Customer Reviews

Hallmark Card Studio Deluxe 2006 [Old Version]

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

If you decide to buy a current greeting card program, there are really only two front-line choices: Art Explosion Greeting Card Factory (currently version 5) or Hallmark Card Studio (currently 2006). There are other programs available specifically for creating cards, but most of them are low quality and outdated, and aren't really worth considering. (A competitive third product featuring American Greetings designs is sadly now long outdated; the designs in the American Greetings program were of similar quality to those in the Hallmark package).

So how do these two products match up? Without a question, if you are looking for quality "canned" cards, the Hallmark program wins. The Hallmark designs are professional, and are equal in quality to cards you would purchase in a store. In contrast, the designs in Art Explosion are adequate but surely NOT up to the quality of a store-bought card. The Hallmark program is also able to simply and correctly print to several different types of card store (although you are stuck with the choices pre-programmed into the software unless you want much frustration). The Art Explosion does a poorer job of correctly and simply printing to a variety of card stock and configurations.

Art Explosion beats the Hallmark program in editing options (more extensive), and in the amount of additional art (clipart, etc.) included with the package.

If you do not plan to use the "canned" cards, then I would recommend Art Explosion. But the average user will likely appreciate the professional, high quality cards in the Hallmark package. Personally, I consider the choice of the Hallmark package over Art Explosion a no brainer.

A note on versions: The publisher comes out with a new version of the Hallmark program every year (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, etc.) and the same is true for Art Explosion Greeting Card Factory. Having used many of these versions, I find very little reason to recommend upgrading year by year. Disappointingly, the stock cards in the Hallmark program do not seem to have changed appreciably in many years, and the same is true for Art Explosion.

The name "Hallmark" says it all. I've had other greeting card programs (American Greetings) and this by far is better quality. Mabye because I've had other programs, going through this one with the features and address book set up was a breeze. The selection of fonts and clipart is beyond comparison. I really like how easy it is to use and personalize.

So much so, from now on I will only buy Hallmark greeting card software. I really like making my own personalized greeting cards, and for sure family and friends like that personalized touch. I will not buy anymore cards from the store, with maybe the exception of Christmas cards, maybe. Who knows, the year 2006 is upon us and it might be a Hallmark Christmas.

And as always, Amazon is the best place to shop online. Time and time again I find myself on this great site ordering the best they have to offer with the best deals. Keep up the good work!!!!

There are 2 reasons I am dissapointed with this software.
First: After entering 116 names, addresses, phone numbers, Birthdays, I printed a copy of my address book and found that the print font was so small that I needed a magnifying glass to read. The printed list will serve no purpose if you want to use it for a quick reference at a glance. After talking to their tech I was told that there is no way to change this.

Also the program will not let you "start from scratch". In other words you can't make your own card using their clip art easily.

Hallmark has some wonderful pictures/graphics in the cards they have for your use, but the graphics in their clip art section are very limited both in selection and quality. They continue to not upgrade the editing possibilities in their programs and in this edition (2006 Deluxe), they even removed the crop tool! You still can only select one graphic at a time, all other graphic programs allow you to select several graphics at one time. You also can only have one project open at a time, so if you want to use elements from two different cards to make your own card, that is not possible. I would have expected more from Hallmark by this time. The 2005 edition was lower end, so when I saw the new 2006 by a different manufacturer, I eagerly anticipated many changes for the better. This product seems to be a step backward. I would suggest you would get more for your money by buying CreataCard, Print Shop or PrintMaster. I am very disappointed in this product (and Hallmark should be, too!).

Disappointed with the clip art. Old fashioned. Choice of cards not what I expected. I wouldn't recommend to anyone.

I had a much earlier version of Hallmark Card Studio and really liked it. I think this new version (Deluxe 2006) is even better. This program is so easy to use and yet able to create some beautiful cards. My favorite part of the program is the Event Planner. The reminders are wonderful. I haven't missed a lecture, appointment, or any other time commitment since loading this program. I love the fact that I can set reminders for days and days ahead. Get this set for yourself and don't be afraid to get it for someone who is not too computer savvy. It should satisfy any user.

I had a very old version of Hallmark Studio, don't even remember how old. Wanted to update. I installed the program and was absolutely amazed and very happy with this product and features. Lots of cards to choose from, very very pretty colors. The event planner is great too! The ONLY thing I would change is the ability change font in the planner, and move written info by tabbing. Otherwise it's a wonderful program. Highly recommended!!
Satisfied

Though this software may have a simple user interface, it lacks in printing options. Your printing choices are limited to the paper type/size included in the software. There are no updates available to increase the number of paper choices available. After nearly 2 hours of trying to manipulate the printing choices, I could not get the software to print portrait. I also could not get it to print correctly on my newly purchased Avery 3379 note card paper.

Their customer support page is a joke. There is no link for any kind of downloads. The FAQ is already covered in the help text. The user forum is obviously written by Hallmark employees or the authors of the software and are useless.

All in all, I am extremely disappointed in this product. I will be returning it. When you think about it, why would a company who is in the business of selling greeting cards at $3 a piece (or higher) want you to be able to create your own greeting cards? Wouldn't that eventually put them out of business?

Have had this software for a week. It is the greatest. Easy to install and does everything it says it does. Not being computer savy I am amazed what I have been able to do with it. It is the best card making software I have used. The other project portion is fun to work with.

Very dissapointed, If you have the 2004 version don't waste your money on this one.