The interface of A.V. Brother's Puzzle Pro

Until I was immersed in a design project, I never realized how essential plug–ins are, particular in design work. Until I came to that realization, I wondered why there is such a wide range of choices in add ins to a primary application. Looking at the sheer feature set of a program like, say for example Photoshop, there seemed to be little reason to add to it. What possible role could added mini programs play when the host application is so complete? Then, a realization hit me right after I picked up one particularly useful piece of software.

No program can anticipate all of the needs of designers and other visually creative workers. At some point an effect comes up that requires so many steps that one program can’t effectively perform a specific function in an efficient way. In design where time is literally money, anything that saves you a few steps becomes extremely useful.

Several years ago, a colleague of mine, who is a designer, asked me about a plug–in I had mentioned. A project arose where the front page of a magazine required it to resemble a puzzle. Having heard me mention a plug in that performed that task, I cited AV Bros Puzzle Pro.

There are other programs that allow you to create programs puzzle piece like shapes. But, when it comes to the options offered by AV Brother’s feature rich program, Puzzle Pro 2.2 is literally in a class by itself.

Nearly any aspect of taking an image and turning into a jigsaw puzzle type of imagery is possible with add on. It is here in the sheer amount of configurability with this program that makes it not only a great creative tool, it makes it a real time saver.

Effects that require numerous steps are turned into instant options that require little more than a few mouse clicks. While there are other ways to create puzzle pieces out of imagery, few offer the detail here. The manual way of performing this task is as tedious as watching paint dry. Sure you go step by step (with results that could look less than polished), but the professional clean results this clever program produces places it in a class all by itself.

For those that have the latest and greatest, Puzzle Pro has been updated to take full advantage of Windows Vista. It is is also compatible with Intel and Power P.C. Macs, which is no small deal.
I have seen a number of plug ins slow to adapt to the newest operating systems.

The laundry list of things that Puzzle Pro can do would take up pages. So be it sufficient to say that nearly anything you can think of to do to a puzzle piece this program does with amazing ease and grace.

Looks matter, and they do here as well. If inventive design were not enough, the actual appearance of the program is a work of art. The installation imagery is the first clue you have that this a plug in like no other. Instead of the usual dialogue box that comes with the installation of new programs, AV Brothers has a unique take on the visuals. Rather than being greeted with dull boxs, you are greeted with a screen that shows a mother board in detail. The care taken here is a nice introduction to the look of the program.

The sharp looks do not stop at the door. Once installed, AV Brother’s aesthetics extend to the program. Unlike some programs with interfaces so intricate and stunning that practicality is sent packing, the layout makes accessing features easy. This is actually an enjoyable application to use and a pleasure to gaze when working.

When you are working with programs day in and day out, any program that balances visual appeal with solid functionality is a very good thing.

Good looks and clever graphics are great, but they mean nothing if the program does not do what it is supposed to do. Thankfully, A.V. Brothers has produced a high quality, valuable application that should be part of any designer’s arsenal who needs a plug in that will produce professional quality results with the greatest of ease.

Requirements

Apple Mac OS X
v10.1 and higher (PPC)
v10.4 and higher (Intel)

Microsoft Windows
98, Me (Millennium),
NT4(SP4), 2000, XP, Vista

Host Applications Tested hosts (for Mac OS X):
 

* Adobe Photoshop 7.0, CS, CS2, CS3, CS4
* Adobe Image Ready 7.0, CS, CS2
* Adobe Photoshop Elements (2.0 and higher)
* Adobe Fireworks (MX and higher) (formerly Macromedia Fireworks)

Tested hosts (for Windows®):
 

* Adobe Photoshop (5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 7.0, CS, CS2, CS3, CS4 (32 bit))
* Adobe Image Ready (2.0 and higher)
* Adobe Photoshop Elements (1.0 and higher)
* Adobe Fireworks (MX and higher) (formerly Macromedia Fireworks)
* Corel Photopaint (8 and higher)
* Corel Paint Shop Pro (5 and higher) (formerly Jasc Paint Shop Pro)
* ACD Systems Canvas Professional 8.0.1 (formerly Deneba Canvas)
* Ulead Photoimpact (8 and higher)