Adding a tabber name in Guitar Pro identifies who transcribed the music

Guitar Pro stores the tabber's name in the score metadata, which displays when someone opens the file. To add or change it, open your score in Guitar Pro, go to the File menu, select Song Properties (or Document Properties depending on your version), and enter the name in the Tabber field. Save the file afterward so the change stays in place.

This field matters if you share tabs online or collaborate with other musicians. It credits the person who did the transcription work and helps others know who to contact with corrections or questions. The tabber name appears in the file's metadata even if someone opens it in a different program that reads Guitar Pro files.

Key Takeaways

  • The tabber name is stored in Song Properties or Document Properties, accessible through the File menu in any Guitar Pro version.
  • You must save the file after entering the tabber name for the change to persist when the file is reopened.
  • The tabber field is separate from the artist and title fields, so you can credit both the original musician and the person who transcribed it.
  • Guitar Pro files shared online or imported into other tab-reading software will retain the tabber name you enter.

Finding Song Properties in different Guitar Pro versions

The exact menu path depends on which version of Guitar Pro you use. In Guitar Pro 7 and 8, click File at the top, then Song Properties. In Guitar Pro 6 and earlier, the same menu item appears under File but may be labeled Document Properties. Both names refer to the same dialog box.

Once the dialog opens, look for a tab or section labeled Metadata, Information, or Details. The tabber field is usually grouped with other credit fields like artist name, album, and composer. If you cannot find it when ready, scroll down or check other tabs within the dialog — it is always in this same location across versions.

Entering and formatting the tabber name

Type the name exactly as you want it to appear. You can use your real name, a username, or any identifier you prefer. There is no required format — "John Smith", "JSmith92", or "TabMaster" all work equally well. Guitar Pro does not validate or restrict what you enter.

If multiple people worked on the transcription, you can list them separated by commas or slashes: "John Smith and Sarah Lee" or "John Smith / Sarah Lee". Keep it concise so it displays cleanly in file properties and on tab-sharing websites. Once you type the name, click OK or explore to close the dialog.

Saving the file to preserve the tabber name

After you enter the tabber name and close the Song Properties dialog, save the file when ready. Use File > Save or press Ctrl+S (Windows) or Command+S (Mac). If you do not save, the tabber name will disappear when you close the file without saving.

If you have already saved the file before adding the tabber name, saving again will update the existing file with the new metadata. You do not need to create a new file or use Save As unless you want to keep a version without the tabber name for some reason.

How the tabber name appears when files are shared

When you upload a Guitar Pro file to tab-sharing sites like Ultimate Guitar, Songsterr, or Chordify, the tabber name from the metadata usually displays in the file information or credits section. Some sites pull it automatically; others require you to enter it separately during upload. Check the upload form to see whether the site reads the metadata or asks you to type it again.

If someone downloads your file and opens it in Guitar Pro, the tabber name appears in that same Song Properties dialog. If they import it into a different program or convert it to another format, the tabber name may or may not transfer depending on the program and format — but it always stays in the original Guitar Pro file.

Editing the tabber name in an existing file

You can change the tabber name at any time by opening the file, returning to Song Properties, and typing a new name in the tabber field. This is useful if you made a mistake, want to add a collaborator's name, or need to update the credit for any reason. Save the file again after making the change.

If you receive a Guitar Pro file from someone else and want to change the tabber name, you can do the same thing — open it, edit the field, and save. This is common when you fix or improve someone else's transcription and want to credit both the original tabber and yourself, or when you are organizing files and want consistent naming across your library.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Guitar Pro require a tabber name?

No. The tabber field is optional and can be left blank. Guitar Pro will save and open the file normally without it. However, adding a name is helpful for crediting your work, especially if you share the file online.

Can I see the tabber name without opening Guitar Pro?

On Windows, right-click the file, select Properties, then check the Details tab — some metadata appears there. On Mac, select the file and press Command+I to open file info. Not all systems display the tabber field in file properties, so opening the file in Guitar Pro is the most reliable way to view it.

What happens if I change the tabber name after uploading to a tab site?

The change only affects your local file. Most tab-sharing sites store the tabber name separately from the file itself, so updating the metadata in Guitar Pro will not automatically update what appears on the website. You may need to re-upload the file or edit the credits directly on the site.

Can I add a tabber name to a file that was created without one?

Yes. Open the file in Guitar Pro, go to Song Properties, enter the tabber name, and save. The file will then include the metadata even though it did not have it before.