Trellian Button Factory

In addition to buttons, menus, and image maps, TBF can be used to create logos, banners and icons. The difference is that unlike many programs that require the user to figure out the XY coordinates or have extensive HTML knowledge, TBF does the work for the user. All that is left is for the user to choose the color, shape, font, and design of the object, and to provide the Web addresses for the links.

From the moment TBF is started, it is clear that it is different than most programs designed to accomplish the same thing. The main screen offers users an extensive library from which to choose the design they may want. Selecting the "Insert" button at the top of the program allows users to choose between opening with a button, text, or frame.

Once that selection is made, the user can modify the object's appearance by choosing a design from the library on the right. That choice is activated by double-clicking on it. Further modification can be made by choosing "Window" and "Show Properties." That allows users to modify existing designs to their specific needs without having to start from scratch.

Users can add as many buttons as they like, arranging them in any order or design that want. They then type in the name of the button at the top of the screen and the link in the box next to the name. The modified button now appears on the screen. After making one button, users can select it, type [Ctrl] D for each of the others needed, and the button will be duplicated with the same properties. Then, it is just a matter of changing the button name and link for each button.

The properties dialog box allows users to choose between 16 styles, or general appearances, for their graphic. Styles range from simple rectangle to the old Mac style of button to fancy ovals. After getting a general "look", users can then change colors, border sizes, the amount of curve they wish if they want rounded corners, whether to make it antialiased or transparent, or even add their own background texture. The newly created button can then be added to the library for later use, also.

Any changes made to buttons can also be made to frames. While the default button size depends on the style chosen and the name of the button, frames can be much larger, therefore making them perfect for the background of image maps, logos, or advertisements.

Most image mapping products require the user to create the graphic, then go through a process of selecting a particular shape before adding the URL for the image to activate. In TBF, the user creates the graphic and adds a URL for each button as they go. When the graphic is completed, the user selects "Preview," and a dialog box comes up showing the URLs chosen and asking whether the user wants to preview the map or save the image as a .JPG or .PNG file.

At that time, the user can either save the file (recommended) and/or click on the "HTML" tab and copy and paste the coding into another file. The image map is complete and XY remains a mathematical function the user has no reason to care about.

As you can see in the samples on the left, the finished product can take just about any shape imaginable, with or without a background. Using the "frame" option and the ability to add their own backgrounds, users can create unique and effective navigation interfaces in a lot less time than would be necessary using a graphics program first, then going to an image-mapping program. When using with frames, it is necessary to go into the HTML coding and add the target in which the link is to open.

A Mac version of the program is planned, but no release date has been established. The program is now available in several languages.

While it won't revolutionize life in the free world, TBF can make life easier for Web builders who do not want to spend hours creating the navigation to a Web site, but at the same time want effective navigation. That and its $45 price tag make Trellian Button Factory a worthwhile purchase for any Web builder.

What is it called again? Trellian Button Factory v1.0

Where can I get it? http://www.trellian.com

How much does it cost? $45

How big is the download? 2.8 MB.

Is it recommended? It's a great program for those who are not particularly artistic or those who want to concentrate on other things and still have excellent navigation on their Web site.