Great Software Tools…

Graphics Toolbox

When I was about 14… seventeen years ago (ack!) I was introduced to graphics software.  I had a Corel Suite that was THE top of the line – the best you could get.  (This is what you could score when someone would order a loaded PC they couldn’t afford from a major department store in the 90’s)  And being the bored 14 year old night owl that I was, I quickly learned all about manipulating images and creating graphics.  I loved my graphics tools.  To this day, seventeen years later, I have not owned graphics software that rivaled my beloved first… then there was Graphics Toolbox.

For a quick look at GT, watch this introduction video.

 

Honestly, the information available on the Great Software Tools website doesn’t do this program justice.  I watched the video, read about all the features and said, “eh”, with a shrug.  I was by no means impressed.  The examples of projects produced by users are pretty basic and simple – not cool and flashy.  When I opened the program and saw the interface I thought I’d taken a step back in time!  The super basic interface left me thinking, “yeah, okay.  This is a great program for a newbie, maybe.” 

Then I used it.  I watched the tutorials on the site, learned the functions of all the buttons and guess what?  This program is pretty darn cool!  Pros, don’t be fooled by it’s archaic appearance.  Novices, don’t be scared by all the buttons with no words.  Like everything in life, there’s a learning curve.  But let me tell you, once you take five minutes to familiarize yourself with the screen, you’ll be breathing easy.

For most people, the turn-off to this program may just be intimidation.  It’s definitely overwhelming at first glance.  But if you take a closer look, you’ll begin to notice some user-friendly features that point you in the right direction.  With a tutorial or two, you’ll have all those functions down in no time.

For myself, having seen and used many graphics programs, I was more, well… just unimpressed at first glance.  As I said before, the whole interface looks like it was built in the late 90’s with that Windows 3.1 look.  But if you’ve ever used a graphics program, you know they all look different but function in much the same way.  Each has their own spin on features, tools and functions but in the end, they mostly perform exactly the same.

Now, I truly do love Graphics Toolbox so let me tell you why. (now that I’ve ripped it apart – eek!)  Really – honestly, it’s a very simple program to use.  With minimal understanding of how graphics work, you can do some pretty fancy shmancy stuff.  All you mommy bloggers, digital scrapbookers and photogs – listen up!  If you wanna raise your game a few notches, this is the way to go about it.  I’m not going to list all the features here but you can check them out at the Great software Tools website in the Features tab.

If you think your too dumb, old or computer illiterate to figure this thing out, don’t cut yourself short.  The world will do that enough for you.  Despite what you’ve been told by the nearest texting teen, you’re not a moron.  The tutorials available for GT are phenomenal.  Not only will you learn how to manipulate images, but you’ll pick up some technical knowledge as well.  Your little talkative teenage friend will be left standing tongue-tied when they see your mad graphic skills.  ; )

For those of you with a working knowledge of images and graphics, let me just say “it’s faster.”  Manipulating the layouts, zooming, selecting and saving color pallets – all done in a smoother fashion than most other programs.  What makes GT different is this – while most other programs lose some wonderful advanced functions when watered down for novices, GT doesn’t.  Seriously, it’s just that much faster for the advanced user without losing the essentials you need.  I’m telling you, just go try it out!  I’m daring you.  I bet you will find this to be true – so much so that if you think it stinks and doesn’t live up to my praises, then I’ll let my 6 year old do my makeup and post it here for the world to see.  Do it!  Try this one out!

Now, seeing as how this blog is about homeschooling, I want to give you a few ideas as to how this program can benefit your educational experience:

• science fairs
• posters for reports
• mock magazine or newspaper projects
• math tutorials (think fractions and what not)
• make labeling diagrams with clip art or photo images
• art projects
• photography class
• enhance writing, such as poetry
• SCHOOL PORTFOLIOS!
• create maps
• flash cards
• lapbooks
• create bookmarks
• scrapbooks
• fashion design
• home ec projects
• book covers
• make hidden object or differences puzzles
• Perler bead designs

Other uses for all you moms and dads:

• invitations
• blog graphics
• photo enhancements
• flyers
• business logos and graphics
• marketing and presentation materials
• scrapbooks
• newsletters
• announcements
• holiday and occasion cards
• clothing graphics (for t-shirts, hats, etc.)
• design craft diagrams (for knitting, cross-stitch)

There are several example projects on the Great Software Tools site that you will find helpful in creating your own.  But again, think even bigger.  While the projects featured really are awesome for beginners, you can go way further with a little more know how.

Get yourself a 30 day free trial of Graphics Toolbox from Great Software Tools and give it a try.  Don’t get the free trial and then wait three weeks to use it!  Wait until you know you will have time to view the tutorials.  They really do make a big difference in how much success you experience with the program. 

After you’ve played around making some of these wonderful projects, you can purchase a one-computer license for $149.00.  I know, I know, some of you just spit coffee all over your computer screen.  Go ahead and get some paper towels.  I’ll wait…    

Okay, now that you’ve stopped choking, consider this:  good graphics software is extremely expensive.  If you haven’t priced any lately, you just hop on over to Google and I’ll meet you back here when you’re crying from the obscenity of the prices.  Considering how well Graphics Toolbox stands up to the competition, Great Software Tools offers a great deal. 

Yeah, yeah, you know it’s a good deal but you’re still homeschooling on one income?  Yes, I realize this all too well.  We’re a one-income family too and I know how far a dollar will stretch.  When I consider all the uses – homeschool, home, and business – I see that I’d be willing to spend $50 for the benefits of any one of those areas.  It just makes sense when I think about it that way. 

Fifty dollars for business design software?  For my very own personalized business logos?  Product packaging… Who wouldn’t pay that???

Fifty dollars for Christmas cards, birthday cards, scrapbooking supplies, photo cropping and enhancements – I know people that pay twice that just for Christmas cards!!  For ONE year.

Fifty dollars for homeschool resources.  I don’t think I even need to explain this one.  You know what I’m talking about here. 

So before you freak over $149.00, take a look at what you’re gaining.  Get your 30 day free trial and let me know what you think.

-Sara O’

Disclaimer:

As a reviewer for the TOS Homeschool Review Crew I receive free products from companies including the products mentioned above in return for my honest opinion.