Libraries

One of ChordWizard's core functions is to manage libraries of chordshapes, where each library is stored in a file with a .cwl filename extension.

A library file contains a collection of chordshapes, together with a collection of Library Options, which define the instrument and tuning used for the library and other preferences that represent your knowledge and playing level.

When you open a different library, the collection of chordshapes and the Library Options will both change.

You can have only one library open at a time in a ChordWizard window, but you can have several ChordWizard windows open at the same time, each with a different library. This allows you to transfer chordshapes between multiple libraries.

Working with a Library

Most of the functions you can use for working with the chordshapes in a library are found in Library View or Design View.

In Library View, you can use a filter to find chordshapes quickly by their matching chords, or other criteria. You can also edit or delete chordshapes from the library.

In Design View, you can design new chordshapes, with or without the help of overlay labels. ChordWizard automatically analyzes new chordshapes and tells you what matching chords they have, based on the notes contained in them.

This is very useful for identifying chordshapes of your own that you have discovered. If no matching chords are automatically found, you can use the Power Match process to arrive at a appropriate name for the chord.

You can also have ChordWizard automatically search for chordshape designs which suit the current filter and searching settings.

New chordshape designs can be added to the current library, where they are indexed for future reference, so that you won't need to search for them again.

Libraries and Playing Level

One of the key properties of a library is its playing level - either Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced. This must be specified when a new library is created.

The playing level of a library does not restrict what you can do with it. For example, you can change all of the Library Options of a beginner library so that it actually operates at an advanced level and vice versa.

However, it is a useful classification, because once you have selected your playing level, you will be presented, by default, with the options most appropriate to that level throughout ChordWizard. If you wish, you can make changes to the default options for any playing level.

If you want to open a different library with Switch Library, selecting the playing level helps you easily find the library you want. When creating a new library, the playing level determines what Library Options you begin with.

Intermediate and Advanced playing levels require ChordWizard Gold Edition. The Silver Edition operates only at Beginner level.

Standard Libraries

ChordWizard is supplied with a set of standard libraries at beginner, intermediate or advanced levels for many instruments, including guitar, bass guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele. All of these appear in Switch Library together with any new libraries of your own that you have created.

The advanced standard libraries are very comprehensive and might contain all the chordshapes you will ever need. However, you can always add extra chordshapes to extend libraries.

If you are a beginner, you may wish to create new libraries that contain only the chordshapes that you know and use. You can then add to these as you continue to learn.

Chord Book Reports

Any library can be printed as a press-ready chord book. You can either print the entire library, or just selected chords.

There is wide range of Report Options available which you can use to control the formatting and layout of your printed chord book. These include fonts, colors, sizing, banners, footers, and even a table of contents.