI files works the same way as described above for MP3 files (From MP3 Files).

The only difference is that there is a separate field for selecting a MIDI file.

SongBook+ can import lyrics from MP3 files if they are included in an ID3 tag in the "Lyrics3 v2.00" format.

Chords can also be imported from MP3 files if they are included in the lyrics in square brackets (similar to the ChordPro format).

Importing lyrics from MP3 files involves two steps:

First, a song must be created that uses the MP3 file.

Then, the song must be opened and the import started. This will automatically generate the missing PDF file.

Add Song without PDF File and Select MP3

Press “Edit”.

Press this “+” button to add a song without a PDF.

Use the “...” button to select the MP3 file.

The title will automatically be filled with the file name, but it can be changed as desired.

Press “Save”.

Press “Done”.

Generate PDF File from Text in MP3 File

When you open the song for the first time and SongBook+ finds text to import, you will be asked if the text should be imported. (Automatic import can be disabled in the settings.)

Alternatively, you can start the import manually as described in the following steps.

While the song is open, press the “...” button.

Select the menu item “Import lyrics from MP3 file”.

Confirm that you want to import the text and overwrite the PDF if it already exists.

Transposing Chords

Chord symbols that have been inserted using the annotation function (see Annotation Function) or through import from Midi/LRC/ChordPro (see Importing Lyrics and Chords) can be transposed afterwards.

In the PDF document view, press the “...” button

Select "Transpose Chord Annotations".

If no key is set in the song, you can choose the number of semitone steps to transpose and then press "Transpose".

If a key is already set in the song, you can directly select the target key.

Press the button “...” in the song list.

Select “Photo to PDF”.

Insert photos using the built-in camera or choose existing photos. Each inserted photo creates a new page for the PDF file.

SongBook+ can play standard MIDI files, but it does not have a built-in synthesizer to produce sound from them.

To produce sound from MIDI data, you need either an external hardware connected via MIDI (such as a keyboard or a sound module) or a synthesizer app from another developer that runs in the background and receives signals from SongBook via “Virtual MIDI.”

One possible app that can be used to produce sounds directly on the iPad is, for example, “bismark bs-16i.” If this app is running in the background with “Virtual MIDI” enabled, you will hear the music directly on the iPad without external hardware.

SongBook+ can very flexibly control other devices via MIDI and can also be controlled by other devices via MIDI.

On the following pages, you will find descriptions of all MIDI features of SongBook+.

There are different ways to connect the iPad with MIDI.

Older iPads to devices with USB-MIDI connection

Many iPad models do not yet have a USB-C connection, but a Lightning or even a 32-pin connection.

Many MIDI adapters and some devices (keyboards, etc.) have a USB connection for MIDI.

Because the older iPad models do not have a USB connection by default, an adapter is needed to extend the iPad with a USB connection. Apple calls this adapter the "iPad Camera Connection Kit."

USB-MIDI adapters and USB-MIDI devices can then be connected to it, provided they are compatible with Apple.

Newer iPads to devices with USB-MIDI connection

Newer iPad models have a USB-C connection instead of the Lightning connection.

Therefore, it is no longer necessary to use an adapter to extend the iPad with a USB connection.

With a suitable cable with a USB-C connection, you can directly connect the iPad to the device.

MIDI adapters that connect directly to the iPad

Some MIDI adapters can be connected directly to older iPads without an adapter.

These include, for example:

• iConnectMIDI2+ by iConnectivity

• iRig MIDI Version 1+2 by IK Multimedia

• ioDock by Alesis

• iStudio is202 by Behringer

• ...

With these, the iPad can also be powered while in MIDI operation (all listed above except iRig MIDI Version 2).

There are also a few simple, small MIDI keyboards that can be directly connected to the iPad.

Wireless via Bluetooth or WLAN

There are also wireless MIDI adapters that can be connected to the iPad wirelessly via Bluetooth (Bluetooth MIDI LE) or WLAN.

These include, for example:

• mi.1 by QuiccoSound (Bluetooth)

• PUC wireless MIDI interface (WLAN)

• Yamaha Tyros 5 Keyboard with WLAN stick

• Yamaha MD-BT01

• Yamaha UT-BT01

• Zivix PUC+

SongBook+ can also respond to other freely configurable MIDI commands and trigger freely configurable actions.

You can set how SongBook+ should respond to which MIDI commands in the function for MIDI foot pedals.

You can find more information on this on the page MIDI Foot Pedals.

SongBook+ can listen for BankSelect and ProgramChange commands on the MIDI interface and then open a song. These commands are typically used to select an instrument.

A common application for this is that ProgramChange commands are sent from a MIDI style, from a played MIDI file, or from the keyboard when selecting a registration. SongBook+ then opens the corresponding text. (A MIDI style can resend the same ProgramChange command repeatedly without any issues).

SongBook+ will open a song when it receives BankSelect and ProgramChange commands as configured in the "Edit song details" window.

Please note that SongBook+ uses values from 0 to 127. If your keyboard uses values from 1 to 128 instead, you need to subtract 1 from each value to set it correctly in SongBook+.

You can also have SongBook+ send MIDI commands when a song is opened.

A typical use for this is to set up external devices like a keyboard according to the selected song.

There are several ways to send MIDI commands:

Send the Configured BankSelect/ProgramChange Commands

SongBook+ sends the BankSelect and ProgramChange commands as configured in the “Edit Song Details” dialog when the “Send MIDI Command on Opening” switch is enabled.

The MIDI channel on which SongBook+ sends these commands is the same as the one set for MIDI reception.

Send Additional Configurable MIDI Commands

Using the “Actions on Opening” button in the song’s edit window, you can define any MIDI commands that will be sent when the song is opened.

Send the Same MIDI Commands for All Songs

In the MIDI settings under “MIDI” -> “MIDI Macros” -> “Macros When Handling Songs” you can select a previously defined MIDI macro that will then be sent when any song is opened. It can also be specified whether this macro should be sent even if the song already has its own “Actions on Opening”.

Send the Contents of a MIDI File When a Song is Opened

SongBook sends the contents of a MIDI file as soon as a song opens, if a .mid file with the exact same name as the .pdf file appended with “_open.mid” exists.

(e.g., MySong.pdf -> MySong_open.mid)

Only MIDI files of type 0 (single track) are allowed. All commands are sent at once without considering the timing. Therefore, no music can be sent this way, only commands to configure the environment.

Send MIDI Start When a Song is Started

In the SongBook+ settings, you can configure whether a MIDI Start should be sent when a song is started.

Send Other Configurable MIDI Commands

With the "Actions on Start" button in the song's editing window, you can define any MIDI commands that should be sent when the song starts.

Send the Same MIDI Commands for All Songs

In the MIDI settings under "MIDI" -> "MIDI Macros" -> "Macros When Operating Songs," you can select a previously defined MIDI macro that will be sent when any song starts. Below, you can also specify whether it should be sent even if the song already has its own "Actions on Start."

Send the Contents of a MIDI File When a Song Starts

SongBook sends the contents of a MIDI file as soon as a song starts, if a .mid file with the same name as the .pdf file, extended with "_start.mid," exists.

(e.g., MySong.pdf -> MySong_start.mid)

Only type 0 MIDI files (single track) are allowed. All commands are sent at once without considering timing. Thus, music cannot be sent, only commands to configure the environment.

Sending Configurable MIDI Commands

With the "Actions on Close" button in the song's edit window, you can define arbitrary MIDI commands that are sent when the song stops.

Sending the Same MIDI Commands for All Songs

In the MIDI settings under "MIDI" -> "MIDI Macros" -> "Macros for Song Operations," you can select a predefined MIDI macro that will be sent when closing every song. Below that, you can also specify whether it should be sent even if the song already has its own "Actions on Close."

Send MIDI Stop When a Song Is Stopped

In the SongBook+ settings, you can configure whether to send MIDI Stop when a song is stopped.

Send Additional Configurable MIDI Commands

With the "Actions on Stop" button in the song's editing window, you can define any MIDI commands that should be sent when the song is stopped.

Send the Same MIDI Commands for All Songs

In the MIDI settings under "MIDI" -> "MIDI Macros" -> "Macros for Handling Songs," you can select a predefined MIDI macro that will be sent when stopping any song. It can also be set whether this macro should be sent even if the song already has its own "Actions on Stop."

Sending the Content of a MIDI File When a Song Is Stopped

SongBook sends the content of a MIDI file as soon as a song is stopped, if a .mid file with the same name as the .pdf file, appended with "_stop.mid" exists.

(e.g., MySong.pdf -> MySong_stop.mid)

Only MIDI files of type 0 (single track) are allowed. All commands are sent at once without considering the timing. Therefore, no music can be sent, only commands to configure the environment.

With the special annotation "Action Button," you can also send freely configurable MIDI commands at the push of a button from the lyrics or sheet music.

How to insert and configure such an action button annotation can be found on the page Functional Button Annotations.

With the special annotation "Function Button," you can adjust the value of a specific MIDI controller on a specific MIDI channel using a slider, triggered by pressing a button in the song lyrics or music notes.

How to insert and configure such a function button annotation can be found on the page Function Annotations for MIDI Controllers.

Many functions of SongBook+ can also be controlled with foot pedals.

SongBook+ supports two types of foot pedals:

• Foot pedals that simulate an external keyboard

• Foot pedals that send MIDI commands

On the following pages, you will find a description for using both types of foot pedals with SongBook+.

MIDI macros are a very powerful MIDI feature of SongBook+.

This allows you to define a sequence of MIDI commands, which can then be used in many different places in SongBook+:

• As an action in foot pedal settings

• As an action in gesture control

• As an action in functional buttons

• As an action within a MIDI macro (nested macros)

• As an action in the songs during actions for opening/starting/stopping/closing

• As a global action when opening/starting/stopping/closing songs

• Macros marked as favorites appear in the MIDI button on the toolbar

This way, you can define frequently used MIDI sequences, for example for turning certain effects on or off, once and then use them across many songs, instead of entering the same sequence everywhere. This also has the advantage that you can later adjust this sequence centrally in one place.

You can create or modify MIDI macros here in the settings:

• MIDI -> MIDI-Makros

SongBook+ supports all foot pedals that can send one or more MIDI commands:

• MIDI Start

• MIDI Stop

• MIDI Pause

• MIDI Continue

• Any MIDI ControlChange

• Any MIDI NoteOn or NoteOff

• Any MIDI SysEx sequences

In the settings, you can enable the use of MIDI foot pedals (*) and assign these commands to the following actions among others:

• Do nothing

• Move one page forward/backward

• Press the Start/Stop/Pause/Continue button

• Jump to the next song

• Return to the song list

• Open the song preselection list

• Start/pause/continue scrolling

• Scroll faster/slower

• Move forward or backward a whole/half/third/quarter page

• Toggle automatic playback on/off

• Start/stop the metronome

• Play jingles

• Toggle loops on/off

• Trigger all function buttons on the current page

• Trigger specific function buttons on the current page

• Trigger one function button after another on the current page

• Jump to a specific page number (with value from ControlChange)

• Scroll to a specific position in % (with value from ControlChange)

• Adjust the device volume (louder, quieter, or a specific value from ControlChange)

• Adjust the audioplayer volume (with value from ControlChange)

Note Alesis io Dock: The Alesis io Dock sends MIDI Start and MIDI Stop alternately with a pedal. If you use this, you should configure the same action in SongBook+ for both MIDI Start and MIDI Stop.

Note Alesis io Dock 2: The Alesis io Dock 2 sends values 0 and 127 alternately on controller 14 (first pedal) or 15 (second pedal) with the pedals. If a pedal should always perform the same action with each press, you need to use two configurable ControlChanges per pedal in SongBook+: one that reacts to the change to 0, and another that reacts to the change to 127, assigning the same action to both.

Note iRig BlueBoard: The iRig BlueBoard sends ControlChanges alternately to values 0 and 127. If a button should always perform the same action with each press, you need to use two configurable ControlChanges per button in SongBook+: one that reacts to the change to 0 and another that reacts to the change to 127, assigning the same action to both.

In the MIDI and Bluetooth Monitor, you can see which commands your foot pedal sends.

SongBook+ supports all foot pedals that simulate an external keyboard and can send one or more of the following keys:

In the settings, you can enable the use of foot pedals and assign the keys to any of the following actions, among others:

• Do nothing

• Page forward/backward

• Press the Start/Stop/Pause/Resume button

• Jump to the next song

• Return to the song list

• Open the song selection list

• Start/pause/resume scrolling

• Scroll faster/slower

• Move a whole/half/third/quarter page forward or backward

• Toggle automatic playback on/off

• Start/stop the metronome

• Play jingles

• Toggle loops on/off

• Trigger all function buttons on the current page

• Trigger specific function buttons on the current page

• Trigger one function button after another on the current page

• Adjust the device volume (up, down)

In the Midi and Bluetooth Monitor, you can see which keys your foot pedal is sending.

With this function, you can use the following foot pedals, for example:

• BT-105/BT-106/DIGIT/QUAD/DUO/PED/PEDpro/BT200S-x from Airturn (www.airturn.com) connected via Bluetooth

• Cicada/Firefly/Dragonfly/Butterfly from PageFlip (www.pageflip.com) connected via Bluetooth

• iRig BlueTurn from IK Multimedia (www.ikmultimedia.com) connected via Bluetooth

• BT-FP2 from Strich Music

You can connect multiple iPads with SongBook+ via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, MIDI (cable), or Wireless MIDI (wireless).

If you want to use the simple "Short Range Connection," select "Server in Short Range Connection" in the "SongBook to SongBook Connection" mode on one device and "Client in Short Range Connection" on all other devices.

If you prefer a MIDI connection (Wireless MIDI, Bluetooth LE MIDI, or wired), select "MIDI Connection" as the connection mode in the "SongBook to SongBook Connection" on all devices.

For Wireless MIDI, additionally configure one device as the Wireless MIDI Server and the others as Wireless MIDI Clients in the MIDI settings.

For Bluetooth LE MIDI, start the Bluetooth LE MIDI server on all devices except one. On the remaining device, find and connect to all other devices in the list of Bluetooth LE MIDI devices.

The following actions can be synchronized between the SongBooks:

• Select a song

• Preselect a song

• Page turning

• Start button

• Stop button

• Live playlist

If you want to form multiple SongBook groups using the Short Range Connection or protect against connections from other SongBooks, you can configure a common connection key.

The devices automatically connect when starting SongBook+ if the feature is enabled in the settings.

The "SongBook to SongBook" connection can also be used to synchronize two adjacent devices in "Side by Side Mode" so that they display two consecutive pages of the same song.

Configure the devices to synchronize song openings and page turns, and additionally activate the "Side by Side Mode" in the settings.

There are two methods to link the corresponding songs on different iPads: via code or via the song's MIDI information.

The synchronization method used must be selected in the settings under "SongBook to SongBook Connection" as the "Key field for synchronization."

Synchronization via Code

Since version 2.1 of SongBook+, there is a simpler method to synchronously open songs on multiple devices. The content from the "Code" field of the song is sent to other iPads, which then search for a song with the same code.

SongBook+ can also automatically assign song numbers for new songs and assign consecutive numbers to existing songs if needed.

You can find these settings under "Other" 🡪 "Automatic Song Numbering (Code)."

To assign numbers retroactively to existing songs, go to the "..." button, then "Special Features" 🡪 "Insert song numbers into Code field."

Synchronization via MIDI Information

If you already use SongBook+ for remote control via MIDI with a keyboard or another external device, you can use the same MIDI settings to synchronize with other iPads. The 3 numbers from the MIDI settings are sent to other iPads, which then search for a song with the same 3 numbers.

Activate and Use the Feature

Open the book cover.

Press “Edit Books”.

Then switch to "Use Multiple Books".

After that, you'll find a list of 15 books on the book cover. If you are not in edit mode, select the desired book here by tapping on it.

Here you can directly change the book titles.

In the menu at the “...” button, you'll find functions for deleting or copying entire books.

You can easily change the book order by dragging the symbol on the right side.

If you want to copy or move an existing song to another book, press and hold the song until a menu with the corresponding options appears.

The database, the directory with the files, and the list of entered artists and genres are shared by all books.

Even stronger data separation can be achieved through multi-tenancy with subdirectories. You can find more information on this in the chapter Multi-tenancy with Subdirectories.

Share (Export) Books

With this feature, you can export the contents of a book and transfer it to another SongBook+.

The book will be exported into a .sbkbook file and can be imported back into the target SongBook.

When exporting, you can decide the extent to which the playlist will be exported:

• Song data without files: The export includes complete song data (title, artist, genre, actions on open/start/stop/close), recorded page turns, finger pointers, annotations,...

• Complete with linked files The export includes all song data as mentioned above, and additionally, all linked files such as PDF files, audio file(s), MIDI file, video file.

The following pages show how you can back up your data to your computer and how to copy the backed-up data back into your SongBook+ (or onto another device).

Backing up your data with the new backup feature

Press the button "...".

Select "Backup data".

Choose where the backup should be saved. The easiest option is to save it in "iCloud Drive".

Choose which data should be backed up.

• The option "All files" backs up everything and is recommended.

• The option "Database only" backs up only the following 4 files:

  • SongBookMidi.settings

  • SongBookMidi.sqlite

  • SongBookMidi.sqlite-shm

  • SongBookMidi.sqlite-wal

Start the backup.

Other ways to back up data

Preparation

The most important files that you must back up are the following 4 files:

• SongBookMidi.settings

• SongBookMidi.sqlite

• SongBookMidi.sqlite-shm

• SongBookMidi.sqlite-wal

They contain all the data and settings you have entered directly in SongBook (song titles, artists, genres, annotations, recorded page turns and pointers, MIDI commands to be sent,...).

Backing up your data with Finder (Mac computer)

Please refer to the page #ole_link1 to see how to access SongBook+ files using Finder.

Select the files you want to back up (at least the 4 files listed above). Multiple files can be selected by holding the “Command” key on the keyboard while clicking the files with the mouse. All files can be selected using the keyboard shortcut “Command+A”.

Drag these files into another Finder window in the prepared folder where you want to back up the files.

Backing up your data with iTunes (Windows PC and older Mac computers)

Please refer to the page #ref37431359 to see how to access SongBook+ files using iTunes.

Select the files you want to back up (at least the 4 files listed above). Multiple files can be selected by holding the “Command” key on the keyboard while clicking the files with the mouse. All files can be selected using the keyboard shortcut “Command+A”.

(On a Windows PC, the “Command” key is called “Ctrl” or “Strg”.)

Then press “Save as...”. Select a destination folder on your computer where you want to save your data.

Backing up your data via WLAN sharing

Please refer to the page #ref37432233 to see how to access SongBook+ files via WLAN sharing.

Select the files you want to back up (at least the 4 files listed above). Multiple files can be selected by holding the “Command” key on the keyboard while clicking the files with the mouse. All files can be selected using the keyboard shortcut “Command+A”.

(On a Windows PC, the “Command” key is called “Ctrl” or “Strg”.)

Drag these files into the prepared destination folder on your computer where you want to back up the files.

Backing up your data with the "Files" app

With the Files app, you can copy files to a USB stick, your preferred cloud app, or even to a server on the local network.

First, create a new, appropriately named folder with the Files app at the desired destination (in your cloud app or on the USB stick), e.g., SongBook-Backup-1, in which you want to store the backed up files.

In the following example, we show how to back up the entire SongBook folder along with all files. If you only want to back up the 4 files mentioned above, you can perform this process 4 times with the individual files.

Open the "Files" app.

Select the "Browse" tab.

Select "On My iPad".

Then long-press the SongBook folder until a menu appears

Select "Copy" from this menu.

Then open the previously prepared, still empty destination folder (in your preferred cloud app or on the USB stick).

Long-press on an empty spot in this folder until a menu appears, and select "Paste".

The copying process begins, wait until the files are fully copied.

On the iPad, you can connect external USB audio hardware with multiple separate audio outputs.

If you want to specifically route the channels (left/right) of the 5 audio players included in SongBook+ to certain audio outputs of the external hardware, you can do this in the MediaPlayer settings of SongBook.

This can be used, for example, to play a synchronous click track for the drummer that only he hears.

Restore with the New Restoration Feature

If you backed up the data using the built-in backup feature, you can easily restore it via the menu item “Manage Backups.”

A list of all available cloud backups from all your devices using the same Apple ID will appear.

An explanation of the buttons can be found under the following image:

When you press the restore button (1), this window first appears with additional information about the backup and what happens during restoration.

There you can review the backup contents and decide whether to restore the backup or cancel.

Restore a .sbkbkp Backup File

The backup files from SongBook+ have the .sbkbkp (SongBook Backup) extension.

If you click on such a file in the Files app or pass it to SongBook+ from another app with “Open in...”, SongBook+ will start and display the window to restore the backup (see above).

There you can review the backup contents and decide whether to restore the backup or cancel.

(On a Mac, you can restore the backup file by dragging it onto the SongBook+ app icon.)

Other Restoration Methods

If you did not back up using the SongBook+ backup feature but manually copied the files, you can also manually copy them back to SongBook+.

The backed-up files are copied back to SongBook+ the same way regular files are copied into SongBook+.

If you want to copy another musician's data into your SongBook+ without overwriting your own data, you can now also create subdirectories in SongBook+ with completely separate data.

Each of these directories then contains its own database (files SongBookMidi.sqlite, SongBookMidi.sqlite-shm, SongBookMidi.sqlite-wal), its own settings (file SongBookMidi.settings), and your own files (PDF, MP3,...).

Creating and accessing such subdirectories is unfortunately not possible via iTunes, but only via the Wi-Fi sharing feature of the SongBook+ folder or through the "Files" app.

For more information on accessing via Wi-Fi sharing or the "Files" app, visit the page #ref37432233.

Simply create directories starting with "SBDATA_", for example:

• SBDATA_My data

• SBDATA_Sandra

• SBDATA_Thomas

The current folder can then be easily switched in the settings.

After selecting a different folder, SongBook+ will close and must be restarted.

Jingles are frequently needed, short audio files that can be played quickly and easily at any time.

You can access these either through the menu or through configurable gestures, foot pedals, or actions on function buttons.

Audio files (mp3, wav, aiff, m4a) that start with "SB-Jingle-" are recognized by the Jingle function and appear alphabetically sorted in a submenu "Jingles" under the "..." button.

In the example image, the following 4 files were copied into SongBook+:

• SB-Jingle-1 My first jingle.wav

• SB-Jingle-2 Another jingle.mp3

• SB-Jingle-3 One more jingle.mp3

• SB-Jingle-4 Just another one.mp3

It is possible to configure and call up the first 20 jingles via gesture control, foot pedals, or function buttons. However, you can only refer to them by their position in the alphabetically sorted list, i.e., Jingle 1, Jingle 2, Jingle 3,...

Therefore, you should name the files after the prefix "SB-Jingle" in such a way that they appear in your desired order when sorted alphabetically.

Here you open the editor for position markers.

To edit a position marker, first select it by directly tapping on it or using the next or previous buttons. You can then move it with your finger or adjust its time with the "wheels."

Here you can insert a new marker or delete the currently selected marker.

You can assign the same group to related markers. They can then be activated/deactivated later by tapping just one marker at the same time. The group number can also be used to control the markers via a foot pedal.

To check the exact position, you can listen to the last few seconds before or the first few seconds after the point here.

When playing the song, the position markers appear on the progress bar on the right. By tapping, you can turn them on and off. As mentioned above, related markers can be grouped and activate/deactivate simultaneously when one of the group is tapped.\

When two markers are activated, at least one of which is in the future, SongBook+ shows the planned jump with an arrow. The jump will occur when the second marker is reached, provided it is still activated then.\

Position markers also appear during playback pause. By tapping a marker, the current position is set to that point.

When you close an app with the Home button, it continues to run in the background and still requires memory, which other apps might lack.

Therefore, it is highly recommended, especially before performances, to completely close all these apps, including SongBook+, and then restart only SongBook+ to make as much free memory as possible available for this app.

Double-click the "Home" button on your iPad. For an iPad or iPhone without a "Home" button, swipe up from the bottom of the screen, stop briefly in the middle, and then release.\

Swipe the app you want to close up off the screen.

If you can't see the app you want to close, you can scroll until the desired app is visible.

Free Basic Version

SongBook+ can be downloaded for free from Apple's AppStore and is free for hobby musicians in the basic version.

The basic version already has all the features of the full version but is limited to 1 book with 15 songs. If you want to lift this restriction, you can unlock the full version through an in-app purchase.

Unlock Full Version

In the full version, the number of songs is unlimited, and you can also create and use 15 books. Furthermore, you can create as many data subdirectories as you want with completely separate data and settings (multitenancy).

You can unlock the full version either in the form of a monthly or yearly automatically renewing subscription or through a one-time payment.

Press here to open the menu.

Select "Unlock Full Version".

Press here for a monthly subscription

Press here for a yearly subscription

Press here for a purchase of the full version (including 5 years of free updates) Prices depend on the buyer's country, currency, and exchange rate. They are determined by Apple and displayed accordingly under the key.

Full Version as Subscription

The subscription renews automatically unless renewal is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. The Apple user account will be charged for the renewal within the 24-hour period before the end of the current period with the same amount. Subscriptions can be managed by the user, and the automatic renewal can be turned off in the settings of the iTunes user account.

Purchase Full Version (including 5 years of free updates)

The one-time payment entitles you to use the full version indefinitely. After 5 years, however, you are not allowed to install updates, or the full version will expire with the update. SongBook+ will remind you beforehand so you can disable automatic app updates. This way, you can continue to use the full version indefinitely without additional payment, even after the 5 years have elapsed.

Sponsorship

If you have purchased the full version (not a subscription) and want to voluntarily support further development and support, there is an option for sponsorship.

Sponsorship is voluntary and does not offer any added value in the first 5 years of the full version. However, after these 5 years, it entitles you to further updates as long as the sponsorship is not canceled.

Text or Sheet Music Files

To display song lyrics or sheet music, files with the extensions PDF, PNG, JPG, JPEG, GIF, TXT can be used.

Music Files

To play music, files with the extensions MP3, WAV, AIFF, M4A can be used.

Midi Files

For output via MIDI, files with the extensions MID, MIDI, SMF can be used.

Video Files

To output videos directly on the iPad itself or to an external monitor or projector, files with the extensions MOV, MP4, MPV, 3GP, M4V and the following compression standards can be used:

• H.264 Baseline Profile Level 3.0 video up to 640x480 at 30 fps

• MPEG-4 Part 2 video (Simple Profile)

ChordPro Files

To display lyrics and chords, ChortPro files with the extension .chopro can be imported.

LRC Files

To display lyrics and chords for an audio file, LRC files with the extension .lrc can be imported.

MP3 Files with Embedded Lyrics

SongBook+ can import lyrics from MP3 files if they are contained in an ID3 tag in the format “Lyrics3 v2.00”.

If you have any questions or feedback about SongBook+, visit us at

Here, you will find a contact form to send us a message, frequently asked questions (FAQ), download links for the App Store, video tutorials, and more.

MIDI Communication:

The MIDI communication is based on sample code by Pete Goodliffe.

Thank you to Pete for publishing his sample code on the internet.

You can find more information here:

Music Symbols:

The music symbols for insertion with the annotation function are from Linkware Graphics.

Thank you to Shirley Kaiser for publishing these symbols.

You can find more information here:

In-App-Settings:

The in-app settings were realized with "InAppSettingsKit". Thank you to Luc Vandal and Ortwin Gentz for the development and publication.

You can find more information here:

OpenSSL:

SongBook+ uses OpenSSL. According to the licensing terms, this must be mentioned with the following statement:

“This product includes software developed by the OpenSSL Project for use in the OpenSSL Toolkit ().”