LEGO Print Creator: Difference between revisions

From Research Realm
VisualWikitext
(locations)
 
(22 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
[[File:LEGO Print Creator logo.png|thumb|Print Creator logo]]
{{Infobox software
[[File:LEGO Print Creator T-shirt 800x600.png|thumb|LEGO Print Creator on its T-shirt creator template]]
| logo = LEGO Print Creator logo.png
'''LEGO Print Creator''' is a simple [[Wikipedia:desktop publishing|desktop publishing]] application developed by The Bending Spoon and published by [[LEGO Software]] in 2001. The program was included as a free bonus with certain releases of LEGO Media games or published with other activity programs in 2002.
| logo size = 220px
| logo caption = Title screen logo
| screenshot = LEGO Print Creator T-shirt 800x600.png
| screenshot size =
| caption = Screenshot showing the T-shirt template
| developer = The Bending Spoon
| released = 2001
| operating system = [[Wikipedia:Windows 95|Windows 95]] and later
| included with = See {{Section link||Releases}}
| genre = [[Wikipedia:desktop publishing|Desktop publishing]]
}}
 
'''LEGO Print Creator''' is a [[Wikipedia:desktop publishing|desktop publishing]] application designed for children. It was developed by The Bending Spoon in 2001 and published by [[LEGO Software]]. Users can design and print images featuring art from various [[LEGO Media International]] games that were available at the time. The program was included as a free bonus with certain releases of some LEGO video games, and was also packaged with other activity programs by publishers LEGO Media International worked with.


== Features ==
== Features ==
LEGO Print Creator can be used to design and print images using LEGO artwork and patterns. The program is limited to a single screen with a canvas; its design functions are limited to customising certain built-in templates. These templates allow for the creation of [[Wikipedia:T-shirt|T-shirt]] [[Wikipedia:Iron-on|iron-on transfers]], CD labels, [[Wikipedia:A4 paper|A4-sized]] posters, certificates, diary pages, calendars, [[Wikipedia:Bookmark|bookmarks]], height charts, [[Wikipedia:Business card|business cards]], [[Wikipedia:Letterhead|letterheaded paper]], invitations, and birthday cards. The user is able to customise each template by changing the background, applying border patterns, selecting images, and writing text. Patterns and images can be selected from a library included with the program, or users can select custom images from their hard drive. The size and position of images and text can be adjusted, and different pre-set layouts can be selected for certain templates. Completed projects can be printed if a printer is connected to the computer, or emailed if an email client is available.<ref name="manual">LEGO Print Creator manual. 24 September 2001.</ref>
LEGO Print Creator allows users to design and print stationary and labels using LEGO-related artwork and patterns. The program features a single screen with a canvas and interface; its design functions are limited to customising certain built-in templates. These templates allow for the creation of [[Wikipedia:T-shirt|T-shirt]] [[Wikipedia:Iron-on|iron-on transfers]], CD labels, [[Wikipedia:A4 paper|A4-sized]] posters, certificates, diary pages, calendars, [[Wikipedia:Bookmark|bookmarks]], height charts, [[Wikipedia:Business card|business cards]], [[Wikipedia:Letterhead|letterheaded paper]], invitations, and birthday cards.<ref name="manual"/>
 
Selected templaces can be customised by changing the background, applying border patterns, selecting images, and writing custom text. Some template types also have multiple pages to customise or multiple template layouts to select from. Patterns and images can be selected from a library included with the program, or users can add custom images from their hard drive. The size and position of images and text can be adjusted, and different pre-set layouts can be selected for certain templates. Projects can be saved as Print Creator files (.pcf) to be loaded later. Completed projects can be printed if a printer is connected to the computer, or sent to others if an email client is available.<ref name="manual"/>


== Development ==
== Development ==
LEGO Print Creator was developed and designed by The Bending Spoon Limited,<ref name="credits">LEGO Print Creator credits (27 September 2001). "Developed and designed by The Bending Spoon Limited. Artwork by The Lost Highway." File path: <samp>graphics\intro\outrostill.bmp</samp>.</ref> a short-lived British software developer based in [[Wikipedia:Norbury|Norbury]], [[Wikipedia:London|London]].<ref name="ukcl">[https://www.companieslist.co.uk/04136804-the-bending-spoon-limited "THE BENDING SPOON LIMITED"]. CompaniesList.co.uk. [https://web.archive.org/web/20231128065855/https://www.companieslist.co.uk/04136804-the-bending-spoon-limited Archived] from the original on 28 November 2023.</ref> The company was incorporated on 8 January 2001 as AD2001 before changing to The Bending Spoon on 24 January. It was directed by producer Angela Sutherland and software engineer Andrew Stephen Fiore;<ref name="ukcl"/> Sutherland had previously founded [[Wikipedia:Perfect Entertainment|Perfect Entertainment]] (originally Teeny Weeny Games) in 1991.<ref>De la Fuente, Derek (June 1994). [https://archive.org/details/32amigapro001/page/n27/mode/2up?view=theater "Itsy Bitsy..."]. ''32''. Issue 1. Aceville Publications Limited. p. 28.</ref><ref>De la Fuente, Derek (December 1996). [https://archive.org/details/MicromanaTerceraEpocaSpanishIssue23/page/n69/mode/2up?view=theater "MudoDisco 2"] (in Spanish). ''Micro Mania''. Número 23. Hobby Press S.A. p. 71.</ref> The Bending Spoon was dissolved on 29 October 2002.<ref name="ukcl"/>
{{Multiple image | align = left | direction = horizontal | image1 = LPC the bending spoon.png | alt1 = The Bending Spoon logo | width1 = 142 | image2 = LPC The Lost Highway.png | alt2 = The Lost Highway logo | width2 = 64 | footer = Logos for The Bending Spoon (left) and The Lost Highway}}
LEGO Print Creator was developed and designed in 2001 by The Bending Spoon Limited,<ref name="exe"/><ref name="credits"/> a short-lived British software developer based in [[Wikipedia:Norbury|Norbury]], [[Wikipedia:London|London]].<ref name="ukcl"/> The company was incorporated on 8 January 2001 as AD2001 before changing to The Bending Spoon on 24 January, and it was dissolved on 29 October 2002. It was directed by producer Angela Sutherland and software engineer Andrew Stephen Fiore;<ref name="ukcl"/> Sutherland had previously founded [[Wikipedia:Perfect Entertainment|Perfect Entertainment]] (originally Teeny Weeny Games) in 1991.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=De la Fuente |first=Derek |date=June 1994 |url=https://archive.org/details/32amigapro001/page/n27/mode/2up?view=theater |title=Itsy Bitsy... |magazine=32 |issue=1 |publisher=Aceville Publications Limited |location=[[Wikipedia:Colchester|Colchester]] |page=28}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=De la Fuente |first=Derek |date=December 1996 |url=https://archive.org/details/MicromanaTerceraEpocaSpanishIssue23/page/n69/mode/2up?view=theater |title=MudoDisco 2 |language=es |magazine=Micro Mania |number=<!--Número-->23 |publisher=Hobby Press S.A. |location=[[Wikipedia:San Sebastián de los Reyes|San Sebastián de los Reyes]], [[Wikipedia:Community of Madrid|Madrid]] |page=71}}</ref>


The program's unique art was created by The Lost Highway.<ref name="credits"/> The LEGO image library featured in it uses art made for previous LEGO Media and Software titles.<ref name="rru">Ben24x7 (18 March 2018). [https://rockraidersunited.com/topic/8157-lego-print-creator "LEGO Print Creator"]. Rock Raiders United. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211007130410/https://rockraidersunited.com/topic/8157-lego-print-creator Archived] from the original on 7 October 2021.</ref> These titles include ''[[LEGO Chess]]'', [[LEGO Creator (video game)|''LEGO Creator'']], ''[[LEGO Loco]]'', [[LEGO Rock Raiders (video game)|''LEGO Rock Raiders'']], ''[[LEGO Alpha Team]]'', ''[[LEGO Creator: Knights' Kingdom]]'', ''[[LEGO Stunt Rally]]'', and ''[[LEGO Island 2]]''. [[Bionicle]] character posters are also included, possibly tying into the cancelled  
The program's interface art was created by The Lost Highway.<ref name="credits"/> The LEGO image library featured in it uses art made for previous LEGO Media and Software titles.<ref name="rru"/> These titles include ''[[LEGO Alpha Team (video game)|LEGO Alpha Team]]'', ''[[LEGO Chess]]'', [[LEGO Creator (video game)|''LEGO Creator'']], ''[[LEGO Creator: Knights' Kingdom]]'', ''[[LEGO Island 2: The Brickster's Revenge]]'', ''[[LEGO Loco]]'', [[LEGO Rock Raiders (video game)|''LEGO Rock Raiders'']], and ''[[LEGO Stunt Rally]]''. [[Bionicle]] character posters are also included, possibly intended to represent the cancelled title ''[[LEGO Bionicle: The Legend of Mata Nui]]''.
''[[LEGO Bionicle: The Legend of Mata Nui]]''.


== Releases ==
== Releases ==
The exact circumstances around the release of LEGO Print Creator are currently unknown, as no advertising for the program has been found outside of game released it was included with. Though its files and copyright are dated to 2001, its earliest known releases are from 2002. Known releases include:
[[File:Encore Creativity Club cover.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|Encore's ''Creativity Club'' included LEGO Print Creator]]
* "2 Title Compilation" release by [[Wikipedia:Marks & Spencer|Marks & Spencer]] (unknown year), containing [[LEGO Creator (video game)|''LEGO Creator'']] and [[LEGO Rock Raiders (video game)|''LEGO Rock Raiders'']]; LEGO Print Creator is included on the ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' disc.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20231130110151/https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/126182976310 "Lego PC CD Bundle Creator, Rock Raiders And Racers 2"] [[Wikipedia:eBay|eBay]] listing by midlandsretro. Archived from the original on 30 November 2023. Photo archives: [https://web.archive.org/web/20231128075039/https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/1IkAAOSwXK5lUTJm/s-l1600.jpg 1], [https://web.archive.org/web/20231128075038/https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/1jsAAOSwkZxlUTJn/s-l1600.jpg 2], [https://web.archive.org/web/20231130105441/https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/BggAAOSwZpRlUTJp/s-l1600.jpg 3].</ref>
The exact circumstances around the release of LEGO Print Creator are currently unknown, as no advertising for the program has been found outside of game released it was included with. The program has a copyright year of 2001, and its latest files are dated to 2 November 2001.<ref name="exe"/> It is currently known to have been included packaged with other software, with dates ranging from late 2001 through 2002.
* ''[[LEGO Island]]'' 2002 re-release by GSP Ltd.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20231130111427/https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/196011753205 "PC Game Lego island - 2002 GSP e15+"] eBay listing by dayo_849416. Archived from the original on 30 November 2023. Photo archives: [https://web.archive.org/web/20231130111947/https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/Md0AAOSw36xlHJ-G/s-l960.jpg 1], [https://web.archive.org/web/20231130111952/https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/q3QAAOSwiKBlHJ-M/s-l1600.jpg 2]. [https://web.archive.org/web/20231130111523/https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/CDgAAOSw2qhlHJ-O/s-l1600.jpg 3].</ref><ref name="rru"/>
 
* ''Creativity Club'', released by [[Encore Software]] in 2002. The release featured three games: ''Curious George Paint & Print Studio'', ''LEGO Print Creator'', and ''Crayola Magic 3D Coloring Book: Fanciful Friends''.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20030801110656/http://www.encoresoftware.com:80/dbdriven/detail.aspx?sku=17547 Creativity Club™]. EncoreSoftware.com. Archived from the original on 1 August 2003.</ref>
Currently, the following releases containing LEGO Print Creator are known:
* ''Creativity Club'', released by [[Encore Software]] in 2001. The release featured three creativity-based programs: ''Curious George Paint & Print Studio'', LEGO Print Creator, and ''Crayola Magic 3D Coloring Book: Fanciful Friends''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.encoresoftware.com:80/dbdriven/detail.aspx?sku=17547 |title=Creativity Club |website=Encore Software |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030801110656/http://www.encoresoftware.com:80/dbdriven/detail.aspx?sku=17547 |archive-date=1 August 2003}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.encoresoftware.com/dbdriven/legalese.aspx?sku=17547 |title=Creativity Club Legal Notice |website=Encore Software |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030214031636/http://www.encoresoftware.com:80/dbdriven/legalese.aspx?sku=17547 |archive-date=14 February 2003}}</ref>
* ''[[LEGO Island]]'', 2002 re-release by GSP Limited (catalogue number 0775A). LEGO Print Creator's inclusion was advertised on the back of the game case and on the [[Wikipedia:CD-ROM|game disc]], the latter of which is labelled as "''LEGO Island'' Plus LEGO Print Creator".<ref name="ebay Island GSP"/><ref name="rru"/>
* "2 Title Compilation" release by [[Wikipedia:Marks & Spencer|Marks & Spencer]] (unknown year), containing [[LEGO Creator (video game)|''LEGO Creator'']] and [[LEGO Rock Raiders (video game)|''LEGO Rock Raiders'']]. LEGO Print Creator is included on the ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' disc, which is labeled "''LEGO Rock Raiders'' and LEGO Print Creator".<ref name="ebay RR Racers"/>
 
== Example images ==
<gallery>
LEGO Print Creator certificate 640x480.png | Certificate template editing
LEGO Print Creator certificate print.png | Example of a printable certificate
LEGO Print Creator poster 640x480.png | Selecting a LEGO image for a poster
LEGO Print Creator invitation 640x480.png | The program's text editor
LEGO Print Creator calendar with custom image.png | A custom image loaded into the program
</gallery>


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist|refs=
<ref name="credits">{{cite video game |title=LEGO Print Creator |scene=Credits |date=27 September 2001 |developer=The Bending Spoon |quote=Developed and designed by The Bending Spoon Limited. Artwork by The Lost Highway}} File path: <samp>graphics\intro\outrostill.bmp</samp>.</ref>
 
<ref name="ebay Island GSP">{{cite web |url=https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/196011753205 |title=PC Game Lego island - 2002 GSP e15+ |type=[[Wikipedia:eBay|eBay]] listing by dayo_849416 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20231130111427/https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/196011753205 |archive-date=30 November 2023}} Photo archives: [https://web.archive.org/web/20231130111947/https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/Md0AAOSw36xlHJ-G/s-l960.jpg 1], [https://web.archive.org/web/20231130111952/https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/q3QAAOSwiKBlHJ-M/s-l1600.jpg 2]. [https://web.archive.org/web/20231130111523/https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/CDgAAOSw2qhlHJ-O/s-l1600.jpg 3].</ref>
 
<ref name="ebay RR Racers">{{cite web |url=https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/126182976310 |title=Lego PC CD Bundle Creator, Rock Raiders And Racers 2 |type=[[Wikipedia:eBay|eBay]] listing by midlandsretro |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130110151/https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/126182976310 |archive-date=30 November 2023}} Photo archives: [https://web.archive.org/web/20231128075039/https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/1IkAAOSwXK5lUTJm/s-l1600.jpg 1], [https://web.archive.org/web/20231128075038/https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/1jsAAOSwkZxlUTJn/s-l1600.jpg 2], [https://web.archive.org/web/20231130105441/https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/BggAAOSwZpRlUTJp/s-l1600.jpg 3].</ref>
 
<ref name="exe">{{cite video game |title=LEGO Print Creator |developer=The Bending Spoon |date=2001 |Platform=Windows |publisher=[[LEGO Software]] |code=<samp>LEGOPrintCreator.exe</samp> |quote=Date modified: 02 November 2001 – File version: 1.0.0.1}}</ref>
 
<ref name="manual">{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/download/lego-print-creator/LEGO_Print_Creator_Program_Files.zip/Lego%20Print%20Creator_Manual.txt |title=LEGO Print Creator manual |date=24 September 2001 |publisher=[[LEGO Software]] |author=The Bending Spoon}}</ref>
 
<ref name="rru">{{cite web |url=https://rockraidersunited.com/topic/8157-lego-print-creator |title=LEGO Print Creator |author=Ben24x7 |date=18 March 2018 |website=Rock Raiders United |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007130410/https://rockraidersunited.com/topic/8157-lego-print-creator |archive-date=7 October 2021}}</ref>
 
<ref name="ukcl">{{cite web |url=https://www.companieslist.co.uk/04136804-the-bending-spoon-limited |title=THE BENDING SPOON LIMITED |website=UK Companies List |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128065855/https://www.companieslist.co.uk/04136804-the-bending-spoon-limited |archive-date=28 November 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>
}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
Line 26: Line 66:
[[Category:2001 software]]
[[Category:2001 software]]
[[Category:Desktop publishing software]]
[[Category:Desktop publishing software]]
[[Category:LEGO Software software|Print Creator]]
[[Category:LEGO software|Print Creator]]
[[Category:LEGO Media International software|Print Creator]]
[[Category:Software developed in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Windows software]]

Latest revision as of 04:12, 2 August 2024

LEGO Print Creator
Developer(s)The Bending Spoon
Initial release2001
Operating systemWindows 95 and later
Included withSee § Releases
TypeDesktop publishing

LEGO Print Creator is a desktop publishing application designed for children. It was developed by The Bending Spoon in 2001 and published by LEGO Software. Users can design and print images featuring art from various LEGO Media International games that were available at the time. The program was included as a free bonus with certain releases of some LEGO video games, and was also packaged with other activity programs by publishers LEGO Media International worked with.

Features

LEGO Print Creator allows users to design and print stationary and labels using LEGO-related artwork and patterns. The program features a single screen with a canvas and interface; its design functions are limited to customising certain built-in templates. These templates allow for the creation of T-shirt iron-on transfers, CD labels, A4-sized posters, certificates, diary pages, calendars, bookmarks, height charts, business cards, letterheaded paper, invitations, and birthday cards.[1]

Selected templaces can be customised by changing the background, applying border patterns, selecting images, and writing custom text. Some template types also have multiple pages to customise or multiple template layouts to select from. Patterns and images can be selected from a library included with the program, or users can add custom images from their hard drive. The size and position of images and text can be adjusted, and different pre-set layouts can be selected for certain templates. Projects can be saved as Print Creator files (.pcf) to be loaded later. Completed projects can be printed if a printer is connected to the computer, or sent to others if an email client is available.[1]

Development

The Bending Spoon logo
The Lost Highway logo
Logos for The Bending Spoon (left) and The Lost Highway

LEGO Print Creator was developed and designed in 2001 by The Bending Spoon Limited,[2][3] a short-lived British software developer based in Norbury, London.[4] The company was incorporated on 8 January 2001 as AD2001 before changing to The Bending Spoon on 24 January, and it was dissolved on 29 October 2002. It was directed by producer Angela Sutherland and software engineer Andrew Stephen Fiore;[4] Sutherland had previously founded Perfect Entertainment (originally Teeny Weeny Games) in 1991.[5][6]

The program's interface art was created by The Lost Highway.[3] The LEGO image library featured in it uses art made for previous LEGO Media and Software titles.[7] These titles include LEGO Alpha Team, LEGO Chess, LEGO Creator, LEGO Creator: Knights' Kingdom, LEGO Island 2: The Brickster's Revenge, LEGO Loco, LEGO Rock Raiders, and LEGO Stunt Rally. Bionicle character posters are also included, possibly intended to represent the cancelled title LEGO Bionicle: The Legend of Mata Nui.

Releases

Encore's Creativity Club included LEGO Print Creator

The exact circumstances around the release of LEGO Print Creator are currently unknown, as no advertising for the program has been found outside of game released it was included with. The program has a copyright year of 2001, and its latest files are dated to 2 November 2001.[2] It is currently known to have been included packaged with other software, with dates ranging from late 2001 through 2002.

Currently, the following releases containing LEGO Print Creator are known:

  • Creativity Club, released by Encore Software in 2001. The release featured three creativity-based programs: Curious George Paint & Print Studio, LEGO Print Creator, and Crayola Magic 3D Coloring Book: Fanciful Friends.[8][9]
  • LEGO Island, 2002 re-release by GSP Limited (catalogue number 0775A). LEGO Print Creator's inclusion was advertised on the back of the game case and on the game disc, the latter of which is labelled as "LEGO Island Plus LEGO Print Creator".[10][7]
  • "2 Title Compilation" release by Marks & Spencer (unknown year), containing LEGO Creator and LEGO Rock Raiders. LEGO Print Creator is included on the LEGO Rock Raiders disc, which is labeled "LEGO Rock Raiders and LEGO Print Creator".[11]

Example images

  • Certificate template editing

    Certificate template editing

  • Example of a printable certificate

    Example of a printable certificate

  • Selecting a LEGO image for a poster

    Selecting a LEGO image for a poster

  • The program's text editor

    The program's text editor

  • A custom image loaded into the program

    A custom image loaded into the program

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 The Bending Spoon (24 September 2001). LEGO Print Creator manual. LEGO Software.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 The Bending Spoon (2001). LEGO Print Creator. LEGO Software. File/code: LEGOPrintCreator.exe. Date modified: 02 November 2001 – File version: 1.0.0.1
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 The Bending Spoon (27 September 2001). LEGO Print Creator. Scene: Credits. Developed and designed by The Bending Spoon Limited. Artwork by The Lost Highway File path: graphics\intro\outrostill.bmp.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "THE BENDING SPOON LIMITED". UK Companies List. Archived from the original on 28 November 2023.
  5. ↑ De la Fuente, Derek (June 1994). "Itsy Bitsy..." 32. No. 1. Colchester: Aceville Publications Limited. p. 28.
  6. ↑ De la Fuente, Derek (December 1996). "MudoDisco 2". Micro Mania (in español). No. 23. San Sebastián de los Reyes, Madrid: Hobby Press S.A. p. 71.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Ben24x7 (18 March 2018). "LEGO Print Creator". Rock Raiders United. Archived from the original on 7 October 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  8. ↑ "Creativity Club". Encore Software. Archived from the original on 1 August 2003.
  9. ↑ "Creativity Club Legal Notice". Encore Software. Archived from the original on 14 February 2003.
  10. ↑ "PC Game Lego island - 2002 GSP e15+" (eBay listing by dayo_849416). Archived from the original on 30 November 2023. Photo archives: 1, 2. 3.
  11. ↑ "Lego PC CD Bundle Creator, Rock Raiders And Racers 2" (eBay listing by midlandsretro). Archived from the original on 30 November 2023. Photo archives: 1, 2, 3.

External links

Retrieved from "https://wiki.researchrealm.net/index.php?title=LEGO_Print_Creator&oldid=4593"