Just got my button machine package, and am having fun making buttons witht the on line build a button program. So far I’m not happy with the printed button copy. I think most of the backgrounds are Ok in quality, but the letter printing quality is very weak and hard to read on the buttons and needs to be much bolder. I’m looking for ways to correct this problem. Basically I save the buttons in my pictures file and use the microsoft paint program to pull them up. I think the designing aspect of build a button is terrifc, but I just need to bring the quality up somehow. The buttons look great on the computer but not so great when printed up. Maybe it’s a printer problem. Any ideas?
personalizeyouritems 10:39 am on February 2, 2012 Permalink |
I have never used the program but watched the video, isn’ t there a way to make the letters bigger and bolder in the program. Have you tried printing other things (one of your own files) on the printer to see if you get the same results? maybe it is the printer, I would print something you have done before and know prints well and then that would narrow it down a little
Jim 1:37 pm on February 2, 2012 Permalink |
What do you use when designing buttons? I’ve tried your suggestion of printing other items, and am not real impressed with the quality there either. So a new printer may help. I’m gonna to try to get some tech savvy person to look things over and see what’s needed to make the buttons as good as possible. Perhaps a button designing program that’s not over the internet would be better too.
Any suggestions on printers or programs would be appreciated. I want to develop the ability to make very high quality buttons. I know this will take time to work through though.
Joyce 1:58 pm on February 2, 2012 Permalink |
did you set your printer “preferences” on high (or best or whatever term your printer uses), I think most printers are automatically set for ink conservation. Also I have found the paper you use is very important, do you have a ink jet printer? Make sure you use paper made for it. I use matte everyday photo paper.
Jim 2:21 pm on February 2, 2012 Permalink |
I tried glossy printer paper and the ink didn’t dry well on it, but I’ll try the matte as you suggested. My printer is an old brother ink jet fax combo, I was looking for settings on it but have not found any that made any difference. I’m looking for a new printer ,but none of them in the store are really hooked up to see how well they work. Anyway,I’m going to take my time and get the best one I can
personalizeyouritems 3:23 pm on February 2, 2012 Permalink
I just design my buttons in Corel since that is what I use for everything we print. I am not sure that is any help but that is all we use. I use a laser printer, did away with all my inkjets,(still have a couple but out of ink so I never use them)
Joyce 6:09 pm on February 2, 2012 Permalink
usually when you hit the print button a window comes up with the printer information. Gloss paper is too thick for buttons (I know from experience LOL) sounds like your “ole betsy” is getting tired.
Jean W 10:56 pm on February 2, 2012 Permalink
If you are making regular buttons and the mylar, I would not use glossy paper. The mylar cover will make everything glossy. Check your printer settings as Joyce suggested.
You could compare printers on the internet and find out as much info as you can there. I would also check the cost of the replacement inks. Sometimes a cheep printer is cheep because the ink is expensive. I personally have a laser printer and I love it. Nothing ever smears.
Good luck and let us know what happens
ABM 11:14 am on February 2, 2012 Permalink |
Some fonts have a bold option and others do not. To help make the text stand out, you should pick a color that contrasts with the background. Also, you can use the text outline feature to enhance the text even further.
ABM 2:27 pm on February 2, 2012 Permalink |
FYI, our Build-a-Button program saves graphics in high quality 300 dpi images. This is the same quality that you can get from professional software packages like Photoshop and Corel Draw. Here is a link to an article we wrote on free button making software. It describes the different button making software taht is available. Hope this helps!
Jim 8:08 am on February 3, 2012 Permalink |
Thanks for all the information. Lots to work on. My Button quality is already getting better with the equipment I have, and I think a new printer will improve things greatly.
Jim 8:27 am on February 3, 2012 Permalink |
One more question. I would eventually like to make buttons on site without the internet. If I bought the Button Builder software mentioned on your link above, Will the design CD’s that came with my order work with that software?
ABM 2:31 pm on February 7, 2012 Permalink |
Yes, Button Builder will upload the jpg files that are contained on the cds.