Any recommendations on some low cost software for making decals? After reading this months article I'd like to try my hand at making a few.

Good publishing software can run many, many hundreds (even thousands) of dollars. But, you don't need that much just to make a decal. You simply need to be able to manipulate text and images. Most good word processing programs will do that nowadays. So you may already have all you need.

Having said that, you can buy Photoshop Elements for about $100 I think. With it, you'll be able to do about anything your mind can conceive.


...............

Microsoft Paint is included with most computers and should do the basics for you. you can always upgrade later if you need to.

This will get you buy in a pinch if you do not have publishing software:

Download one of the two following free label software programs:

Texas Craft - Free Label Software
[www.papilio.com]

Select Design Pro Option - Free
[www.avery.com]

Select the size label you desire to use.

Import art and enter desired text to create the label you desire.

Or to work with existing image files and pictures -

Windows > All Programs > Accessories > Imaging

Assistance with graphic arts is linked to the Swampland Site.

Visit the Swampland Site to view details of available products that will be demonstrated at High Point by Bobby Feazel. You will not believe your eyes! They are indeed Electric!

Please take the time to read the News:

[swamplandtackle.com]

See available products for Rodbuilders:

[swamplandtackle.com]

View the samples - [www.swamplandtackle.com]

See handling and cutting information -[swamplandtackle.com]

See you at High Point!



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 02/08/2009 07:35AM by Bill Stevens.

here a linux desktop will help you greatly

there is a program called GIMP and it is nearly as robust as photoshop. Truly an amazing program all for the cost of nothing but a little time learning how to use it and linux.

Gimp is available for windows users as well.
I use it often.
[gimp-win.sourceforge.net]

Best program for MAC users?

Thanks,
Kevin

Everyone is correct, you don't need expensive software to accomplish your goals. The biggest investment you have to make is in the time to get proficient with it.

Just for information, I use Corel Draw which can be obtained in versions costing less than $100.

Looking forward to meeting and helping anyone at ICRBE who may have questions.

Hi All

I have never attempted to make a label,but was looking at what I have on my pc and came across MicoSoft Publisher and it has an option to create different types of labels, just
wondering if this would work for the labels as well.


Thanks
Fernando Torres
NERB in the making

Fernando

MS Publisher is a good choice. Remember; it's just a matter of investing the energy required to get as proficient as needed to accomplish you goals.

Good luck.

The Mac will run any and all of the programs listed above, including Linux software.

I would suggest Quark Xpress, but it's pricey and overkill just to make decals.

...............

i use photoshop cs3 and illustrator (have licenses through work) but a good all around graphics program that is free for windows users is "Paint .net"

having a program like illsutrator or corel is handy also because a google search for "free .eps" along with your choice of topic will usually turn up a bunch of scalable vector images of pretty much anything - that you can use in your images.

Regards,
-Justin

Paintshop Pro

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

This may be a dumb question but what do you use for the actual label. Is there a product that is like a sticker only transparent.

Terry,

Do you take the magazine? If so, your question and all related information will be found within. Bobby has come up with some great media for decal use, but there are some do's and don'ts involved and you have to follow the instructions to the letter if you want to get good results. It's a great technique but one of those things where there is 1 right way to do it and 100 wrong ways to do it. Special care has to be taken in some areas or you're just going to waste expensive media.

...................

I do subscribe to the magazine but the first issue I received was the last one. Is it a prior issue or the newest one.