ButtonFly
June 13, 2001
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Like tracking fingerprints at the scene of a crime, there is a
method to finding good graphics programs that combine three of my
favorite features — ease of use, versatility, and low cost.
When I found Goto Software's ButtonFly, I knew immediately
I had a three-point match.
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Let's examine the evidence:
- Fact: The attractive interface can at first appear
to be a bit daunting, but experimenting with the program proves
that it is user-friendly despite its "busy" appearance.
- Fact: Users can make buttons as well as logos,
banners, rollovers, titles, menus, speech bubbles, arrows,
stickers, and labels.
- Fact: It costs $49.95 U.S.
That is slam dunk, irrefutable evidence that ButtonFly is an
outstanding buy for Web builders of any level of expertise. And
now that I've justified the expense of my degree in law
enforcement for the first time since I received it in 1973, I'll
continue.
Users can start from scratch and create their own elements, or
they can use the many "models" that come with the program and
modify them for their own use. Once the program is downloaded,
users can also download another 450 button models at no cost.
Element creation is WYSIWIG, and allows the inclusion of the
user's graphics, images, and textures. The user can also use
those included with the program. The software accepts imported
.AI, .JPG, .BMP, .ICO and .GIF formats, including .GIF
transparency.
Creations can be shaped, anti-aliased, rotated, sized, and skewed.
A number of effects can be applied including relief, shading,
bluring, colorizing, and opacity. One of the best features the
program has is its ability to take one button or image and, with
one click, generate an entire set of graphics (yes, into the
hundreds if you so desire) with pre-defined titles.
When applying text to a button or image, the program can match
the button size with the text or vice versa. The user can always
change the text size or button size if they wish. Other editing
features include text spacing, alignment, style, and kerning. The
display uses True Type, Adobe Type 1, and Dtype fonts.
When the image has the desired appearance, it can then be
published (saved) automatically in .GIF or .JPEG formats for use
on the Web, including transparency for the .GIFS. ButtonFly saves
the project, including colors, textures, and effects, as one
file, which enables the user to choose the basic syntax for
naming the files.
Rollovers are made using the program's Rollover Generator,
allowing the user to have a variety of dynamic and JavaScript
effects. Users select the files they want to use, identify the
link, and the program creates the rollover. By clicking on the
JavaScript symbol, the user can view the script and copy and
paste it into a Web page.
The program also allows multilingual generation for instant
translation of Web sites.
If, for some reason, users need help to perform a particular
function, the program has a generous help section which will
guide them through the chosen process.
ButtonFly is a definite buy for Web builders, graphic artists,
and others needing multimedia graphics because of its many
features, capabilities, low price, and overall quality —
not to mention its ability to create the following graphic, like
the one the college put on the transcript of my grades:
What is it called again?
ButtonFly
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Where can I get it?
http://www.goto-software.com
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How much does it cost? $49.95
U.S.
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How big is the download? 4.8 MB; Additional button
models up to 11.5 MB.
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Do I recommend it? The program
is so good that it ought to be illegal not to own
it.
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