Control panel in GarageBand gone missing

Hello and princejasi,

It sounds like you're missing one of the control panels in GarageBand on your Mac after updating macOS. I know how essential it is to have access to all controls in that application when creating music. I have some steps I'd like you to try that will help resolve this for you.

Which control panel are you missing? If it's the Smart Control panel that allows you to control the sound of the selected track using a set of onscreen controls, you should be able to make it appear again by selecting View > Show Smart Controls. You can also show and hide the the Editor and other types of control panels in the same View menu.

If the control panel you're missing still does not appear, I recommend updating GarageBand if you have an update available for it. You can find the steps on how to update that application here: Use the App Store to update apps on Mac.

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.

Take care!

Hello, I hope you don't mind me adding to this discussion.

I am using Garageband 11 (V6.05) There is no sign of the smart control panel.

I cannot update to the latest version as I cannot afford to upgrade some of my software which won't work with the latest operating system which is why I am stuck for now on this version.

I am currently running MacOs 10.9.5. I attach a screen shot of what I see in a file when garageband is opened. Just wondering what version of garageband did the smart controls first appear? I feel sure they should be a part of this version. Currently I cannot find my disc to reinstall the software if this is the only real option to rectify this issue.

Any help guidance or insight would be much appreciated.

Anthony ÓDoibhailein wrote:

I am using Garageband 11 (V6.05) There is no sign of the smart control panel.

the smart controls were introduced with version 10, they did not exist in version 6

Thanks for the clarification. Why version Garageband 11 is so called when it is actually v6 is a bit curious! Not the most coherent naming strategy.

Thanks for your response. Always appreciated.