Hi,  What software are you all using to complete the tasks in Unit 203?  Am i right in thinking all graphics need to be Vector based, so this mean pupils cannot use the likes of Publisher for the flyer or the banner?

Many thanks

To create and manipulate the graphic elements, we are mainly using Fireworks, with a tiny bit of paint.  Also, some 2D design and Pro Desktop (thanks DT dept).  A couple of kids have used Photoshop (elements) here and there.

We have used Publisher to create the banner and flyer, using the (vector and bitmap) graphics that they have created in the above apps.

Excellent, exactly the same as us - Fireworks, Pro Desktop & Publisher.  Just double checking!  Are you exporting the banner as a .pdf from Publisher to add to the eportfolio?

Images created in Publisher are best exported as images...

Group all the elements, right click then 'Save As Picture..' and save in the desired file type.

Keep the original as a PowerPoint so you can scale it up/down and export as and when needed.

We are using Serif Draw for the vector graphics and Paintshop Pro for bitmaps. Serif is very user friendly but I do not like PSP. This was recommended and bought by another member of the depatrment who then left. Is there a more user friendly photo imaging software we can use? Mind you the students take to it like a duck to water so its possibly just me.

We use Serif PagePlus and Photoshop elements.  You can download a demo of Photoshop Elements to see the interface here: http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshopelwin/ but the interface is very much like Paint Shop Pro - it's afairly "standard" interface for picture editing within the bounds of not being too similar for copyright reasons.  My advice would be to persevere with Paint Shop Pro a bit longer, it is a nice program once you'rew familiar with it.

For vector work, I really love Real Draw Pro (http://www.mediachance.com/realdraw/index.html) and highly recommend trying out the shareware version.  It's incredibly easy to pick up and has a lot of functionality.

For raster editing, I generally use GIMP (http://www.gimp.org/) which is an excellent piece of software and free although not as intuitive as Paint Shop Pro (version 7 or before - version 8 just confused me!)

Note - these are packages I use at home in my own time and don't represent recommended software from Edexcel.

RA:

Also, some 2D design and Pro Desktop (thanks DT dept). 

Just wondering how you managed to get the text and the logo to curve around the wristband in Pro Desktop?  Our pupils have managed to create the band itself but cannot get the text on.

What are other people using to make the wristband?