Introducing Build-a-Button 5.0 (Beta version)

Since its launch in 2011, Build-a-Button has been a huge hit. Well prepare yourselves – Build-a-Button is about to get a lot better. That’s right. You spoke, we heard you loud and clear. You emailed, we read (and responded to) your requests and suggestions and have integrated them into the brand spanking new Build-a-Button 5.0! Build-a-Button 5.0 - Demo Build-a-Button Classic vs 5.0   The best part of the Build-a-Button 5.0 Beta version is - - - IT’S FREE!  During the Beta testing phase of Build-a-Button 5.0 anyone can design and save as many button graphics (Please note: The Beta phase has completed and saving functions have been disabled) as they want with our free button design software. No password needed. Just click the following link to get started with Build-a-Button 5.0. The only thing we ask in return, is for you to report any “bugs” you discover so we can do our part and fix them for you. It may look similar on the outside, but under the hood everything is brand spanking new! ABM's goal is to launch a perfect final product. We’re so close to being there but we need your help to cross the finish line. The two most requested features have been added:

• Save to Edit saves your design in a format that allows you to upload it later for editing. Picture and text layers are kept in tact.
• Multiple designs can be printed on a single page by saving to special format.

Build-a-Button 5.0 File Formats and Functions

Save to Print – Saves your button design to your computer, tablet or mobile device. File options are JPG, PDF or transparent PNG. Choose the quantity of designs saved per page. Options include Die Cutting Press, which fills the entire page while the Punch Cutter layout allows you to choose how many images of the same design are printed per page.

Save to Edit - The most exciting part of this option is our special format saves all your images, text and layers perfectly arranged so you can save it for later and pick up again exactly where you left off. This option saves your button design automatically to your computer, tablet or mobile device in a special text format so it can be uploaded and edited at a later date without losing any content or image quality.

Upload to Edit - Upload your previously saved images for editing. Please note: you must have originally saved your images using the special Save to Edit text option to use this feature.

Load and Print – Upload multiple images and save them to print on a single page. 1. Upload your previously saved images that were saved in our special text file format. (see Save to Edit instructions) 2. Select to save your images as a JPG, PDF or transparent PNG file. Your images will be uploaded and saved in a punch cutter layout for the specific button size you selected. For example, the 2.25” punch cutter layout will only allow 6 images per page while the 1” layout can fit 24 images on a single page.

Text File to Print - Upload text in a CSV file (comma separated value) that will automatically place the contents into the blank text space you select on your button design. Then save the final design as a JPG, PDF or transparent PNG file. For example, you can create a button design for a baseball team and easily personalize each button with the name of a player. Save a CSV file with whatever text you want to change for each individual button. If you are using Excel, place each word in a separate cell and arrange them vertically. Click Upload and Print. Then select how you want the final images saved, either JPG, PDF or transparent PNG file. Your images will be uploaded and saved in a punch cutter layout for the specific button size you selected. For example, the 2.25” punch cutter layout will only allow 6 images per page while the 1” layout can fit 24 images on a single page. Upload your CSV file. Build-a-Button 5.0 will automatically compile the text and process your graphic design, allowing you to save each design sheet with a different file name.  

File Types Explained: PDF - Portable Document Format Most customers prefer to save their designs in a PDF format because images are saved in high resolution offering no loss in quality and are very easy to print to the correct button size. The only software needed to view and print the image is Adobe Reader which is usually found on most computers and if not, it is free to download and use.

JPEG - Joint Photographic Experts Group. A .JPG file extension, (pronounced Jay Peg) is a common image file type found in emails, websites and digital photography. It is a compressed lossy format meaning it loses quality each time it is saved. Graphic software is required to view or print a JPG image. Printing button designs to the correct size can be challenging if you do not have the right software. JPG software is not created equally, that is why most ABM customers prefer saving designs in a PDF format, which alleviates the need for JPG software and its associated printing challenges.

Transparent PNG: A PNG (Portable Network Graphics) file allows for images to be saved with a transparent background. IE: No white square surrounding the image. Printing issues are similar to printing JPG files where software programs are not created equally. That is why most ABM customers prefer saving designs in a PDF format, which alleviates the need for purchasing additional software and its associated printing challenges.

CSV: Comma-Separated Values (CSV) files store numbers and text in a plain unformatted text format. Build-a-Button 5.0 is capable of processing CSV formatted lists.

Text: A text file contains text and binary numbers. Build-a-Button 5.0 is capable of saving complex designs in our special text file format, which allows the user to save a button design that can be uploaded and edited at a later date without losing any content or image quality.  

Other exciting enhancements include:

• Tablet and cell phone compatibility
• More file types can be uploaded: tiff, png, gif, bmp, psd, eps, ai, svg
• Undo and Redo buttons
• Toggle on/off grid lines to help align images and/or text
• Radial and linear gradient backgrounds allows a gradual transition between colors
• Save as pdf, jpg or transparent png
• An accent ring with adjustable diameter, color and gradient has been added. Acts as a "no print" area for a reduced bleed edge.
• The eraser tool strips out background colors and images. It is precise and easy to use.
• Added stock images to Backgrounds, Silhouettes, Shapes and Photos that include People, Objects, Animals and Holidays

The list of enhancements goes on and on. Click the following link for a complete list and  to learn more about the differences between Build-a-Button Classic and Build-a-Button 5.0. All of the original features that made Build-a-Button 5.0 a great program are still included:

• Color Picker
• Paint Tool
• Granular control of colors
• Layers
• Built in templates - Round, Oval, Rectangle and Square
• 20 different button sizes
• Text in a circle
• Speed - the program loads in a few seconds and moves in real time quickness

One on one technical support is not available for the Beta version of Build-a-Button 5.0, but the good news is the basics of the program remain the same. Our video tutorials and FAQ list will still help you get started and answer most questions. We love feedback, so please don't hesitate to let us know your thoughts on the new Build-a-Button 5.0. Remember, Free button design software is only available during the Beta test period. So, don't hesitate. Until next time - Happy Button Designing! By Brighid Brown, Director of Blogging and All Things Cool at ABM