The New Print Shop (Print Shop's Metamorphosis)
                         Copyright 1989 David Batterson

     Quick!--what's the most successful graphics program in computer history?
PC Paintbrush, Harvard Graphics, or The Newsroom?  Nope.  It's The Print Shop,
from Broderbund.
     Virtually every Apple owner has used Print Shop.  It later migrated to the
PC side, and was soon followed by The Print Shop Companion.
     I liked Print Shop too, using it mainly for cards and banners.  The
graphics were crudely-drawn and fonts had a case of terminal "jaggies," but it
sure touched a positive nerve with computer users.  Broderbund says Print Shop
has sold over a million copies.
     The New Print Shop is the latest incarnation, and it's quite an impressive
upgrade.  The New Print Shop--we'll use the "NEWPS" nickname from now on--
retains its ease-of-use which helped make it so popular, while adding a
noteworthy lineup of improvements.
     There are ten new fonts, of a wide variety.  You can use your old Print
Shop fonts, by converting them with an included conversion program.
     NEWPS comes with all-new, more refined, high resolution graphics.  They
look more like the clip art you find with popular DTP and paint programs.
There are also larger graphics, called full panels.
     Full panels come in vertical, horizontal, and letterhead formats.
Vertical full panels are used in tall signs, vertical banners, and sidefold
cards.  Horizontal full panels are for wide signs, topfold cards, and
horizontal banners.
     Letterhead full panels are used for letterheads, obviously, and also for
calendar headings and footings.  They are very artistic and eye-catching.
     NEWPS offers new borders--thin and wide.  Wide borders, with names like
CLIPBOARD and COLUMNS, look like large, decorative picture frames.
     Borders and graphics from the earlier Print Shop can likewise be converted
for use by NEWPS.  The graphics, however, will not look as impressive, as they
are low-resolution.
     Extra large calendars, and giant posters (up to 6 1/2 by 9 feet) can be
created with NEWPS.  All projects offer additional options through the
Customize Menu, such as Stretch/Shrink, Pick Color, and Flip.
     Another new feature is the Name File.  This is a master file containing
names which are inserted into NEWPS projects.  It works like the mail merge
function of your word processor.  You choose full names, or first names only.
     The graphics-layout capability for your designs has been increased
dramatically.  Precise placement of fonts and graphics can be accomplished.
You may also use different graphics and fonts on the same page.
     NEWPS supports most new printers, including HP LaserJets (and 100%
compatibles), DeskJets, Apple ImageWriter II, Epson LQ series, Citizen Tribute
series, Alps Allegro 24, and many more.
     The suggested retail price is $59.95, but it'll be heavily discounted by
many software dealers.  An upgrade from the old Print Shop costs $20.
     Three new Graphics Libraries (Sampler Edition, Party Edition and School &
Business Edition) each contain over 100 graphics, borders and fonts.  They
retail for $34.95 each.
     All in all, The New Print Shop is top-drawer, and looks like it'll be a
monster hit.  Too bad I don't own some stock in Broderbund!
     For information, contact Broderbund Software, Inc., 17 Paul Drive, San
Rafael, CA 94903-2101; 415-492-3200 (info), 800-999-3256 (credit card orders).
                                       #
     David Batterson is an old Print Shop user from his Apple //c days.
Contact him via MCI Mail: DBATTERSON.