Axialis IconWorkshop 5.01 update now available.

Ah the master has spoken. I must obey.

I really need to get this thing. It looks great.

I give it a 9.9 out of 10, I still want to be able to save Mac Icons.

How does it compare to MicroAngelo? What are the pros of IconWorkshop over Microangelo?

I have not used MicroAngelo in years, but I would say go get the 30day trial and give it a try.

Wow...this is *really* strange...but, before you even posted this article, I visited their site earlier today. I wondered if this program was being used by any of the artists here...so I logged in to WC to ask about the program in the Message Board... haha! Guess I don't need to ask now!

This program looks VERY interesting! I have never created a skin or an icon...would you recommend this to a beginner (somewhat fast learner)?? Also..they offer a personal or corporate version...with corporate having a handful of additional features. They also mention the ability to work with Mac icons as well.

This is a real coincidence! But glad to see this topic at the top of the news page!

I used this for 30 days and was not impressed.

What were you not impressed with? Is there another program that you prefer?

That is a good question? What is it you did not like?

I like it because I do most of my work in Corel (In a vector format) and save them as PNG's or PSD files then I can us Icon Workshop to do all the compiling for me. It is surprisingly accurate

And it has good tools (IMO) to do any last minute pixel pushing

This looks pretty impressive. Just one thing, next time someone argues how our software isn't worth the price, bear in mind that programs like this cost more than all of Object Desktop combined.

That said, I'll probably be registering it.

I don't have Photoshop ...but I do have Paintshop Pro 7...have to start somewhere.

I checked out the Microangelo site...but it did not have any screenshots of the program's UI *sigh* At least Icon Workshop has a decent online tutorial.

Thanks for the input everyone...

mormegil, about saving to Mac icons ... only the time (little time ) will get this feature to Icon Workshop

I don't make much icons as I'm not very talented at it, but when I do, I make them in Photoshop, export them as transparent PNGs. Microangelo can import transparent PNGs as well as IconWorkshop it seems. I guess they come down to the same. And their prices compare as well.
One thing I've always wished Microangelo had is layers. Can IconWorkshop use layers of some sort? For exmaple, I have a basic icon image, but I can superimpose on top of it a different image and be able to edit that top image seperatly from the bottom one? (think of the different folder icons in Windows, if you could use the same basic icon at the bottom, and just add different elements on top: MY Documents,My Pictures, My Music, etc.).

Try the triel vesion, I dont use Photoshop to make icons but I know he has added psd layer suport to some degree.

I've been using Microangelo for a couple of years and the only advantage over it that I saw was the ability to convert Apple icons to WinXP format.

I've been invited to join the beta testers group at Axialis, and I'll be pushing for layer support in IconWorkshop, along with other features I'd like to see in the editor.

mormegil....why aren't you in the group? Have they failed to invite you? A big mistake on their part if they haven't.

I am, I am just havent been to visiable. You know me SHY.

This looks pretty impressive. Just one thing, next time someone argues how our software isn't worth the price, bear in mind that programs like this cost more than all of Object Desktop combined.


Brad.... sorry, but that argument won't fly......... Axialis offers a LIFETIME of upgrades as compared to 1 year.
James Marx.... how's that for an added advantage over Microangelo?

mormegil...don't be SHY, speak up! Carlitus and I, have got your back..

The reality was this: for creating icons before, i used some Bitmap program. I created the different sizes (as png) needed with a action, saving them always on the same folder. I drag this pngs on a specific folder (ie: 'My Computer') While is opened Icon Sushi (freeware), i drag inside it the pngs, then click Create 'Multiple Icon', and the ico file as created. This is my prior way to create a icon.
With IW this step reduces to two clicks (WITH THE SAME QUALITY, boys, not as said someone in the MB). This is a new 5.01 feature.
There's a lot of iconizing and managing icons programs, but IW deserves a try.
And is very recommended for port icons by Mac platforms. Maybe converting to mac icons will be released soon, the Axialis developpers are very actives!

Hmmm, I have both progs and I can't even make an icon. Real pretty interfaces though. Really I just kind of touch up icons I feel need touching up. I have the artistic ability of a cat with a brush attached to its' tail.

Koasati - if someone wants to pay $59.95 for WindowBlinds we'll give them a lifetime of free updates too.

Brad.... sorry, but that argument won't fly......... Axialis offers a LIFETIME of upgrades as compared to 1 year.

Well, I'm not so sure about that. I bought this icon program in January, 1998 (v4.0), but they claim they can't find me in the data base and have quit responding to my e-mails.

It is an excellent program with outstanding icl handling. The only gripe I have with it, is the inability to select irregular shapes for copying. (Iconforge does that).

I am still debating whether or not I'm going to buy it again.