Publishing Tool for Young People
Currently on sale for just $20, Canvastic 3.5 is the publishing tool you want to give a child so that as they grow, their knowledge can be used when they graduate to professional page layout, graphics and presentation tools. In other words, it’s a toned-down version of the tools we use.
Intended for use by students from kindergarten through 8th grade, Canvastic’s interface can be as simple or as complex as you like — just turn on new features as the user’s knowledge grows. You can use Canvastic to create illustrations, reports, and even full-screen presentations with music. You can even record voiceovers and use music from your iTunes collection. It also includes more than 200 templates. A free demo version is available for Mac or Windows. The normal price for Canvastic is $59 or $39 for education.
Jeff Gamet is a contributing editor for Design Tools Monthly, the executive summary of graphic design news. He is also the morning editor and reviews editor for The Mac Observer and iPodObserver.com, and contributing writer for Layers Magazine and Photoshop User. He writes the InBrief column for InDesign Magazine, and is the author of “The Designer’s Guide to Mac OS X,” from Peachpit Press
When Jeff isn’t writing about the graphic design world, he’s talking about it on the Design Tools Weekly podcast with co-host Jay Nelson. He also talks about Apple and the Mac world every week on The Mac Observer’s Apple Weekly Report.
Jeff studies, tests and reviews new software and technologies for the Macintosh community as well as the design and print industries. He is a former Pre-press specialist, and has nearly 25 years experience with computer technology. Jeff trains, lectures and consults on techniques for more efficiently using Mac OS X in creative environments throughout the country.
In the rare moments when he can get away from his MacBook Pro, Jeff spends his time climbing and biking in the Colorado mountains.