(SAN DIEGO, May 25, 1995) FutureWave Software, Inc. announced today the availability of SmartSketchTM, a precision drawing product for the Macintosh platform.
SmartSketch is a refreshingly simple precision drawing product supported by advanced new technology that makes creating custom freeform drawings easier. SmartSketch is the first precision drawing program that lets you work on your drawings using tools typically found in paint programs, putting the product in a class by itself. SmartSketch was designed with the novice user in mind, but will appeal to professional illustrators as well. SmartSketch's natural drawing technology allows casual users to complete a drawing in a fraction of the time that it would take using standard drawing programs. However, SmartSketch drawings can be exported into high-end drawing programs and be fully edited, which is important to professionals.
History has shown that computer novices find many aspects of traditional drawing products confusing. They like the fun, flexibility and ease of paint programs; at the same time, they need the precision, high-resolution and editibility of draw programs to get "real work" done. SmartSketch "blends" these two worlds using innovative object-oriented technology to challenge traditional drawing methods-to the benefit of the customer.
"SmartSketch has simplified drawing on the computer," states Darryl Gordon, computer education supervisor at The Advertising Arts College in San Diego. "Users no longer need to wade through thick manuals to learn the specifics of each drawing application."
In standard draw programs, only an entire object can be deleted, whereas in paint programs any portion of the image can be erased. With SmartSketch, an entire shape can be deleted, or any portion of an object can be erased with the Eraser tool. The concept is deceptively simple; however, this represents breakthrough technology. The Brush tool is another example of this technology-with the Brush, the user can create a shape by making back-and-forth swipes with the mouse, like one would in a paint program, yet the result is a discrete object that can be moved and reshaped.
In addition, SmartSketch is more "helpful" than traditional Macintosh drawing applications. "SmartSketch was designed to have the flexibility to adapt to different people's drawing styles," said Jonathan Gay, VP of Development-at FutureWave Software. "Some people draw rectangles with four separate strokes, while others draw them using a single stroke without lifting the pen. SmartSketch will recognize both drawing styles, and automatically connect or straighten the lines when appropriate."
SmartSketch's intelligent shape recognition "helps" the user out by automatically straightening and smoothing lines or converting lines into precise ovals, circles, rectangles, or squares. Shape recognition can work as the user draws or the user can quickly create a rough sketch and apply shape recognition later.
SmartSketch's new graphics technology allows users to easily manipulate their drawings. Most computer graphics programs use confusing Bezier handles to reshape objects, but SmartSketch allows the user to reshape by simply "grabbing and pulling" anywhere along a line or at a corner.
The program offers a versatile mix of powerful, yet accessible features: more than 500 high-quality drag & drop EasyArt™ images; 16.8 million colors; advanced text handling including text to outlines, letter spacing, and line spacing; up to 200-levels of undo; page sizes up to 40" x 40"; group and ungroup; align and distribute, and variable levels of magnification. In addition, SmartSketch was designed to work well with pen tablets, including pressure support.
SmartSketch ships with eight on-screen lesson books: Map Maker; Logo Creator; Depth; Technical Drawing; Fashion Designer; Home Designer; Headline Builder; and a Quick Start lesson. These lessons teach users traditional drawing techniques and how to apply the new technology to specific tasks.
"Providing consumers with innovative technology is important but it is not enough," says Michelle Welsh, VP of Marketing. "The key is to show users how to benefit from the technology to get their work done effectively."
SmartSketch is available now at $69.95 (MSRP) through computer retail stores, and mail order. A 30-day full working trial version of SmartSketch is available for $5.95. Lab Packs are available to non-profit academic institutions at significant discounts. Interested parties can call 1-800-619-6193 for details. SmartSketch™ for Windows is also available for $69.95 (MSRP).
FutureWave Software is a developer and publisher of graphics software for business, education, and home use. FutureWave is committed to providing solutions to the customer with a focus on innovative, easy-to-use technology. The company is a privately-held corporation, based in San Diego, California.
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EasyArt, FutureWave, the FutureWave logo, and SmartSketch are trademarks of FutureWave Software, Inc. Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks, and Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. All other marks are the property of their respective holders.