• Book Printing
• Copier
• Ecommerce Design
• Fax
• Label Printing
• Make Extra Money
• Online Survey
• Photocopiers
• Printer Supplies
• Promotional Product
• Qualitative Research
• Quantitative Research
• Search Engine Optimization
• Small Business
• Starting A Business
• Venture Capital
• Water Quality
• Worker Compensation

See Also

• Digital Asset Management Software
• Asset Management Software
• Software Asset Management

What I used to do...

Before I found design software I was in the stone ages. I would actually hand lay out a template on a piece of paper. Then cut it out. Next, I would tape the design onto a piece of steel and trace around it with a Sharpe Marker. Finally, I would cut out the piece I wanted.

No matter what, it was never exact. There would always be something wrong. Things like wavy lines, gouges and "unique parts" were the norm. Measurements were never as exact as I would have liked either. That usually caused some fit-up issues, followed by some grinding. If you know anything about fabrication, grinding is the enemy of your time.

Why use Design Software?

I knew there had to be a better way so I found some to try out. Yes, it does take some time to learn. Think about it, like anything else in life, something that is worth it takes some time. This is also the situation of taking one step backwards to move ten steps forward.

Here are some advantages of using Design Software:

Saved file you can use over and over

Transfer the design to others

Can use exact measurements

Repeatability in design

Here are some disadvantages of using Design Software:

Cost money

Takes time to learn

May not be the quickest way of making something if it is a "One Off"

My Definition of Design Software

If you are an engineer, you will probably consider CAD Software as design software. That is true. But what I am talking about here is "Creative" Design Software. These software packages are used by creative types for print, web design and logo design. This software is great for creating designs that flow and are artistic in some way. It can be boiled down to what it is good at. If you want to make a square with a hole in it or a triangular gusset, then CAD type design software works great. If you want to cut out a Cowboy on a Horse, then this is the only way to go.

Here are some examples of work for "Creative" Design Software:

Plasma Art

Router Art

Signs

Engraving