Trellian Button Factory
April 18, 2001
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There are programs to help users build buttons for their Web site
navigation, others to help them construct image maps, and still
more to help them create full menus. Trellian Button Factory
(TBF) is a program that does all that — and a whole lot
more — and it does so while requiring users to do little
more than choose a look they like.
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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
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Where can I get it?
http://www.trellian.com
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How much does it cost? $45
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How big is the download? 2.8 MB.
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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.
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