theme

Artisteer Theme Builder

When I noticed an Adsense ad for the Artisteer Theme Builder for Wordpress, I had to check it out. There are two versions, the Home and Standard. With the Standard being the “pro” version. At $149.95 it’s a bit steep, but it is marked down to $99.95 when I saw it. The Home version is $49.95. You can compare the versions here.

It’s a 50meg download and installs in a typical Windows like fashion. You have the option to use the Standard or Home versions at launch. I was impressed with the ease of use, and the options are functional and extensive. In minutes, I had a decent theme up on my blog. However, the trial version has watermarks all over it. I’m sure a photoshop master could deal with them, but that is one thing I am not. For someone that deals with wordpress in their business, I would definitely recommend this, for the casual user that has a spare $49.95, it would make a great addition to the tool box. The purchase gives you one year of updates and support, typical stuff.

Top Ten Reasons to use Artisteer Theme Builder

1. Generate cool Web design ideas.
2. Adjust generated designs to create great looking Web and Blog templates.
3. Create perfectly correct, validated HTML and CSS that conform to Web standards.
4. You don’t need to learn Photoshop, CSS, HTML and other Web technologies to create great looking designs, including images and buttons.
5. If you are a Web designer, generate ideas, prototypes and quick Websites for your clients and friends.
6. Choose and use many included design elements, from backgrounds to photo objects and buttons.
7. Automatically solve problems with image aliasing, Web browser compatibility and other details requiring time and knowledge.
8. Learn how to create professional HTML and CSS code.
9. Save money on Wordpress Themes and Web design templates.
10. If you don’t have the time, hire your kids to create great looking Website for you.

I think I will wait for drupal and joomla support before I shell out the bucks.