Shape Art

Editors' ReviewDownload.com staffDecember 8, 2005This program helps kids create simple art projects using a mouse and color/shape selections menus; however, the program lacks standard design tools such as brushes and pencils. Though its goal is to encourage creativity through the use of shapes and color, the program's interface is crowded and tool menus are difficult to navigate. ShapeArt does include an animation toolbar that gives users the ability to create simple animations using their artwork, although the setup may be too difficult for most young users. Completed artwork can be printed or saved as a proprietary ShapeArt file. With the full version artwork also can be saved in JPEG, BMP, and GIF formats, or sent via e-mail. Additionally, the full version includes a card-maker tool. Parents should have kids use the 15-day trial version before they buy, as some children will find it difficult to use on their own.