Setlists
Organise songs for gigs and rehearsals with drag-and-drop, per-entry keys, and archive.
Songbook Buddy vs OnSong
OnSong is a long-standing iPad setlist app. Songbook Buddy targets the same stage workflow with ChordPro depth, cross-platform desktop, and encrypted band sharing.
How Songbook Buddy compares
Conditional positioning against well-known apps. Choose another product when its focus matches your workflow; choose Songbook Buddy when you need the full ChordPro journey on your platforms.
| Aspect | SBB | OnSong |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Complete ChordPro workflow — import, edit, publish, perform, collaborate | iPad setlist and chord-sheet performance |
| Platforms (typical) | Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux (one codebase) | iOS/iPadOS (macOS Catalyst varies) |
| Offline-first | Yes — local database; sync optional | Strong offline on device |
| ChordPro editor depth | Custom ChordPro parser, many directives, custom blocks | Strong iPad performance layout |
| Band sharing & end-to-end encryption | Band Mode + per-band key, roles, invites | Sharing/collaboration depends on ecosystem |
| Live session leader/follower | Yes — scroll, playback, setlist, metronome sync | Live/link features vary by version |
| Metronome / meter | Sample-accurate click; live sync; time signatures | Strong metronome/performance tools |
| MIDI & footswitch control | MIDI & USB foot pedals; network MIDI on macOS | Established MIDI/footswitch on iPad |
| Print / PDF | Print pipeline, PDF-oriented options | Strong setlist export/layout |
| Cloud sync | Optional encrypted sync (Basic+); WLAN for audio/sheets | iCloud and similar depending on setup |
| Localization | 23 interface languages + translated help + PDF manuals | Broad on iOS |
Competing products change continuously. This table describes typical positioning — choose another app when its focus matches your workflow; choose Songbook Buddy when you need the full ChordPro journey on your platforms.
Choose OnSong if your team is iPad-only and already invested in that workflow. Choose Songbook Buddy for your own song library on phone, tablet, and desktop.
Explore by Feature
Theater Mode
Distraction-free performance view with auto-scroll, wakelock, and setlist navigation.
MIDI Control
Send and receive MIDI — learn, duplicate, panic; network MIDI on macOS.
Print & PDF
Print the current song or export PDF with independent chord-chart scaling.
Switching tips
- Export your ChordPro or text charts from OnSong and import folders into Songbook Buddy.
- Rebuild setlists in Songbook Buddy — drag-and-drop ordering, per-entry key overrides, and archive are built in.
- Try Band Mode if your worship or gig team needs encrypted sharing with personal transpose settings kept private.