What software do I need to make signs?
You will need sign software to make signs. You're going to have to shell out some money for this purchase, just like you have to do for your plotter.
Sign making software is specialized software. Most of the sign software requires something you may have never seen before, or didn't even know it exists. It's called a hasp, or dongle. A dongle is a security device that is required to run the sign software. They either plug into your parallel port or a USB port. Basically, the dongle has a computer chip in it that has a serial number that unlocks the software. No dongle - no working software!
For just getting started making signs, you will still have to spend a few hundred dollars for your software. There are differnet versions of sign software. The cheaper versions don't have as many features. I use LXi Master Plus. It's their best version. It's the same software as FlexiSign, but sold under a different name at a lower price. I paid extra for this version because the lower versions lack some of the features I was used to when I work for another sign shop. For example, the lesser version doesn't have all the shape tools, the advanced border tool, the measure tool, the dimensions and labels tool, the select by attributes tool…….and many many more. If you can afford it, spend the money and get the software you'll be happy with, instead of saving a few bucks and being frustrated.
Some of the makers of software are (in no particular order):
- FlexiSign
- Sign Lab
- Vinyl Master Pro
- Gerber Omega
- Corel
There are many websites selling software, including the above companies, and you can even find sign software on eBay
Although if you are just starting out, I would highly recommend buying a package deal that would include your plotter and software. You'll save money buying them together, and you'll know that they are compatable with each other as well.