Puzzle Pro 2 and Page Curl 2

See The Links Below For Purchasing  Information

Puzzle Pro 2

Av Bros has produced what has to be the most stunning looking Photoshop and Photoshop Compatible Plug--In to come down the road in a very long time. Also, check out the equally asethetically intriguing Av Bros web site.

Page Curl 2

The fun does not stop with Puzzle Pro. They manage to work their magic again with this equally good looking addition. Working with a wide selection of hosts that include Jasc Paint Shop Pro, Fireworks and Deneba Canvas. Check out the Av Bros web site for a total list of tested Host Applications. Both programs are available for the Macintosh Operating System OS 10.01

Purchase Link for

Mac OS X  A Bundle

Windows A Bundle

Thursday, October 07, 2004

AV Bros. Puzzle Pro 2

( Photoshop or Photoshop Compatible Plug—IN ) 

System Requirements:

For Windows: 98, Me, NT4,(SP4), 2000, XP and 2003

For Mac: OS 10.01 and higher  

AV Bros Page Curl 2

( Photoshop or Photoshop Compatible Plug—IN ) 

System Requirements:

For Windows: 98, Me, NT4,(SP4), 2000, XP and 2003

For Mac: OS 10.01 and higher  

Check Web site: www.avbros.com  for pricing, bundles compatibility with other host programs and assorted details.

By: Kurt von Behrmann 

The importance of Photoshop Plug—Ins has taken on a new meaning for me.  Having worked on a project that required some very specific effects, I am starting to understand how and why they are so essential.  While I have always enjoyed these enhancements to programs like Photoshop, their practicality becomes evident when working as a professional designer on a deadline. 

Whenever anyone works on a project that is visual, and must face collaborating with sometimes three or more people long distance, time is literally money.  Factoring in all of the changes, alterations and fine details a design project can entail, finding the right plug in for the job can mean the difference between satisfying a client’s expectations or not getting the job, or even being  paid.   

For casual users, or those just getting into photographic editing, the amazing array of Plug-Ins for Photoshop may seem like overkill.  That perception changes once you realize the complexity involved in creating even seemingly basic effects. While all digital photographic manipulation programs carry a slew of effects and alterations, they do not include  everything.   

As is frequently the case, it is often easier, even more desirable, to find the appropriate Plug—IN rather than going through the tedious process of trying to achieve a given effect using the tools that ship with most graphics programs. 

Saving time, and offering a plethora of options, AV Bros’ “Puzzle Pro 2,” is literally a life saver for those that want to turn a photographic image into a puzzle piece, or better still, puzzle pieces.  Essential this program turns a standard image into a puzzle piece. 

While this may not sound like much, when you consider how much time and effort it takes to achieve this effect without this Plug—In, the savings in stress are more than worth the price of admission.  Plus, if you need to make changes frequently, this program really has you covered. 

Puzzle Pro 2 does not end with simply breaking up an image. This program allows you a considerable range of options. You can alter the size of pieces, change counters and perform a veritable sea of manipulations. The program can also save pieces removed from the image as Photoshop layers.  The Plug—In even allows you to create bevels, and other interesting visual elements to the puzzle piece or pieces before exiting the program and re-entering Photoshop, or whatever Photoshop Plug—In Friendly program you are using. 

Setting this Plug—IN apart from so many is the visual look of the program.  The Graphical User Interface has to rank as one of the most attractive in the history of Photoshop Plug—Ins.  Easy on the eyes and aesthetically pleasing, for those that need to turn a photographic image into a puzzle, this Photoshop add on is a must have.  For any designer, artist or novice that wants this effect and does not want to spend hours fussing over layers, edges and going through the tedious task of creating this effect, this plug in makes it all the easier. It becomes particularly useful when making changes. 

Page Curl Two from the Bros Av is yet another Plug—In that permits incredible manipulation of that standard effect the page curl.  Changing angles, shadows, size etc, this program does for page curling what Puzzle Pro does for puzzle image creation.  Like its sibling in the AV product line, this add on features a unique interface. Visually stunning, this is one of  those Plug—Ins you appreciate after you realize how tedious it is to achieve a similar effect using basic digital image manipulation tools. 

As speciality Plug—Ins that allow versatility speed and quality, these are two important Plug—Ins to keep in mind when working on projects that require these specific effects. 

Summation 

Av Bros Photoshop Plug—Ins are not only sharp looking, their output is excellent as well. While I am not sure if these plug—ins may appeal to the average user, these particular additions are more like specialty add ons for specific projects, they will certainly cut down on the tedious side of image manipulation and free up more time for being creative.  

Although they are not particularly difficult to use, their unique interfaces present some interesting issues. As is the case with any program that deviates from the norm of windows, there is a learning curve.  Once you over come the unique interface,  the program reveals its true nature as a practical time saving Plug—In.