# Set List Maker — user reviews

> 232 indexed App Store user reviews of Set List Maker by Arlo Leach, rated 3.70/5 from 87 ratings.

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/set-list-maker/id410496349/reviews
- App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/set-list-maker/id410496349.md
- Rating breakdown: 5★ 49 · 4★ 9 · 3★ 5 · 2★ 6 · 1★ 18

## What do users think of Set List Maker?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 💻 Powerful features
- 🗂️ Excellent organization
- 🔍 Helpful search
- 🔔 Reliable notifications
- 🌟 Impressive customer support
- 🎶 Great for musicians
- 📱 Seamless mobile experience

**Cons**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes
- 🔄 Sync issues
- 🔍 Inaccurate search
- 🤔 Confusing UI
- 🕰️ Slow performance
- 💰 Expensive upgrades

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Database corruption
- Missing songs after updates
- Midi issues
- Playback problems

**Most requested features**

- Bulk song import
- Customizable layouts
- Integrated chord/lyric editor
- Automatic scroll for lyrics
- Metronome integration
- Dropbox/iCloud sync

## Newest reviews (15 of 232)

### 4/5 — Song title search

*2024-06-18*

search not acurate, try to fix please! thanks!

**Developer response:** Please contact us with examples of the problem: https://helpdesk.arlomedia.com/arlomedia/

### 4/5 — Aplicativo incrível

*2024-01-23*

Só não dou 5 estrelas porque em uma atualização tiraram o idioma português…

### 2/5 — Most recent update causes app crashes

*2023-09-21, version 2023-09-19*

I’ve us d this app for years and it’s been fine until 2 days ago.  After this most recent update on 9/19/23 I can’t even open any of the files I have saved in this app now. It just constantly crashes when trying to open.

### 2/5 — Was once a Great App

*2023-09-16*

You can see my original review below from back when I loved this app.  I  no longer love it.  They’ve removed the ability of the app to recognize unbracketed chords.  I absolutely hate it now.  I spent untold hours formatting over 100 songs to display just the way I wanted, and now I’ll have to go back in and add brackets THAT I DON’T WANT to every song.  The brackets just clutter everything up, take up too much space, and make the lyrics more difficult to read.  This is a huge, unexpected headache.  Please change this back.

I’ve been using this app for over ten years and I love it. It does exactly what I need and more. Arlo is extremely responsive to technical issues and always has a solution. I don’t understand some of the poor reviews. Yes, this app can be a bit complicated, but that’s only because it’s so flexible and packed with features. Once you understand how to use it you won’t want anything else.

### 5/5 — Best, most versatile, ink saver yet!

*2023-08-11, version 2023-07-21*

Turned the entire band on to this app, now everyone uses it.  Easy to modify and share lists week to week. The added features of lyrics, chord, starting key and notes makes this invaluable.

### 5/5 — Love this App!!!

*2023-05-09*

I have been using this app from the very beginning for putting together set lists for my band Night Owls!!! We gig out just about every weekend and this app is a must have for any musician that is playing out every weekend. The features, ease of use, backups and constant updates to better the app is amazing. I highly recommend this app and don’t know what I would do without it!!!

### 3/5 — Constantly getting invalid database on transfer

*2023-04-24, version 2023-04-17*

I have the current version but this is more than annoying.

### 3/5 — New iPad… no tracks

*2023-04-17*

I have been using this app for almost 10 years. It’s been perfect for all of my shows. Many of them require the use of backing tracks. I got a new iPad, and transferred my database. Everything is there except my tracks and it’s not connecting to my iTunes. I put in a ticket asking for help but haven’t getting any response. I’d hate to buy a new app and start all over but I need to add new songs and tracks.

**Developer response:** We responded to your help ticket in less than two hours and it is currently waiting for your reply.

### 5/5 — Brilliant app

*2023-02-15*

First off I’ve been using this app for nearly 9 years! I can’t remember if I ever left a review so… 

This is a very a powerful app though some may find it quite deep but I could not have managed without it. This app allowed me to work in 4 bands at once and keep track of all the songs as each band had it’s own database. Each song sends Midi program changes and notes, chord charts and even sheet music displayed with one tap.

All the bands relied on me for set lists and were emailed to them from SLM. 

I have only contacted support once and that was last week when I needed to get some databases converted. Within 2 days I received the converted files! 

A perfect app for keyboard players in working bands who need to be able to call up any song instantly - my band mates really appreciated that I was ready for the next song without any delay.

Great that it works on iPhone too.

### 2/5 — Songs missing

*2023-01-30*

I am reluctant to write a review because I had been using this app so consistently for the last 7 years or so. However I have noticed a steady decline in support, recently the app has been deleting songs by it self which is incredibly frustrating. I’ve worked out that at least 72 songs had deleted themselves. It really puts me on the back foot now for sending clients set lists and being able to call songs on gigs. Unfortunately I think it’s time I look elsewhere for my gigging app.

**Developer response:** Songs can't delete themselves. Maybe you're referring to recordings linked from outside the app? Anyway, please contact us to troubleshoot your issue: https://helpdesk.arlomedia.com/arlomedia

### 4/5 — Great with personal inconvenience

*2023-01-16*

I’ve used this app for many years. 
It’s a powerful tool with so much to offer. 
However I’m annoyed with the latest update of unable to view notes without going into ‘shows’. Bring back the ability to access it from the home edit! This is a huge inconvenience for me I’m contemplating jumping ship.

**Developer response:** I'm not sure what you're referring to here, but if you contact us we can probably help you find what you're looking for: https://helpdesk.arlomedia.com/arlomedia

### 2/5 — Metrenome

*2023-01-10*

Still waiting for this better feature.
Make the click available in setlist view next to the names of the songs. 
I dont want the have to click through menus to play the click for each song while trying to play a set.

No one who makes a set list app seems to actually be a musician otherwise this would already be there

**Developer response:** You can add tempo buttons to your song list by editing your layout. Please contact us if you need help with that: https://helpdesk.arlomedia.com/arlomedia

### 5/5 — Great App - Most used on my iPad

*2022-11-13*

From the custom fields to the smart lists, this App really helps me organize my sets.  I can track progress on songs I’m learning, as well as songs already in my rotation. I can quickly finds songs that might go well together in a show(similar BPM, same key, same style, etc…).  This App replaced all my spreadsheets I used to have. And they always keep improving and fixing issues fast.

**Developer response:** For the record, you should only use the Remove Converted Database function if the automatic update failed. Please contact us if you have any doubt: https://helpdesk.arlomedia.com/arlomedia

### 3/5 — Great interface but major flaw

*2022-10-22*

This app is on the whole well designed with a great interface. It’s pretty easy to set up shows and use in a live setup. 

However. There is a major issue. The Midi clock and internal metronome run off different clocks. So if you wish to use the app to be your midi clock master and listen to the clock generated by the app at the same time they drift after about 30seconds. After a minute they are totally out of sync. Meaning you need to take a separate device to trigger as a click sound from the MIDI clock. Seems such a basic error for an otherwise well written app.

**Developer response:** This was reworked in 2023. You can turn off Settings > Advanced > Use Old MIDI Beat Clock if you're still seeing the old functionality.

### 5/5 — Great app for gigging musicians

*2022-10-05*

I have been using this app for some years now, I’d be lost without it creating set lists from my own database of songs, you can create your database by pulling files directly from ultimate tabs and sites like that. We share the set lists and songs with band mates.
Best app of its kind much better than a folder full of papers.

## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated)

### 1/5 — Terrible Program Change Support

*2025-01-05, version 2024-10-23*

I tried this app last year to replace my setlist program in Korg Module.  It started off great as it was easy to import PDF’s and organize set lists. However, there are serious issues with sending MIDI program changes correctly.  The developer tried to assist, but we never solved the problem.  Just be aware that if you purchase this, don’t expect it to accurately send the correct MIDI program change to your devices.

Arlo…. Here is the ticket # TICKET 33371: CAN’T GET SET LIST MAKER TO WORK DEPENDABLY.

### 1/5 — Terrible Program Change Support

*2024-09-04*

I tried this app last year to replace my setlist program in Korg Module.  It started off great as it was easy to import PDF’s and organize set lists. However, there are serious issues with sending MIDI program changes correctly.  The developer tried to assist, but we never solved the problem.  Just be aware that if you purchase this, don’t expect it to accurately send the correct MIDI program change to your devices.

**Developer response:** I don't see any help tickets from this time frame dealing with MIDI to a Korg device. We're not aware of any problems with sending MIDI accurately.

### 1/5 — Used to be great.

*2024-02-03*

Response to developer: Just because you announce something six months in advance does not make it right. You have changed your original product and its functionality (as many have paid for) in order to force people to move to another product with a monthly subscription. It’s wrong. When Bandhelper reaches is it saturation what next? Update: What a scam! Create a great app, get everyone to buy it, and then make it worse so you are pushed to buy his other app with a monthly subscription fee. Guess it wasn’t working that well because now he takes away syncing which is what buyers have already paid for. The price of this app has also gone way up - I’m sure to force you to do the same. I will not buy BAND HELPER for this reason and encourage others to do the same. I will be filing a complaint with Apple. Feels like extortion to me. ————————- This used to be the greatest program - worthy of awards. I have recommended it to many musician friends and colleagues. With the latest major upgrade I now hate it and it seems to be the consensus with those that I have spoken with. The problem with the latest version is that too much time is spent on unnecessary configuration and formatting. That's what programmers are for. The whole look and operation is now uncomfortable. What used to be a no-brainer, simple to use program now requires a learning curve. Not that I can't figure it out, but I find myself spending way too much time trying to configure the software and it takes time away from what it's really all about - the music. I have been using the new version for weeks now and I still get frustrated at every gig. The fact that you need to watch videos to learn it and are instructed to do so speaks volumes. We all finally decided at our last gig to ditch it. What a shame. I will probably still archive my lyrics and music library here but can no longer recommended it for the performing musician. Back to printed set lists for a while. There is a lot here but much is really unnecessary for most performing musicians. Ideally, I would like to see the old version come back and then offer this version for those who have the need, desire and patience to spend the time it takes. I have a lot of respect for Arlo Leach and his programming abilities but this version is more about the programming than the music. As the old saying goes "if it ain't broke don't fix it." I need a Set List Maker!

**Developer response:** When I announced the discontinuation of the cloud-based sync function, I offered a free database import/export function in its place, or the option of a discount when upgrading to BandHelper, with its more comprehensive sync functions. All good software evolves, sometimes features are removed and sometimes prices go up. Calling that a "scam" or "extortion" seems over the top considering all the features that have been added for free over the years and continue to be added.

### 1/5 — Where are instructions?

*2023-03-10, version 2023-03-01*

Seriously, even OnSong has tutorial documentation available.

### 1/5 — Don’t waste your money

*2023-01-22*

If you want an app to manage your song sets, that is easy to use and task appropriate for a gig or just song management, my advice is to look elsewhere. To open or import each song requires a number of clicks, the work flow is cumbersome and impractical. I wasted my money here, and my almost immediate request after purchase for a refund was ignored.

**Developer response:** We responded to your message the same day, offered to help with your setup and advised you to contact Apple if you still wanted a refund. (Developers can't issue App Store refunds.)

### 1/5 — Worst app I’ve ever used for lyrics

*2022-07-13*

Cluttered confusing interface and now will not import backup files of my lyrics that I exported from it!! Waste of money AVOID!

**Developer response:** The database export format changed in a recent version, so you can export new files now to have them in the new format. If you need to restore a device and the only backup you have is in the old format, you can contact us to convert it for you.

### 1/5 — New update hosed data

*2022-05-24*

After installing the latest version on iPhone, songs and shows etc were blank.  No option to update the database appeared.  I tried to reimport the database from backup (after much research) and this didn’t work.  I’m out.  Hours of working building the database with lyrics and chords etc gone, including the history of past gigs.

**Developer response:** If your database didn't update automatically, please contact us for instructions on fixing that: https://helpdesk.arlomedia.com/arlomedia

### 1/5 — I am about to quit

*2022-05-17, version 6.3.11*

After using this amazing software for many years I am sick and tired of the constant updates that bring new bugs that make the life of a pro singer musician difficult .new features with almost no explanation and very annoying bugs like the one that I can’t open lyrics anymore and having a reverse timer instead with no obvious reason .tried fixing it through the layouts with no result so far .sorry guys you messed it up really bad ....

### 1/5 — Inutilement compliqué

*2021-11-02*

Trop cher pour une ergonomie moyenne.
J'ai passé un temps fou à tout mettre en place et pour un résultat pas convainquant en live.
J'ai refais ma Set sur Pages avec des signets.... plus simple, plus efficace et gratuit.

### 1/5 — Worst setlist app evee

*2021-06-11*

I am a professional musician and I bought this app because of the reviews. Don’t buy it!!
Difficult to use, with thousands of under categories! It will drive you crazy. I switched with another one called Setlist Helper
Easy to use and reliable

## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated)

### 5/5 — Been a great app. Has saved me multiple times

*2026-04-07*

I have been using this app for years to write my sets and have my lyrics on hand when I forget. It has saved me multiple times and helps with my confidence knowing that if I get forgetful or lost I can quickly touch my screen and get back on track with the right lyrics or chords. It is also seamless when sending out set lists to the band and printing set lists if you wanna go old school. The database is easy to share and archive. Great tool for a band and for singers.

### 5/5 — Perfect !

*2025-05-18*

Application parfaite pour chanter Live sur bande sons !!!!
Perfect, i love it ! Thank you Arlo Leech, you’re the Best.

### 5/5 — Almost perfect

*2025-05-12*

I have been using this app for 10 years. it is a little bit complicated at first, but once you wrap your head around it, it is one of the best at what it does which is simplify the process of a gigging musician. One feature that would move this app to a league of its own is a simplified way of creating your songs/set list on a computer, then importing it to your pad/phone. A simple PC app that you could use for song/database creation would be amazing. Kudos to Arlo for this amazing software.

**Developer response:** Our newer product, BandHelper, has a web interface that you can use to set up your data from a computer; then the data syncs automatically to your mobile devices.

### 5/5 — Great!

*2025-03-18, version 2025-02-21*

Great App. Excellent support. Rich feature set. Wish I’d found it sooner!

### 5/5 — Great app but could use one tweak

*2024-10-18*

This is the best app I’ve used for setlist and chord charts and I’ve used them all. My only suggestion would be on the iPhone version, when opening a song the clock goes away. I use my phone not just for charts but to keep track of time for the set. It’d be wonderful if there were a way to keep the time visible. Thanks!

**Developer response:** The only time the system clock is hidden is if you open a document full screen. If you want to keep the system clock visible, you can open documents at a size slightly smaller than full screen. You can also display a larger clock by adding the Current Time field to your layout.

### 5/5 — Frequent User

*2024-05-02*

I have been very happy with the App.  Support on the couple of times I have needed it has been swift and accurate.  Does exactly what it is supposed to do and provides more than adequate functionality for my needs as a gigging musician with constantly changing and updating sets with multiple bands.

### 5/5 — Excelete.

*2024-01-12*

Todo Musico deve ter.

### 5/5 — Indispensable professional tool

*2023-12-25*

I’ve been using Set List Maker on my gigs for over 10 years almost on a daily basis.
The app is essential to my work as a professional musician.
Unlike some apps SLM has never been abandoned by its creator. It’s constantly being developed, new features added, regularly updated.
Any problems or suggestions bring  immediate attention and fast solution by Arlo and his team.
Plenty of helpful information in the tutorials and forum.

### 5/5 — Great App

*2023-09-17*

I’ve been using this app for over ten years and I love it. It does exactly what I need and more. Arlo is extremely responsive to technical issues and always has a solution. I don’t understand some of the poor reviews. Yes, this app can be a bit complicated, but that’s only because it’s so flexible and packed with features. Once you understand how to use it you won’t want anything else.

### 5/5 — Lohnende Investition

*2023-09-15*

Ich benutze diese App schon eine gefühlte Ewigkeit. Und man muss sich regelrecht hineinfriemeln, um den komplexen Aufbau logisch nachvollziehen zu können. Wichtig zu wissen, dass neben den Songs und der Setliste auch jeder Veranstaltungsort separat angelegt werden kann, der dann eine unabhängige Songliste und Darstellung erlaubt. Schôn ist die Funktion des Ausdrucks dieser Listen für Liveauftritte, wieder in Abstimmung mit dem jeweiligen Ort. Auch können dort Angaben über Gagen etc. getätigt werden. Das Programm lief bei mir immer noch auf der alten 3. Generation des iPad. Der Datenaustausch mit dem iPad 9 war ein Kinderspiel. Für die Verwaltung der Songtexte mit Akkorden und Besonderheiten wie Farbzuweisungen, Reihenfolgen usw. ist diese App einzigartig. Es lohnt sich die Einarbeitung. Auf alle Fälle eine Empfehlung! Vor allem weil ich schon mit nur einer Investition gute 8 Jahre damit arbeite.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-01.*
