One of the great new features in iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra is shared documents. You can create almost any kind of file, and collaborate on it with other people. This can be a simple Pages document, or a complex song in GarageBand. In theory, the file will be updated with everybody’s changes, so you can work on the same project without emailing a zillion copies back and forth.
Currently, this feature ranges from a little shaky, to rock solid, depending on what apps you are using. Here’s how to share and collaborate using GarageBand in iOS 11.
Whether you’re a complete Garageband beginner or ready to take your projects to the next level, you’re in the right place!
First, the bad news. For this article, I couldn’t get GarageBand sharing to work flawlessly every time. Still, it’s possible to share tracks and collaborate with other musicians, despite a few bugs that can complicate the process.
I shared projects in two directions, one from a friend’s iPad, and one from my own. And while I was able to get both projects to show up in the other person’s copy of GarageBand, not all subsequent edits synced.
Apple Garageband Manual
This is most likely due to iCloud-related problems in GarageBand, which are making some folks’ copies of Apple’s music-creation software crash on launch. However, the (almost) exact same process works for Pages, and I got that running with no problems at all. So, let’s get started.
Share a song with GarageBand
GarageBand hasn’t yet been updated to work with iOS 11’s game-changing Files app. Whereas Pages and other Apple apps all now come with the new Files browser built in, GarageBand still does things the old-fashioned way. That will surely change soon, and will likely make GarageBand into an amazing collaboration tool for musicians.
First up, create a song in the usual way, by hitting the + in GarageBand and recording some tracks. I started off with a simple Drummer track, where a virtual drummer does the work for you, then dragged in a bass loop.
Next, exit the song editor. In GarageBand’s song browser, make sure to share your new song to iCloud. Do this by long-pressing the song, then tapping the little cloud icon that appears at top left. Wait for it to upload, and then switch to the Files app.
Sharing the song using iOS 11 Files app
This is where you add co-conspirators to your project. Find the song — it will show up in Recents, or in iCloud Drive > GarageBand for iOS. Long-press the song, and tap Share in the black popover bubble. Then, in the lower row of icons (the black-and-white ones), tap Add People.
Next, choose your sharing method. I used iMessage, but email will also do. I haven’t tested other methods yet. A new message window will appear, just as if you were sending a picture from the Photos app, only with a GarageBand .band project instead of a photo. Enter your collaborator’s name, and send the file.
When they receive it, tapping the file will add it to their iCloud Drive. Then, in the Files app, they can just open the file in GarageBand by tapping it. You can also open the file from inside GarageBand itself. Just tap the little + at top left, and choose iCloud Drive from the list. Then, navigate to your saved file.
In theory, at least. This is exactly how Pages sharing works. In Apple’s word processing app, you just tap the newly received file and it opens up, and any collaborators’ changes will update as they make them. You’ll even see a little arrow showing where the other person’s cursor is located on their version of the file. It just works.
Currently, GarageBand sync is shaky at best
In GarageBand, you may need to force the app to open the file by switching to GarageBand itself, then tapping the little + at top left. Then, choose iCloud Drive from the list. This opens up a Files window where you can find and tap the shared file.
As you can see, things remain a little buggy right now. But when it works, it works. I was able to share and open a GarageBand song on another iPad.
However, I ran into another problem — compatibility.
My friend is running GarageBand on an older iPad that doesn’t support all the app’s latest features. In particular, it doesn’t work with the awesome Alchemy synthesizer. So when the old iPad opened up a copy of the song, the Alchemy track was removed. And since it was a copy, it would need to be shared separately.
Apple still has a lot of rough edges to smooth over when it comes to GarageBand sharing. But the good news is that sharing works perfectly with Pages, and we already know how well shared Notes sync, as well as iCloud Photo Library.
Once Apple inevitably perfects GarageBand collaboration in iOS 11, it’s going to be fantastic.
Everything you need to know to get started with Apple’s GarageBand software, including tutorials and other guides to create your own musical masterpieces in no time. Here’s our complete guide to GarageBand for Mac OS and iOS.
What is GarageBand?
GarageBand is Apple’s incredibly smart but also pleasingly intuitive music creation app, designed to help everyone from beginners to full-time musicians craft great-sounding tracks.
This isn’t just some simple tool which offers up a handful of loops and effects for you to make music with. It’s essentially a virtual studio which allows you to jam with incredibly realistic software instruments or even import your own real-life recordings, before editing each track to your heart’s content.
How to download GarageBand for iOS (iPhone and iPad)
If you’ve already got an iPad or an iPhone, chances are you know how to use the App Store. Some Apple devices may already have GarageBand installed, so it’s worth having a quick flit through your apps to see if it’s already there. If not, head over to the App Store.
You know the drill: head to search and type in GarageBand and since this is “the most popular music creation app in the world”, it should appear right at the top of the list. Select Install to get the app, but only when you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network – this is definitely not a small app.
Failing all that, head over to Apple’s site using your iPhone or iPad. In the Garage Band section there is a link to download the app right to your iOS device.
How to download GarageBand for Mac OS
Again, if you have a newer Mac OS device it may already have GarageBand installed right there for you to start using. Otherwise head to the Mac’s App Store to get it downloaded.
Alternatively you can click the magnifying glass icon in the top right corner of Mac OS and type in GarageBand and you’ll be given the option to download from the App Store. This’ll also search your computer beforehand, so if it’s already installed locally you’ll be informed.
Is there any difference between GarageBand for iOS and Mac, and can I swap between the two?
The most obvious difference between using GarageBand on iOS over Mac is the use of the touchscreen. This allows for simple controls that would otherwise have to be done using a mouse or trackpad. Beyond that, the use of 3D Touch on the iPad Pro and iPhone 7 is really nice as a way of simply adding “polyphonic aftertouch”, by holding down keys on the virtual keyboard.
Obviously the larger screen of the iPad Pro means you get a lot more on screen at once so there is less flitting about when compared to iPhone. But then if you jump to Mac, you could have a full-sized monitor (or more than one if needed), making this process even simpler.
Since all of your GarageBand music is stored in the iCloud, that means it’ll be accessible across multiple Apple devices seamlessly. Bear in mind that Mac OS offers more options and settings than the iOS version, so cross-platform sharing could be tricky. However, Apple has now made it easier than ever to edit your Logic X tracks on the go using GarageBand on your iPad, if you don’t mind delving into some more complicated software.
What are the main/best features of GarageBand?
One of the best things about GarageBand is how scalable the app is. Anyone can download it and take a virtual tour of the interface and, without any prior musical knowledge, begin creating tracks by building samples. Then, for the most seasoned sorts, there are instruments to actually play for original recordings too. It’s essentially a full scale music creation platform aimed at everyone. Maybe certain pros would disagree, but Apple reckons it’s good enough to create professional tracks and so do we.
GarageBand also lets you play with real instruments and import the audio created. So you can plug a guitar into the app, using the right adapter hardware, and record music directly – as if you were in your very own private studio. And if you want to improve your skills, there’s even a “Learn To Play” option where you can be taught how to play the real instrument via the app. In fact, it will even help you tune your guitar to perfection before you start playing.
Going back to the simple side of GarageBand, the Smart Instruments feature is Apple’s way of helping beginners to get involved. These allow you to arrange chords and structured beats by walking you through the process of arrangement. The result is harmonic music that can be created by pretty much anyone.
Creating musical loops is as simple as tapping certain sections of the screen. These can be built and layered for awesome and original musical creations, which make even a novice feel worthy of a grand stage in Ibiza.
When it comes to synths, Apple has over 150 patches setup on iOS. For beats there are 18 session players and 28 drummers in the Mac version, ready for whatever style of music you need.
That ease of use extends to GarageBand’s ability to start a project on one device and continue on another. Since your music is saved to the iCloud automatically, you can easily access across your iOS and Mac OS devices. So for instance you can start a basic track on iOS when you’re on the go, then share to Mac OS to finish on your laptop or desktop when you get home.
Another nice feature is the ability to share your finished projects easily, using your device’s apps; or by publishing it for fans to enjoy on Apple Music Connect.
Is GarageBand really used by professional music artists?
Yep. The likes of Rhianna, Kate Nash and…uhh…Limp Bizkit have all used GarageBand to lay down tracks (either the finished products or demo versions), and that’s just the tip of the musical iceberg.
Steve Lacy of the band The Internet recently recorded a new project entitled ’Steve Lacy’s Demo,’ using nothing more than an iPhone and a copy of GarageBand. The Grammy-nominated artist has helped to prove that prospective musicians don’t need to splash out for expensive studio time to cut an album. All you need is a moderately expensive smartphone, tablet or Macbook and Apple’s awesome software.
Steve Lacy’s Demo is available to listen to on Apple Music right now.
How do I find tutorials and guides to get started with GarageBand?
Apple has its own official guidance for GarageBand, with tips on how to create your own ringtones and more.
If you fancy really shelling out for the pro-level advice there are even courses on GarageBand like the Lynda tutorial service, for example. Alternatively to learn how to use the software for free, there is a dedicated site called TheGarageBandGuide with plenty of options to guide you whatever your level.
Of course, another great way to learn fast is to follow YouTube guide videos. There are lots of these if you search for your own specific needs, but some basics to start with are the tutorials by RealGeorge and Bai.
How do I upload my GarageBand creations for the world to enjoy?
Sharing your GarageBand creations is so easy, it’s actually one of the most appealing features of the software.
On both versions of GarageBand (iOS and Mac OS), it’s easy to publish music to Apple Music Connect. It’s also easy to share with friends, family and the world using platforms like Facebook, SoundCloud, YouTube or just direct with Messages.
Simple Garage Band Manual For Mac Download
Simply select the Share option, choose the app and share away. There are plenty of options available, so you have no excuses for hiding your creations away from the world.