3DWebButton

From Rudenko Software, 3DWebButtons does not require any artistic talent to produce good looking buttons, banners, and headings for Web sites. This PC-based program requires 11 steps to make a button which can be done in less than two minutes.

In the program's setting panel, users can select the rendering options they prefer as well as the various margins within the program. Then, at startup, users can choose the "New" option and select from a series of templates, which they can add to at any time by saving their own creations as templates. Users may prefer to start with a blank screen and build their image from scratch, which doesn't take much longer.

With the created item pictured at the top of the program's interface, users can start on the numbered tabs below and make their choices as they work their way across the screen.

Here is a look at the tabs and the functions found there:

• Caption: Here you type what you want the button to say and choose the font, the size, and the style.

• Background: Here you can set the background of the button to match your Web site, either by selecting a color or entering the hex code.

• Caption Color: Choose the color you wish or select a texture to fill the type. Users can also scale the texture in relation to the button and constrain proportions.

• Button Color: Offers the same options as does the Caption Color dialog.

• Caption Tuneup: This tab allows users to choose the complexity of the font outline — by merely using a slider — set the extrusion level, add a drop shadow, and place the drop shadow where desired.

• Button Tuneup: Here users can choose from among the 25 shapes (the box for selecting those shapes is pictured at left) built into the program and choose whether you want to make a button or a heading. For buttons, you can set the size, extrusion, and shadow properties, and elect to "hold" the size of the button to more easily make matching buttons.

• Light Source: Users can choose the direction of the light source, the color, and the brightness level.

• Link: Apply a link to the button you are making.

• Dimensions: Users can use a slider to set the size or type it in the dialog boxes, choosing to constrain proportions if desired.

• Export 3D Button: Select between a .GIF, .JPG, or bitmap and determine the quality of output you desire. Other options include dithering, the pallette, transparency, and the number of colors to be used. Users can also preview their creation in their browser before saving exporting it.

The program renders creations quickly and enables users to see what they have as they go. If you decide on one of the later steps that you want to change something done earlier, simply click on that tab, redo it and then go back to where you were.

This is a good program for those who want quick, easy, and professional looking results without having to go to art school. It is also easy on the billfold, costing a mere $23 to register.

What is it called again? 3DWebButton

Where can I get it? Rudenko Software

How much does it cost? $23

How big is the download? 1.05 MB.

Is it worth it? It's a quick, easy way to create buttons, banners, and headings. What's not to like?