OMG Let's Do This

OMG Let's Do This

In this guide, we're gonna walk you through the bleepin' core stuff you need to actually USE OnSong. Like, right now. We'll throw in links to the mega-detailed manual if you get lost, but mostly we're here to make you dangerous with OnSong—fast. You're welcome.

Yo, You Need This Stuff

The OnSong^® App runs on iPad, iPhone & iPod Touch rockin' iOS/iPadOS 15 or newer. You can also torture yourself runnin' OnSong^® on Intel & Apple Silicon Mac computers with Big Sur or newer. Got an ancient device that Apple & OnSong have left for dead? Yeah, time to upgrade, fam. BUT WAIT—if you copped OnSong back in the day, no worries! Just sign in with the Apple ID you used originally & snag that last version from the App Store. It'll still work. Probably.

Get It On Your Device

The OnSong^® App ONLY lives on the App Store or Mac App Store. Search "OnSong" or hit this link. It's a free download—no cap! Unlock the good stuff with an OnSong^® subscription. This version gets the fancy new features, services & premium tech support that actually doesn't suck.

If you already threw money at OnSong back when it was a one-time purchase, you can still run OnSong 2020. It's not for sale anymore (RIP), so just sign in with the Apple ID you originally used, then grab it from the App Store. It won't have all the bells & whistles the new app has, but it gets patched enough to keep workin' on your device.

Psst—if you already own OnSong, you can download it FREE on another device using the same Apple ID. Or if you're rockin' an OnSong^® subscription? Sign in anywhere with your OnSong^® Account & boom—all your premium stuff follows you.

Fire It Up

Once the app downloads & installs, BAM—there it is on your home screen. Tap that bad boy open. It'll ask you to sign in like it's your business.

Sign-In

OnSong wants you to sign in. You could hit cancel & use the free version like a cheapskate, but if you want the good stuff, sign in already.

Get Your Bearings

Open the app & ZOMG—you're in the OnSong universe. Most of the screen is a demo song called Welcome to OnSong (we're so creative, right?). Above that? The Menubar—basically your command center for literally everything. Bottom right corner's got the Live Bar where you toggle stuff like Autoscroll, Backing Tracks & the Metronome. Now let's actually ADD a song before you lose your mind.

Your Precious Song Stash

Tap the Songs button (top left, y'all) to open the Songs Menu. See a list of songs? Tap that drawer icon in the corner to see how you can organize this mess.

Get Songs Into This Thing

Tap the import button (bottom right, duh) to see the Add Songs screen. Like, so many ways to grab files from storage places or content people. OnSong eats a ton of file formats. We're gonna use Dropbox 'cause it's wireless & works wherever you got WiFi. First, link your Dropbox account & let OnSong peek inside—one time only, praise be. Then poke around & pick files you want, tap Import, & boom—they download into your library. You'll land back in All Songs & your new stuff shows up in the Song Viewer.

Wanna grab chord charts off the internet? OnSong's got the Add To OnSong Extension so you can steal from all those chord sites. Bands even post backing tracks & loops sometimes! The extension can import whatever file format OnSong supports—seriously, it's wild.

Actually Look at Your Songs

Tap a song in the Songs Menu & it loads into the Song Viewer. Scroll up & down or tap the top/bottom of the screen to browse. Look good? If not, change it or pick a different file. Tap the pages-with-checkmark icon to open Attachments & see other versions.

Make Your Songs Not Terrible

Text-based chord charts work best with OnSong (shocking, we know). You can import garbage in Word, PDF, & other weirdness. To actually edit the chart, tap Edit Chords and Lyrics at the bottom to open the Song Editor. Nerd out about OnSong & ChordPro formats if you're into that.

For OTHER file formats, tap the + button at the bottom to import more stuff or edit the original file yourself. Peep the Attachments Menu for the whole story.

Make It Look Less Ugly

Tap the sliders icon in the Menubar to open Style Preferences Menu. Change fonts, sizing, make chords POP (or highlight capo & transpose stuff). Mess around & see what happens to your chart. You can also flip the document tab to change the vibe & toggle Low Light Mode if your eyes are dying.

Stick a Note On It

Let's throw a sticky note on there. Tap the annotations icon in the Menubar to open Annotations Menu. Pick Sticky Note & plop it on the screen. Use the Note Editor to write your thoughts. Tap Done, then drag it wherever. Double-tap to edit again. Tap the "A" icon for the Appearance Menu to change colors & stuff. Tap Done when you're done fancifying.

Build a Set List

Got two songs? Time for a SET, baby. Tap Songs in the Menubar to open Songs Menu. Tap the drawer button & pick Active Sets under Sets. See your sets? Tap the + button to make a new set. Add a date & optional title, hit Done.

Your set's empty, so you'll see the song browser. If not, tap it to see the set & tap + (bottom right) to grab songs. Checkmark both songs & tap Done. Boom—set with two songs! Wanna reorder? Tap Edit (top right) to enter editing mode & drag 'em around like a boss. Tap Done to lock it in.

Don't Lose Everything

Your OnSong library is gonna be your baby. Protect it by backing it up. Even if your device explodes or OnSong has a total meltdown, you can restore from the backup. Future you will thank present you.

When You're Stuck

Tons of resources out there for learning OnSong. Hit our Resources page for tutorial videos & knowledge stuff. You can also Get Support straight from inside the app. If you're fancy & got OnSong Premium, you can Fast Track your support request for faster help.

Keep Goin'

OnSong is PACKED with features you haven't even found yet. To level up, check out the Features section of the manual. Wanna learn about a specific screen or tool? The User Interface section is your bestie.