PrintMaster Platinum Reviewer's Comments

Broderbund's PrintMaster Platinum, our "TopTenREVIEWS Gold Award Winner" and #1 pick, is not only easy to use but overflowing with options and features—including one of the largest image libraries we've seen among greeting card software programs. With the resources and tools available with this greeting card program, you can create unique, conversation–piece cards worthy of any occasion.

PrintMaster Platinum is designed intuitively so it's a cinch for computer novices to operate. The program offers ample help and creative advice, with one-of-a-kind project ideas just a click away.

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Ease of Use:  

In PrintMaster Platinum, the entire card-building process is both intuitive and fun. You can create cards from scratch or alter a card template to fit your needs. After you pick a project, all your embellishment choices appear on the left-hand side of the screen as labeled icons (a general menu bar appears across the top screen as well).

For example, let's say you've opened a birthday card template. To add an image to the front, simply click the Art & Photos icon, which then allows you to scroll through thumbnails of the art images, all organized into easy-to-view categories.

On the same screen, you can click My Art & Photos to browse through your own digital photos as well. If you need to change a photo's appearance, editing tools are available and simple to operate with easy-click tabs.

Simply click photos, fonts and effects to arrange them on your greeting card, then when you're satisfied, just click to save your work. You can also save all your favorite elements—fonts, pictures, themes—in a favorites folder for extra-quick access

Feature Set:  

We were impressed with PrintMaster Platinum's large variety of photo editing tools. This greeting card software tool covers all the basics, such as red-eye removal and color adjustments, but includes perks too, such as special photo effects.

PrintMaster Platinum offers extensive text features ranging from fancy, colorful header designs to custom special effects, such as warping and adding shadow. And the program includes an enchanting animated greetings section. Over 600 fonts are available, and PrintMaster Platinum includes a spell-checker.

The program has a nifty set of tools for creating coordinated birthday party decorations—everything from invitations to matching party hats.

Broderbund is well-known for its quality graphics, and we weren't disappointed with the quality available in PrintMaster Platinum. This program contains one of the most generous assortments of clip art images and project templates available.

This greeting card software works for ecards and animated greeting cards—where you can import your favorite sounds, music, photos and video into the card.

Ease of Installation:  

We had no trouble installing PrintMaster Platinum. Because of the extensive library of greeting card clip art and templates, you will need to insert a different disc occasionally while you use the software (four discs are included) unless you use the complete install.

Help/Support:  

The PrintMaster Platinum help section is excellent and informative with instructions relevant to the screen you're viewing, and you can find information with the index search as well. Broderbund offers customers telephone and email support as well as a FAQ page online.

Summary:  

PrintMaster Platinum by Broderbund is an excellent value and simple to use for creating professional custom greeting cards that can look better than store-bought. Each screen throughout PrintMaster Platinum has a similar design that makes navigation a breeze. PrintMaster Platinum is full of tools and ideas that can help and inspire you to make beautiful, unique greeting cards and more.

Note: PrintMaster Gold, at $14.99, is similar to PrintMaster Platinum, but PrintMaster Gold comes with fewer clip art images, project templates and font styles.