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Trial version

Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 1:27 pm
by Yillup
I downloaded the trial version this evening, but fail to see the point in having a trial version that doesn't actually do too much. You can't save a font to use in another application. While it's great that you can preview a font in the actual program, this doesn't allow me to do the same things as if I had my usual word processing documents open, and as such I can't fully evaluate if I actually want to purchase this product.

I was hoping to do my own handwriting on this as a trial, and then purchase the program to convert the handwriting of family as well. But the trial version being a tease and the smug little pop up window that comes up when you attempt to save has turned me off purchasing.

FontCreator's trial version (from what I have seen) allows you to save the fonts you create. Why doesn't Scanahand?

Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 3:49 pm
by Erwin Denissen
Yillup wrote:While it's great that you can preview a font in the actual program, this doesn't allow me to do the same things as if I had my usual word processing documents open, and as such I can't fully evaluate if I actually want to purchase this product.
Please let us know what is missing.
FontCreator's trial version (from what I have seen) allows you to save the fonts you create.
That's true, FontCreator is fully functional during the trial period.
Why doesn't Scanahand?
I'm sorry but we have carefully thought about a fully functional trial period, but we've decided to let Scanahand run in reduced functionality mode instead. In our opinion it still allows you to test it's capabilities. It's up to you if you think it's worth your money.

Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 11:34 am
by Yillup
I would be using the fonts I create in digital scrapbooking. As such I would be using them for word art and in photoshop. The abilities to manipulate a font after creating it is something you cannot do with the sample shown in scanahand. It doesn't show you what the font will look like when in outline, mirrored, etc.

Possibly if you would prefer the program to completely not function after the trial period is there a way to make the fonts un-useable after the trial has finished? I'm unsure of the technical aspects of fonts.

Also some indication that the fonts you create will not be able to be saved before you download, or even before you start creating the font, would be nice - as it's a little bit of effort to go through the printing/writing/scanning process (which admittedly is a whole lot easier than creating a font the traditional way). "Reduced functionality" could mean many things - it doesn't in any way let you know the program is almost pointless in trial mode. To not know until you get the little comment at the end "oops" is irritating. The "oops" to me was very condescending like I had done something wrong, had made a mistake (as is the common useage of the word oops).

I was seriously considering buying this (as I know many family and friends who scrapbook and would LOVE to use their own handwriting on a digital layout), but that "oops" comment when you attempt to save a font has me so annoyed I almost don't want to bother. I'd rather pay the $9 to get only one font created online!

Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 12:43 pm
by Erwin Denissen
Yillup wrote:I would be using the fonts I create in digital scrapbooking. As such I would be using them for word art and in photoshop. The abilities to manipulate a font after creating it is something you cannot do with the sample shown in scanahand. It doesn't show you what the font will look like when in outline, mirrored,etc.
Yes that's true, it is not possible to test how your font will look like with special text effects.
Possibly if you would prefer the program to completely not function after the trial period is there a way to make the fonts un-useable after the trial has finished? I'm unsure of the technical aspects of fonts.
That's not possible and not the route we want to go.
Also some indication that the fonts you create will not be able to be saved before you download, or even before you start creating the font, would be nice - as it's a little bit of effort to go through the printing/writing/scanning process (which admittedly is a whole lot easier than creating a font the traditional way). "Reduced functionality" could mean many things - it doesn't in any way let you know the program is almost pointless in trial mode. To not know until you get the little comment at the end "oops" is irritating. The "oops" to me was very condescending like I had done something wrong, had made a mistake (as is the common useage of the word oops).
Scanahand is commercial software and you need to have a license to make use of all features. "Oops" just reminds you of this. Don't take it too personal ;-)
I was seriously considering buying this (as I know many family and friends who scrapbook and would LOVE to use their own handwriting on a digital layout), but that "oops" comment when you attempt to save a font has me so annoyed I almost don't want to bother.
I'm sorry about that. Please let us know, if you have a better title for that reminder.
I'd rather pay the $9 to get only one font created online!
It's up to you if you buy our software or not. If you buy a license, you'll be able to make as many fonts as you want. Also keep in mind Scanahand makes use of technology initially developed for FontCreator. This includes the optimized bitmap to vector conversion. I don't think I have to explain what that means for the quality of the generated fonts. Especially in combination with a high resolution scan (300dpi or 600dpi).

$9 ?

Posted: Thu May 22, 2008 12:01 pm
by Dave Crosby
I'd rather pay the $9 to get only one font created online!
If someone mailed me a filled out template and a check for $9 and an e-mail address to send the generated font ...
Hmmm ...
That would take me 5 minutes + e-mailing time.

Perhaps I'd do it.

Out in the real world a GOOD font is usually the result of hundreds of hours of tedious work. The designer expects to sell thousands of copies at $35 EACH, hoping to be paid a minimum of $35,000 for his time and expertise.

IF I could be talked into converting a generated font into a nice font I'd expect to be paid a minimum of $50 per hour, $200 minimum.

BUT it would turn out the way I want it, probably not the way the customer wants it.

It is cheaper to purchase Scanahand AND FontCreator, do the work yourself, and get exactly what you want.

Luckily I am retired and don't have to worry about filthy lucre so I can create new fonts for free and not worry about the time involved except for the fact that I don't have a lot of time left.

Why should I spend ANY time on a project for someone else when I can't find time for all the things I want to do for myself?

After all, I won't be able to take a single penny with me on the next great adventure.

Re: Trial version

Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2017 1:42 pm
by andy617
I too decided to download the trial version. Great, scanned in my alphabet and copied it all over.. Then i cant do anything. Not really a trial is it. Thats like looking at a car in a show room, playing with everything but not being allowed to take it out on the road.

I only want to make 26 letters that are a unique font to the UK railways that you cant get else where to complete a model I'm making, this product being the only one that allows me to copy and paste my letters in (which is brilliant by the way) but I really cannot justify the full version for something I may use once or twice. Its not like I can then decide to sell it on and get my money back like a physical item.

Can you rethink the trial version, or would there be someone kind enough to convert my designed font?

Thanks - it a brilliant package, but the trial is flawed in my opinion and I wouldnt buy even though it does everything and more that i want.

Andy

Re: Trial version

Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2017 3:11 pm
by Bhikkhu Pesala
andy617 wrote:Thanks - it a brilliant package, but the trial is flawed in my opinion and I wouldn't buy even though it does everything and more that I want.
That proves the point that Erwin was right not to allow the trial version to export fonts. Those who would not purchase it even though they like it, would certainly never purchase it if they could export fonts during the trial period.

So the trial version is not flawed at all. It allows prospective purchasers to see what it can do, without allowing them to use it to create fonts without paying for it.

You can buy a single font from Your Fonts.com

Re: Trial version

Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2017 5:11 am
by andy617
To be honest, if this other program was as easy as yours at that price to produce it, it would be great. Ive used the one you recommended and its sorted my requirement.

maybe you could look at doing a 1 off purchase for one font rather than full package? now that would be worth the money if at the right price. Dont get me wrong, im not knocking your excellent program, but to me, its like buying a 4x4 pickup when all I need is a motor scooter to get me from A2B.

Regards

Andy