Version 3.0 Help Many thanks to the CAC Friends who helped me compile this help list :^)
1. I can't send email cards through the Micrografx server! Can I change the settings to use my mail server? 2. I purchased Add-On Variety packs, how can I back up this information in case of a crash? 3. I can I do a full install of Creatacard Version 2.0 or 3.0 so I do not have to use the CD? 4. When I print envelopes many times the graphics get cut off, how can I fix this? 5. How can I choose a different email background when I send a online email greeting through the program? 6. How can I resize graphics and text? 7. How can I minimize the program so I can work on other things? 8. How can I view just certain card packs I've purchased? 9. What are the right click options? How can I utilize them? 10. Can I use the program without the CD if it is not fully installed? 11. How can I choose multiple graphics from the artbook? 12. How can I select just one object on the page to edit when I have so many in the way? 13. Can I use any other software programs with Creatacard? 14. How can I quickly get to a font or open a project when I have such a long list to scan through? 15. Can I edit the clipart in the artbook? 16. Can I jot down notes on the screen that will not print? 17. How can I tell what version of Creatacard I have? 18. What can I e-mail in CreataCard Plus 3 and Gold 3? 19. What’s the difference between the E-Mail, MAPI, and SAVE options under the e-mail feature? 20. How can I download and use the Top Cards in the Top Cards Showcase? (on the Creatacard website) 21. What image types can I import and paste into Creatacard? 22. Why do I get a colored background when I paste in some web graphics? 23. How can I backup my Forget Me Not address book in case of a system crash? 24. How can I share my files/projects with other CAC users? 25. How can fully install my add on packs so I do not have to use the extra CD? 26. How can I make a marginless card in Version 3.0? 27. How can I edit the backpage art to always have my name? 28. Where can I get more tips and ideas for Creatacard? 29. I bought add on packs in Version 3.0, how can I access them in Version 4.0? 30. What is the differance between Version 3.0 and the previous version 2.0?
1. I can't send email cards through the Micrografx server! Can I change the settings to use my mail server?
You can change the default micrografx server to send the email cards using your own server (since most of the time it is unavailable) I have done this and it works: Sending E-Mail directly from CreataCard will send an E-Mail message with the E-Mail Card attached through your Internet connection to the receiver you specify. CreataCard will use the Micrografx SMTP server by default. If you have problems connecting to this SMTP server, you may specify the address of a different server by adding a string key named "SMTPServer" in the registry at the location "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SOFTWARE\Micrografx\CreataCard\Settings\Email Settings." Set the value to the domain name of your SMTP server. You may also specify the number of a different SMTP server port for CreataCard to use by adding a DWORD key named "SMTPPort" in the registry at the path "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Micrografx\CreataCard\ Settings\Email Settings." Set the value to the SMTP server's port number (the default port is 25). If your Internet Service Provider does not allow basic SMTP through your Internet connection, you may have to try the MAPI or Save methods to deliver your E-Mail Card. Here is a example of what my registry looks like at this location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Micrografx\CreataCard\Settings\EMail SettingsMy email cards go through right away - just make sure you are online when you go to send, it will give you a error message if it cannot find your server.
2. I purchased Add-On Variety packs, how can I back up this information in case of a crash?
Important
You need to keep a backup copy of the vp.cc1 file in your C:\Windows directory. This file contains all the information needed for you to access the add on packs you paid to unlock. If you ever crash or have to reformat your hard drive you can restore this file and still be able to access those add on's. (Suzanne)
3. I can I do a full install of Creatacard Version 3.0 so I do not have to use the CD?
Normally, the CreataCard
Plus 3 CD-ROM must be present in
your CD-ROM drive while you run CreataCard because the content
files are not copied to your hard disk during installation.
It is possible to copy all content files to your hard disk
during installation by typing "X:\setup full" (without
the
quotation marks), where "X:" represents your CD-ROM
drive
letter (usually "D:"). However, this requires an additional
440 megabytes of free hard disk space. (read me text)
4. When I print envelopes many times the graphics get cut off, how can I fix this?
Some printers are designed to feed envelopes horizontally. Occasionally this will cause a problem when printing graphics on envelopes. Usually this occurs in the form of truncated print or undesirable scaling of envelope graphics. We recommend that you configure and feed envelopes so that they are printed vertically instead of horizontally. Feeding the envelope vertically allows for better and more accurate feeding into the printer. It also helps to ensure that the maximum printable area on the envelope is used. This typically results in a better looking envelope.(read me text)
5. How can I choose a different email background when I send a online email greeting through the program?
When creating an E-Mail Card, you may select a Background that will be displayed when the E-Mail Card is run. CreataCard Plus 3 allows you to select from any ".BMP" bitmap file located in the directory "<CreataCard Path>\Backgrounds", where "<CreataCard Path>" represents the path you installed CreataCard to (usually "C:\Program Files\CreataCard\Plus"). If you would like to use your own ".BMP" bitmap files in your E-Mail Cards, copy the files to the Backgrounds directory. We suggest limiting the bitmaps you create to only 256 colors. There are extra E-Mail Card Backgrounds included on the CreataCard Plus 3 CD-ROM in the "Backgrounds" directory. The subdirectory names found there help categorize the extra Backgrounds. Simply copy any Backgrounds you wish to use from the CD-ROM to "<CreataCard Path>\Backgrounds." (read me text)
6. How can I resize graphics and text?
In CAC you can resize your graphics and text box size by using one of two features. The first way is to use the size bigger or smaller feature that is at the right bottom side. Select your graphic or text box, then hit the size up or the size down button at the right bottom side. If you don't see this button hit the move button at the top or side of you screen depending on if your paper is landscape or portrait. When you hit the move button, the size up and down button should appear. The second way to size is to use the pull handles which appear when you have the graphic or text selected. Always use the CORNER pull handles to size. You don't want to pull the side handles because it will distort your graphic or text. Sometimes you can get away with just a little pull of the side handles, depending on your graphic, but as a rule, I stay away from the side handles. (Vickie)
7. How can I minimize the program so I can work on other things?
If you hit the flying windows symbol in the upper corner you can shrink your window (without closing the entire program down). (Darlene)
8. How can I view just certain card packs I've purchased?
If you want to view just the cards from a certain add on pack you can go into the inventory book on the main CAC screen and "turn off" the content you do not want to view, leaving the pack checked you want to see. (Suzanne)
9. What are the right click options? How can I utilize them?
If you right click on a graphic (or text) in CAC it will bring up some great options:
Order - arrange how your graphics/text are layered. Arrange - group several items together, very handy feature when you have a lot of items you want to keep together (and for putting on your clipboard.) Align to page - Make sure your graphics are centered on the page properly. Flip - Flip your graphics and text horizontally and vertically. Back to the top
10. Can I use the program without the CD if it is not fully installed? Yes, you can use most of the features CAC offers without having to put the CD in the CD ROM drive! I use CAC for a lot of projects that I may not be using their graphics with. A screen will appear telling you it can't find the CAC CD, just click CANCEL and it will go on into the program. As far as I know you use all the features except for accessing the art. (Monica) Back to the top
11. How can I choose multiple graphics from the artbook? You can click on and paste many graphics as you want before you close the artbook. You also don't have to close the art book to go to another category section. Click on the tabs along the side of the book. (Artwork, Clipart, Import) If you click on the same section your in it will take you back to the category list. If you click on another tab it will take you to that category list.(Bev) Back to the top
12. How can I select just one object on the page to edit when I have so many in the way? When I have a ton of stuff on my page and have a hard time "Selecting" it, whether from it being partially behind another graphic or because it takes too long cycling through using the Select Object button, I draw a bounding box around the graphic or text box so that it will come right up. (Bonnie) Back to the top
13. Can I use any other software programs with Creatacard? You can use Micrografx Hallmark Card Studio content with Creatacard. This is great because you can flip between the content of Card Studio and Creatacard in the inventory section. I think you can still find this program out there, but I know Micrografx has stopped future production or upgrades.(Ron)
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14. How can I quickly get to a font or open a project when I have such a long list to scan through? If you are in the screen where you select the font (or project), hit the first letter of the font you want and it will take you to the first font that begins with that letter. If you are in the screen which list all your saved projects by name, (where you open them) then hit the first letter of the saved project you are looking for and it will take you to the first project that begins with that letter.(Vickie) Back to the top
15. Can I edit the clipart in the artbook? You can change the colors of the CLIP-ART in CAC?! Here is how-to: 1. Choose ArtBook > CLIP ART (Not Artwork, them you can't change) 2. Chose one of the clip art. 3. Paste the clip art to card and close book. 4. Select the art and select DRAW. Select COLOR. Then you get the option of changing the color. Change the color of inside and/or outline. You can also change the size of the outline. This way you are able to create a lot of effects and customize the cliparts. The black borders can be changed to red etc...(Ellinor) Back to the top
16. Can I jot down notes on the screen that will not print? You can write yourself notes in the yellow margins around a card that won't print out but are there for your information! I had been keeping my notes on how I did something on scraps of paper with my samples of cards before they were finished-- your know the print tests on plain copy- type paper. Anyway got to thinking there has to be a way to keep the info with the file. What I have started doing is opening a text box over top of the card typing in the info I want to save. Making the text small , rotating it vertically and moving it into the yellow non-printable area of the screen. When I save the file my instructions are saved too, like size and type of paper I used, embellishments, even where the art came from, etc., but it doesn't mess up the printing of the card. Not a lot of room to work with in sign, but 1/2 and 1/4 fold has enough room to put a lot of info. When I go back to it, if I can't read it because of text size I can alway click edit text and enlarge it to read and then close without saving the enlarged text. (Bev) Back to the top
17. How can I tell what version of Creatacard I have? Go to the Main Activity Screen and click on the About icon located on the top right hand side of the screen.
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18. What can I e-mail in CreataCard Plus 3 and Gold 3? You can e-mail ANY project! That includes greeting cards, invitations, announcements, signs, certificates, awards, and even business cards, envelopes, gift tags and labels! Back to the top
19. What’s the difference between the E-Mail, MAPI, and SAVE options under the e-mail feature? E-Mail: Sending e-mail directly from CreataCard will send an e-mail message with the e-mail card attached through your Internet connection to the receiver you specify. CreataCard 3 will send the e-mail message through the Internet to the Mindscape SMTP server by default. (or you can change to use your email server) MAPI: Sending e-mail through MAPI will create a message in your currently active MAPI compatible program with the e-mail card attached. Using this method allows you to send an e-mail card through a MAPI compatible program such as Microsoft Exchange or Microsoft Windows Messaging. SAVE: Saving the e-mail card to a file will allow you to attach the executable card program to an email message, copy it to a floppy or other removable media to give to the recipient, or replay on your system. CreataCard will save the e-mail card as an executable program which can be run in Windows. Please note that the extension for executables in Windows is ".EXE" and must be used when saving the e-mail card to file. If the card is saved without the ".EXE" extension the e-mail card may not execute properly. Back to the top
20. How can I download and use the Top Cards in the Top Cards Showcase? (on the Creatacard website) 1. Click on the "Download" button to download the top card you would like to have. 2. Save your file to the c:\Program Files\CreataCard\data directory or to the path where you installed your CreataCard program. 3. Rename the file extension of each card from ".CSF" to ".CCF". 4. Go to the Main Activity Screen in your version of CreataCard, click on the "Saved Work" icon (it's the briefcase icon on the right hand side of your screen). 5. Go to "Open" and click on "Hard Drive" button. 6. The file(s) you saved to your data directory should appear in the "Opening a File" dialog box. 7. Click on the file you would like to see and press "Open File". You now have access to the new top card! Back to the top
21. What image types can I import and paste into Creatacard? Creatacard supports images in these formats - .bmp, .dib, .fpx (Flashpix), .jpg, .pcd (Kodak photo CD), .pcx, .png, .psd (Photoshop 3.0), .tga, uncompressed .tif and .wmf. Back to the top
22. Why do I get a colored background when I paste in some web graphics? This generally occurs with the .gif format coming through the windows clipboard. You can eliminate this by clicking the "Insert Photo" button and pasting from the clipboard here. If this does not work you can use any graphics editing program to fill the background in white or transparent. Back to the top
23. How can I backup my Forget Me Not address book in case of a system crash?
You have one of 2 ways to do this:
1. Go to your CAC program folder and choose the Forget Me Not Export. This will let you save your information in .csv format (comma separated) Then if you ever loose the information you can then choose the Forget Me Not Import and import the info back in.
2. Through windows explorer go to where you have your CAC saved projects (normally a folder where you have CAC installed) In there you will find 2 files to backup - FMNOT32.dat and FMNOT.bak. Then you can always place them back to their original location to restore your information.
It's always good to keep backup copies on a floppy for emergencies, especially if you took alot of time putting in lots of addresses and info.
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24. How can I share my files/projects with other CAC users? You can share projects with anyone using the same version of Creatacard by just giving them the .ccf file. These files are located where you have CAC installed on your computer, USUALLY in the subfolder "DATA", but sometimes it will be located in another place. You can do a search of windows for your .ccf file to see where they are (Start button-Find- Files/Folders). The Friend you give the file simply needs to place it with their saved projects files, and open from the main screen in CAC. Back to the top
25. How can fully install my add on packs so I do not have to use the extra CD? You can do this using the Creatacard Variety Pack Maintenance located in the Creatacard folder. You can choose to install all or just some of the packs you have purchased. And don't forget to make a backup copy of the vp.cc1 file in case of a system crash. Back to the top
26. How can I make a marginless card in Version 3.0? The only way to make a marginless card in CAC Version 3.0 is in sign format. 1. Using the draw tools, draw a line and center on the page utilizing the right click option of centering. 2. The right side will be the front of your card. Place your graphic all the way up to the center line. When you fold the card the graphics will fold right on the line, with no left margin. 3. The left side will be the back of the card. 4. Trim off the remaining white margin on the top, bottom and right side for a marginless full bleed effect. 5. You can also design the inside of the card using sign format and utilize the entire inside for a spread effect.
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27. How can I edit the backpage art to always have my name? Back Page Art is the logo or insignia that you might see on the back of a card. They have included a selection of Back Page Art that you can personalize to add that finishing touch. Whenever you edit Back Page Art, the changes that you make are saved. If, at any time, you would like to return to the default back page art that was supplied with CreataCard Plus 3, delete the file "backpage.cc1." This file is located in your User-Data directory. Back to the top
29. I bought add on packs in Version 3.0, how can I access them in Version 4.0?
The variety packs that were purchased in Version 3.0 cannot be accessed with Version 4.0, since these are 2 different interfaces. But there is something you can do, call the AG Unlock line at 800-888-0436 and explain to them the packs you paid to unlock in Version 3.0, and you want them unlocked in Version 4.0. From what I hear they are happy to do it at no charge.
30. What is the differance between Version 3.0 and the previous version 2.0?
Feature CreataCard Gold 3 CreataCard Plus 3 Total projects & designs 14,000 9,000 Unique greeting cards, invitations & announcements 6,000 4,500 Artistic designs 6,500 4,500 Stationery, signs, awards & certificates, envelopes, stickers, postcards, gift tags, labels and business cards Yes Yes Calendars, banners, and alphabet artwork Yes Yes NEW! Multimedia cards Yes Samples only Content variety packs available to unlock on CD-ROM 30 packs 31 packs Creative Workshop Yes Yes Add-A-Photo cards and projects Yes Yes Import photographs & other files Yes Yes Bring photos directly into CreataCard from digital cameras or scanners Yes Yes Print at home Yes Yes Email capability Yes Yes Personal Delivery Yes Yes Matching content across projects Yes Yes Forget Me Not reminders Yes Yes NEW! Calendars Yes Yes Address Book Yes Yes Envelope printing Yes Yes Print artwork on envelopes Yes Yes Special greeting card fonts Yes Yes Picture Painter screen savers Yes Yes Sample paper and envelopes included Yes Yes Windows 95, 98 Win 95, 98 Win 95, 98 Back to the top
Find even more great Creatacard Tips and Ideas on CAC Friend Walt's website Back to the top
