Dislike Flexi

[Flame]

I have to say, after buying Flexisign Pro I think it's the biggest waste of money I've ever spent. If it didn't have the capability to run my printers, it would be utterly useless to me. A poor layout, simpleton effects, options that you don't need yet not having the options that you do need..... I could go on and on. And they sell it for over $4000!!!!!!!!!! What on earth makes it so valuable? I have better tools in CorelDraw, and it's under $1000. I just don't get it.

I am one VERY dissapointed customer of Scanvec.

[grafixhenk]

The main thing is the RIP for printing, check around a decent rip starts at 3K and up! I love it Flexi pro works perfect for us, for printing and cutting.
Just my 2 cents though

[Techman]

now you know why i love my corel cocut pro setup..

[mark in tx]

You need to sit down with the fine manual, and read it. Then have some fun with it. It is a tool, you have to learn to use it.
Right off hand I can name 2 things I like about flexi,
Drop Shadows and Outlines for lettering.

[Techman]

Drop Shadows and

now if you could chose between fading drops and hard drops I would really look at flexi again..

[nxtremesign]

well i'll drop my 2cents here.
i've been useing Flexi for 8 yrs and it mostly good, but had limits, jsu like i like photoshop but it to has limits and so does any other software you use ,
but flexi IMHO the the best vector base program going

[Kenny]

Flame Master: Let me know if you want to sell it.

[Fred Weiss]

Flexi, IMHO is the best vector creation and editing application ever written. When you get to that part you will see that there is no comparison to Corel.

As far as a poor layout, the Design Central concept is pure genius and if you want it to look like Corel you only need to change the interface preference.

Try this:

Type some text and outline it.
Now resize it.
Now arch it.
Now select the text by swiping it with the text cursor and change the font.

Now do that in Corel.

[Steve C.]

Hate Felxi too. Node (control point) editing is far far easier in Corel. Also like Corels Enhanced view option, not one in Flexi. I have been using Corel much longer, but I have tried to get used to Flexi but just dont like it for design work. I do love the Auto Trace and Rip. I do realize that it is more user specific than Corel, but still way over priced. and the Flexi tech support people are rude Snobs.

[Techman]

i got the flexi training cd's ,, there some stuff in flexi that many don't even know exists..

[bob]

Flexi, IMHO is the best vector creation and editing application ever written. When you get to that part you will see that there is no comparison to Corel.

As far as a poor layout, the Design Central concept is pure genius and if you want it to look like Corel you only need to change the interface preference.

Try this:

Type some text and outline it.
Now resize it.
Now arch it.
Now select the text by swiping it with the text cursor and change the font.

Now do that in Corel.

While there are some things that Flexi does extremely well, your above four step exercise is easier done in Corel. With the possible exception of the outline, and that would depend on the exact context.

Resizing is resizing in either package and only only recently does Flexi support symmetrcal resizing. Corel has done it for eons.

Distorting objects is far more civiized in Corel than Flexi. No comparison.

Changing fonts is changing fonts in either package.

Beyond your list, Flexi's positioning tools are far superior to Corel's.

Corel's node editing is light-years ahead of Flexi's.

Flexi's bitmap tools are primitive compared to those available in Corel.

Flexi's outline and inline tools are far superior than Corel's.

The list of Flexi vs. Corel details is endless. But as far as Flexi being the best vector manipulation package ever written, you've got to be kidding. It's OK, even really good at some specific things, but overall it's not a pimple on the butt of Corel in this department. This isn't product chauvinsim talking, I have both and am intimately familiar with both. Flexi wins the sign-centric context hands down. In pretty much all other contexts Corel is vastly superior.

[Bobby H]

One area Flexi clearly has over ALL other drawing programs is a larger workspace.

The maximum workspace size in Corel is about 100' X 100' if even that. The maximum workspace in Illustrator is 227" X 227". Flexi's workspace can go a LOT bigger than either of those totals. I can easily lay out full size building elevations in Flexi whereas Corel and Illustrator will both run into severe limitations at the same levels.

The regular drawing applications also stink when it comes to manipulating type in terms of inches or centimeters. They don't know how to do it properly.

Corel and its bridge program counterparts like CoCut don't provide any reliable capability of integrating with CNC routing programs like EnRoute. That's not going to be very important if you're only making banners and other vinyl graphics stuff. But if you make lighted signs and other permanent signs, you're going to need something better than just stuff like CoCut or Vinyl Master Pro. Flexi or something similar is a must in that case.

[Steve C.]

i got the flexi training cd's ,, there some stuff in flexi that many don't even know exists..

Another sore spot with me. They charge upwards of 4 grand for the software, then want another $150 to teach you to use it. It should come with a training CD for that price. I know it been said before and $150 is not much for software training. With Corel you get lots of hands on tutorials. The first Corel program I had came with a training video.

Flexi is a valuable tool for sign shops, but Corel is still better for design.

[Flame]

Flexi, IMHO is the best vector creation and editing application ever written. When you get to that part you will see that there is no comparison to Corel.

As far as a poor layout, the Design Central concept is pure genius and if you want it to look like Corel you only need to change the interface preference.

Try this:

Type some text and outline it.
Now resize it.
Now arch it.
Now select the text by swiping it with the text cursor and change the font.

Now do that in Corel.



Okay. I just did it.

[Flame]

Yeah, for any of you who want to buy my program from me, no thanks. It has the RIP for my printer, and I AM NOT buying another one. I'm keeping it.

There are some things that are cool about Flexi (like their tracing tools) but I still can't see how it costs 4x what Corel does. That's ludicrous. The only place Flexi really redeems itself (IMHO) is their production manager. I DO like that.

Also, another complaint I have about them is their limited exporting options. They have a few options, but not as many as Corel (but still better than Illustrator!).

[Techman]

Corel and its bridge program counterparts like CoCut don't provide any reliable capability of integrating with CNC routing programs like EnRoute.

That ma ybe true. And I cannot comment with a load of data because I do not use a number of router driving softwares.. But, Corel along with the PLUGIN Cocut Pro does have some really good routing capabilites in its MultiTool extensions. It may not be able to do undercuts but it can do just about anything else.

[Robert H. Bigart]

How is good Cocut Standard.

Bob Bigart

I used to be indecisive
Now I’am not sure

[player]

i got the flexi training cd's ,, there some stuff in flexi that many don't even know exists..

Like what?

[player]

I think the view in Flexi really sucks...compare a layout screen view in Flexi then export and look at it in Illustrator...

[Rick]

I have Flexi and I have adapted it's use.

I think Flexi has some great features, but I think it's way over-priced for what I do too (I over bought) If I was a production shop, Flexi is great. They have the best production tools. It really depends on what you need it to do. 75% of my work is design only, and most of my sign work is architectural. Flexi sucks at presentations, I have mastered the use of the title block and scales, but I can still go faster in Illustrator in CadTools and make it look better than I can do it in Flexi. I do a lot of logos to, I can do it all in Illustrator and get that file into any production I need, Flexi is hit and miss. Get to know Flexi and it's strengths, but I reccomend designing in Illustrator or Corel. Just the fact that the .fs extension may screw you over if your key goes bad, the company folds or you can't run it on your newer system as time goes by should be enough to at least save an extra set of files in Corel or Illustrator.

[Pro Signs & Graphix]

This must be a "beat up on Flexi day". :smile:

All software has its pros and cons. Fortunately for all, of there are more pros than cons.

One of the nicest features that Flexi has is the ability to convert the "workspace" layout, to whatever program you are familiar with. Flexi really started to take-off primarily due to their RIP, and a competitor resting on their laurels.

Flexi IS a very capable package, but it takes a great deal of time to "master" any software.

I do believe $4k for Flexi is a bit much. It should be available on every corner for $2800, the usual selling price. There are times that you can even find it for $2k.

Many people also tout the abilities of Corel and Illustrator. The biggest reason (IMO), is because of cost. Because the cost is usually 10% to 20% of what the "big boys" charge, they become more common in our arsenals.

Getting into this fray would be like arguing: Chevy vs. Ford, and 9mm vs. 45ACP (I'll take the 45 any day :Big Laugh )

Like everything - give it a chance - it's not so bad. (Besides, you already paid for and own it :smile: )

George

[iSign]

Flexi's strengths lie in it's sign specific features.

I wouldn't say Corel and Illustrator cost 10% to 20% of what the "big boys" charge. I would say they ARE the big boys of general vector based illustration programs.

Flexi, Signlab, or Omega are not in the same category. They are not trying to be competitive with software that may appeal to a user base several thousand times broader then the sign industry. Of course they may cost more, & in some features do less... they can only reasonably expect to sell enough software to partially saturate the market of the sign producing population. Software development takes time & money. Spending the same time bringing a similar product to market that serves a smaller user base requires a higher price. If they acheive the goal of providing us with tools otherwise unavailable (in similar, cheaper illustration software) ...then the price is justified enough for some of us to make the purchase.

I run a small shop. I have Flexi, Signlab, & Omega & consider them all to have paid for themselves many times over. I still design almost everything in illustrator.

[Pro Signs & Graphix]

Doug,

Touche...well said. As for Corel and Illustrator, to be correct, they fall into the DTP category - and yes, they cover a greater market. The point was that they are also the most common in the signage business because of their cost. (Apple and Adobe have the commercial printers locked up.)

At the same time, when many people see the cost difference, they automatically tout the cheaper cost. We have used most of them. They all have different strengths/features, as you already know - and the job dictates the tools needed.

Sadly, some buy them and never "master" them or never have the true need for them. Either way - a waste of money.

[Derf]

I have always liked Flexi Sign Pro for it's vector tools, Rip and some other proprietary functions.

I do all of my creative designing in Illustrator & Photoshop, I do all my necessary pre cut editing and ripping in flexi.

[Rick]

I've been a Flexi user for 10 years so I have some knowledge of it, I am also going on the 3rd major upgrade of my copy of Flexi, the shop I started using it had more of a use for it than I do now. He also had Gerber GA and Corel (I also have both of those programs). One production shop I designed for would have been dead without Flexi since the plotter was running non-stop 10 hours a day. It goes back to what you need it for. Corel and Illustrator is for vector design, it is an all around tool and with the right operator and plug-ins, can be made into a really great sign design program too. If Flexi was better for architectural sign design, logo design, image manipulation and structural drafting, I would use it. Even in the sign application it was made for, Flexi has some disadvantages for me. My Illustrator still cost me quite a bit when you add CadTools plug-ins and the Creative Suite upgrades so price is not the issue with me. Illustrator serves my sign design needs better but I keep my Flexi in case my production needs change.

I agree with a lot of comments here, really get to know the program, incorporate it into your workflow whether you use Flexi alone or a combination of Corel/Illustrator and Flexi. The faster you incorporate it into your business, the faster it will pay for itself.

[Techman]

they fall into the DTP category

Sorry but..
Corel's Desk Top Publisher is Ventura.
Adobe has Page maker.
M$ has Publisher..

[Pro Signs & Graphix]

If memory serves correct (too long ago to care), Ventura and PageMaker did not appear until AFTER MS Pub. Until then Corel and Illustrator were being used.

Not that it matters - and not like we all will lose sleep.

The reference to Corel and Illustrator was in response to many (not just here) saying that they are "the one and only" - which is not so. Moreover, if ALL software was given the chance - people would be quite amazed at what "it" truly is capable of.......

[Rick]

Hey, you forgot InDesign and Quark!

[Bobby H]

Aldus PageMaker was the first Postscript-based page layout application, with its first version shipping in July of 1985. Adobe acquired PageMaker when Aldus' properties were split up between Macromedia and Adobe in the mid 1990s (Macromedia grabbed up Freehand, Fontographer and a couple other).

Adobe's current page layout application is InDesignCS2 (the fourth version), which is vastly superior to PageMaker and even QuarkXpress. PageMaker 7 survives as a "business graphics" tool. Adobe FrameMaker is also still around, mainly used for documents of book-length.

The first versions of Ventura Publisher appeared in 1986. Corel aquired the product in 1991. It has never been able to challenge QuarkXpress, unlike InDesign which is now rising to considerable dominance.

Microsoft Publisher 1.0 appeared in 1991, years after the debut of PageMaker and after the first versions of QuarkXpress and Ventura. Publisher has never been accepted in professional circles for a number of reasons. It's very poor file interoperability with other applications is a chief reason for that. It's a pain to get artwork from .PUB documents over into applications like Illustrator, Corel or Flexi. Often you have to just rebuild the layouts from scratch.

[Ron Helliar]

Couple of great threads in last couple days. Been around most of this awhile and always new things to learn. Always great to see the inner workings of how other people approach & conquer problems. Keep em coming folks and thanks for the work to make this happen Fred!

[Pro Signs & Graphix]

Ron,

You almost sound as if you are working on a psychiatric degree, and we are your study animals :Big Laugh. Come to think of it, maybe Fred is "in" with one of the universities, on the coast?????:Big Laugh

[Geary]

Well, my .02 is with what Doug said. And yes, it is a "chunk" to break off with the initial outlay. However, Flexi and all of the other sign-based programs are only as expensive as the market share. There are MILLIONS of units of Illustrator, Photoshop, Corel and Canvas(my personal favorites for designing) compared to the programs that are used in the sign trade. In fact, I know LOTS of people who bought Illustrator and the others JUST to say they have them! Compare it to how many sign folk there are....well, there you have it.....my reason for agreeing with what is..... just marketing.


~Gear

[Ron Helliar]

Ron,

You almost sound as if you are working on a psychiatric degree, and we are your study animals :Big Laugh. Come to think of it, maybe Fred is "in" with one of the universities, on the coast?????:Big Laugh

Too funny:biggrin:
Humans amuse me when they don't terrify me. I've got limited time to cruise up here so it's refreshing when I spend my time wisely with threads like this one that show me something new. As Freud would say, at least the glass is available for use. :Big Laugh

[gcljlamb]

My 2 cents:

Flexi to me was intuitive enough, I was able to learn it in two weeks' time.
Obviously not all of its nuances but the vast majority; and this was in the midst of "auditioning" for the job, having never seen the software before.

One of the coolest things about it I like is that I can build ads in it for brochures, newspaper and the internet as well as make signs. For those functions, it works remarkably well; given I haven't spent time in the other programs mentioned, but isn't the point that the software works for what you're doing or it doesn't?

Bottom line, stop picking on my software. It literally saved my butt (and my family's) and has given me a future that's looking brighter all the time.

Just a final note: I'm very thankful for :signs101: and Fred. Without this site, I'd be miles behind where I am now (still have WAY more miles to go).
This community has helped me immeasurably not to mention on the other hand, being able to help others from time to time feels pretty good too.

Thanks,

George:biggrin:

[gerald]

If you do a lot of volume you would appreciate Flexi much much more. If you're a low volume shop then the cheaper tools probably work fine. But, if you're cutting lot's of vinyl and printing a lot of graphics on a daily basis, then Flexi is the way to go.

The volume sold is the reason for the price. If Amiable sold as many units as Corel, Flexi would probably be about the same price.

BTW, the RIP is the only Flexi tool I don't use. I find that almost all other pro. RIPs do a better job.

[mtmdesigns]

All the programs are pretty much the same. Flexi just seems to be the best for me. I can do it all in flexi i guess it's your preferance.

[SignGuy101]

I have been using Flexi for 6 years now and i can say that in between Illustator and Flexi7.6 i can do just about anything. But the only 2 things that bother me the most in Flexi:
1-arc distortion (looks funny - i use illustrator)
2-the software resolution on my screen with 1280x800 is not that great comparing to illustrator unless you guys have a suggestion to fix that.

[Flame]

All the programs are pretty much the same. Flexi just seems to be the best for me. I can do it all in flexi i guess it's your preferance.


uh... all the same? Actually I think they are all VASTLY different. Some are good for some things, others are good for other things. I have yet to find a do-it-all program. Nothing from Corel, nothing from Adobe and nothing from Scanvec Amiable. Nothing does it "all".

[mtmdesigns]

Nothing does it "all".


Flexi comes pretty close. Why would you rip in flexi? that's the only downfall in the program. What i was trying to say is they basically do the same thing it's just a matter of what u like or dislike.

[Flame]

Nothing does it "all".


Flexi comes pretty close. Why would you rip in flexi? that's the only downfall in the program. What i was trying to say is they basically do the same thing it's just a matter of what u like or dislike.


I am using the RIP in Flexi for 2 reasons. For one, I was screwed over when my dealer said Flexi was the only RIP I could use for my printer. Second, I kinda like production manager and how it handles stuff, so I stick with it.

As far as a true design program, Flexi sucks. It can only do some basics and your options are pretty limited. I think Corel is a far better general program, just doesn't have any "sign" oriented stuff in it.

[mtmdesigns]

whatever..... it's a matter of opinion. i can do anything in flexi you can do in Corel.

[Flame]

whatever..... it's a matter of opinion. i can do anything in flexi you can do in Corel.

Whoa! Hey now! Opionated huh? lol.

Okay, make a checkered background with a second over-layer in black with a radiused transparency starting in the center working it's way out. Then put someones logo on top (3rd layer now) in black, with red, yellow and white outlines. Then to finish it off make a put a orange glow around the logo. I'll post how I did it in CorelDraw and then you can post how you did it in Flexi. Sound fair?

[Rick]

The software wars have begun........

[mtmdesigns]

sure.. i"ll just autotrace your image in flexi should only take a minute.:thankyou:

[Rick]

sure.. i"ll just autotrace your image in flexi should only take a minute.:thankyou:

LOL....The perfect response......

[Flame]

LOL....The perfect response......


Yup. Means he can't do it. Don't forget you can't auto trace fades.:beer

[Flame]

Okay. Here you go. Trace away.:Oops: :tongue: :rolleyes: :cool1::biggrin: :Big Laugh :Big Laugh :Big Laugh

[Flame]

Anyways. Anyone is free to try to create what I said in Flexi, just thought I would post the challenge for fun. lol

I would also like to say that Flexi is growing on me a little more. Still prefer CorelDraw for core designing, but there are a lot of things it does do well at, and I'll probably keep it just for those few options. I was a little harsh on them at first, and while I still think it's highly over priced, it's okay for at what it does.

[mtmdesigns]

here ya go...:wine-smi:

[Flame]

here ya go...:wine-smi:


I don't get it. I asked for you to design something, not trace my artwork. Is that all you can do in Flexi, just trace other peoples artwork? Not design your own? We were talking about designing stuff in Corel and Flexi, not copying each others stuff!

I also noticed your thumbnail image was rather low quality. Can't really tell how well the trace went huh?

But hey, if you can't do it, you can't do it. I'll understand.

[mtmdesigns]

well fred said not to attach any dxf files so i had to export it into a jpg .. u want me to send u a dxf of it color seperated chief.

umm.. dont flatter yourself if i was stealing art i certainly would pass on this.

[Flame]

All I wanted was for you to post a sample of what I said to creat, but made in Flexi. Use whatever logo you want, I don't care. Just use the effects like I said, or get something that looks pretty darn close. NOT copying what I posted.

Seems to me like you keep skirting around posting the art done in Flexi.

[mtmdesigns]

cmon are u joking... get over it.

[Flame]

cmon are u joking... get over it.


I thought you were joking when you said you could do anything in Flexi that I can do in CorelDraw. I think I proved my point when I said that there is no "do it all" program. It's good to keep a lot of them on hand.

[mtmdesigns]

I thought you were joking when you said you could do anything in Flexi that I can do in CorelDraw. I think I proved my point when I said that there is no "do it all" program. It's good to keep a lot of them on hand...

of course... that can be done in flexi without a problem i don't understand.

[Flame]

Then... why can't you just post a simple GIF, JPEG or BMP if you can? I mean, I designed and posted mine in like 2-3 minutes. Shouldn't take long if you can do it.

[mtmdesigns]

i did i autotraced yours.... why do it again

[Flame]

i did i autotraced yours.... why do it again


lol. I don't know why I am even still posting. You continue to skirt around actually designing something yourself. I already told you that I wanted something done ORIGINALLY. Yet... you continue to post but I have yet to see a image (other than my own). If you want to back up what you say just post an image. You yourself said it would be easy. Until I see an image that you will guarantee me that you made in Flexi, I won't believe you can.

If you can, then posting a raster image of it should be easy.

I believe... I rest my case.

[Rick]

No keep going, I'm having fun watching designsbymtm get your goat...genius, pure genius......

[Jackpine]

The software wars have begun........

Lock 'n Load.......
I use more than one program to get things done. It is a matter of opinion which is better. I have SignLab 7 .... a very complete program but I design all my art for digital printing in Corel 10 or now X3. I cut vinyl, CNC routing and trace bitmaps in SignLab....it is better for that. Both of these programs are very deep and wide in their capabilities. I just do what gets the job done the best way I know. I also know I don't use either program to their fullest and I've had Corel since version 1 and SignLab since version 3.

[mtmdesigns]

don't you have some flames to put on a model gas tank or something..
your absolutely right flexi can't produce such a quality image such as yours.

[Flame]

No keep going, I'm having fun watching designsbymtm get your goat...genius, pure genius......



He better be joking about everything he's stating:Big Laugh . I am seriously having a hard time believing he's in the sign business.:Oops:



And just out of curiousity MTM, if you do work for a sign company like you posted, how do you post so much everyday? Do they give you THAT much free time? I post all I want as I OWN my business, and I took this week off. Do you really work for a sign company or... like I mentioned before... are you just some random high school kid playing around on forums?



Like I said... still waiting to see an image. And BTW, never said my design was quality, actually it was a super simple design with minimal artwork at all. That's why it should be easy for a pro like you.:Big Laugh

[mtmdesigns]

see it's like this flame you start with a 3 man shop 9 years later your the boss and there's 30 employees it's called being smart and moving up. what i'm doing now is trying to gain as much info as i can before i start my own biz, although i probably have more accounts then you pulling up in my driveway each weak. Then again i still work my *** of i can just multitask.
or maybe one day i can finally make it and put decals on gas tanks.....
keep in touch:Coffee:

[Flame]

You sure like saying I put decals on gas tanks huh? What if I told you I make $100 making those decals for the gas tanks, and I don't even install them? You continually stating that makes absolutely no sense.

BTW, you never really answered my question about having so much free time.

Actually, you rarely answer my questions. It's not like I'm drilling you or anything.

Also, BTW, still waiting to see an image...........








Man, I wish punk high school kids would stay off of forums that they don't know anything about.

:wink:

[Pro Image]

No keep going, I'm having fun watching designsbymtm get your goat...genius, pure genius......


This song comes to mind..........

ANY THING YOU CAN DO.....I CAN DO BETTER! ANY THING I CAN DO BETTER THAN YOU......................NO YOU CAN'T.....YES I CAN.

:Big Laugh :Big Laugh :Big Laugh

[Rick]

This song comes to mind..........

ANY THING YOU CAN DO.....I CAN DO BETTER! ANY THING I CAN DO BETTER THAN YOU......................NO YOU CAN'T.....YES I CAN.

:Big Laugh :Big Laugh :Big Laugh

Great, now I have that song stuck in my head.....

[Flame]

Oh come on Rick and Dustin, don't just stand on the sidelines! Join in! It's been pretty fun today.:Big Laugh

Get's it outa your system... you know?

How much you want to bet I'll EVER get to see an image besides mine, and then we can start betting on whether or not it was done in Flexi or not.

In other news... I dropped my 48" printer today.:rolleyes: Had to scramble to catch it while it was falling off of the stand. Pretty funny.

[Pro Image]

Great, now I have that song stuck in my head.....


I'll say this loud so you can hear it over the sound of the song in your head


YOUR WELCOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:Big Laugh :Big Laugh

[Rick]

I'm rootin for designsbymtm, all he said was Flexi does a good job for what he needs it to do and all vector sofware is the same and you challenge him to a bad logo contest......

I think when he needs Corel or Illustrator he will buy it....so what, one of my favorite graphic designer never uses a computer (Art Chantry http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHrMkiHlvj4&search=ART%20CHANTRY ) so this is fun to watch.....

[mtmdesigns]

Anyways. Anyone is free to try to create what I said in Flexi, just thought I would post the challenge for fun. lol

I would also like to say that Flexi is growing on me a little more. Still prefer CorelDraw for core designing, but there are a lot of things it does do well at, and I'll probably keep it just for those few options. I was a little harsh on them at first, and while I still think it's highly over priced, it's okay for at what it does.

please refer back to post 48 and 49... I have free time because i worked my *** off for the past 5 years with no vacations now i'm the big daddy of the company, and u see my projects go smooth so i have my guys do them. Now i'm sitting down the street in my hot wherehouse getting ready to do an install on the side.

also i really don't care if u think i can't distort some lame *** checkers and then use some plain font and outline it 20 times with colors... high school was fun though i must admit i bet you had it easy with your fine displays of art... Ya know i wish i still was in high school..

keep workin on getting those flames to stick to that ball you were talkin about..

[Flame]

I'm rootin for designsbymtm, all he said was Flexi does a good job for what he needs it to do and all vector sofware is the same and you challenge him to a bad logo contest......

I think when he needs Corel or Illustrator he will buy it....so what, one of my favorite graphic designer never uses a computer (Art Chantry http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHrMkiHlvj4&search=ART%20CHANTRY ) so this is fun to watch.....


Nope. That's where you're wrong. If he would have said that, I wouldn't be posting on here. He said "I can do anything in Flexi that you can do in Corel". That's where HE is wrong. I use Flexi myself and know it's limits. If he would have said he has Flexi and works great for, more power to him! That's awesome if it's working for him. But instead he made a ridiculous statement.

[gerald]

In a high volume shop Flexi is the ONLY way to go. If you have time to sit and do things the long way around then you are right, you probably don't need Flexi-Sign. But if you design everything from banners to channel letters to 100ft high rises you need Flexi. Flexi is a very inportant tool for me and I wouldn't do without it. Take 2 people with the same skill set and give one Flexi-Sign and he will complete more work day in - day out.

[mtmdesigns]

instead he made a ridiculous statement.


:Oops:

[mtmdesigns]

:wink: :thankyou:

[Flame]

Yay.... he finally posted something.

Gold star Dude, you finally figured out how to do it on this forum!:thumb:

Next we need to work on what this forum is named after, signs101. Oh yeah, and following instructions. Cuz you don't seem to be be good at that.

And seriously Gerald... you think a high volume shop that creates artwork REALLY only used Flexi? I'm not saying that Flexi isn't useful, it is, I just won't use it as my only program.

All the high volume shops around here have updated versions of 4-6 graphic design programs. That way they are ALWAYS covered. I try to do the same.

[mtmdesigns]

we use them all...........
flexi
enroute
photoshop
illustrator
indesign
autocadd
etc.... we have them all i just stated i thought flexi was the best MY OPINION

[mtmdesigns]

post umm i believe 49 has a attachment as well. but
good lookin out..

[Techman]

I wanna see a real drop shadow in flexi.. not a block drop but a real faded shadow. when that happens then ill know flexi has finally equaled corel.

[Pro Image]

Oh come on Rick and Dustin, don't just stand on the sidelines! Join in! .


I don't use Flexi I have INSPIRE XP PRO and INSPIRE PRO and CASMATE

I can do it in Inpire no problem...............just don't have the time now....going to get some Chinesse Chicken:thumb:

[Flame]

post umm i believe 49 has a attachment as well. but
good lookin out..


Yup. A post of my artwork. Yay. Still not what I'm looking for.

Funny how when I ask you to produce a quick and simple piece of artwork, you copy and paste my own. That's supposed to prove... what?

You sure do forget the subject quickly.

And you kinda like being repetitious. Like always mentioning your piece of artwork. Which, in fact, was mine. Meaning (in my book) you couldn't create it yourself. Just accept it. Flexi isn't the all in one program. If it was, then no one would be buying all the others.

You say you like Flexi the best. I say I like CorelDraw the best. Can we not just accept that? No.... cuz you had to go off and say that Flexi is the best and you can do anything in Flexi that I can do in CorelDraw. Well, that's a false statement and today you just proved it. I CAN NOT produce certain things in Flexi that I can produce in CorelDraw, and I CAN NOT produce certain things in CorelDraw that I can produce in Flexi. Each has their own attributes. That should be end of story.

Why I originated this thread was because I had been given a song and a dance by a few people that Flexi would solve all my problems and it was the best you could buy. They were wrong. I didn't buy the greatest program of all time, I simply bought another vector based graphic design program. Plain and simple. Works good for some stuff, not so good for other stuff. At the time I was just hacked off because I had spent over $3000 on a program that IMHO didn't live up to half of the hype.

I really don't care how many of you come on here and tell me Flexi is a do it all program. I have it and I use it everyday, so you aren't convincing me.:thumb:

[mtmdesigns]

:design:

[mtmdesigns]

What u need to learn is NEVER pay retail.....

[Rick]

Disregard what I said before, Flexi is way better than Corel.......

Corel=Spirograph :Big Laugh

[Flame]

What u need to learn is NEVER pay retail.....

Never said I payed retail. Retail is $4600.

[Flame]

Disregard what I said before, Flexi is way better than Corel.......

Corel=Spirograph :Big Laugh

Better at.... what? Color correction? Vectorizing? Design tools???? What? I said I like CorelDraw for their design tools mostly, Flexi is better at vectorizing and getting colors ready to print. Right now, with me printing, I don't know how I could get by with JUST Flexi or JUST Corel.

Wait a second... why am I even wasting my breath on here? You guys are definatly not going to agree with me on anything. This thread is becoming rather pointless. If you guys want to continue on with this thread, have fun. I'm going to find one more useful to my business. Rather than stay here and listen to.... well......... absolutely nothing frankly.

:peace!:

[Rick]

Flamemaster....you are all worked up.....lighten up man, just pullin' your tail a little bit....we all know Casmate is better than Corel....

[Pro Image]

WOW Flamey for a guy thats taken a WHOLE WEEK OFF from work you sher in a pissy mood............

[gerald]

Well, I'm glad this is settled. I know I feel better now.

[mtmdesigns]

yeh the guys down at the dirt track are really missin ya..
crash in turn 2, they need some flames asap.:Coffee:

[mark in tx]

Wait until your ice cream machine attachment shows up for Flexi. It is supposed to be a surprise, but it comes with the software,
They are back-ordered at the factory, it took a few months to get mine.
I really love Flexi now that I can just push a button and Flexi makes me an ice cream cone. I must have gained 15 pounds.

[mtmdesigns]

Wait until your ice cream machine attachment shows up for Flexi. It is supposed to be a surprise, but it comes with the software,
They are back-ordered at the factory, it took a few months to get mine.
I really love Flexi now that I can just push a button and Flexi makes me an ice cream cone. I must have gained 15 pounds.



i want some maybe i can autotrace it and steal your awesome cone design.....:U Rock:

[66signs]

yeh the guys down at the dirt track are really missin ya..
crash in turn 2, they need some flames asap.:Coffee:
I'm new to this and I'm glad to see you continually putting down people who make decals for race cars and motorcycles since that will be part of my business. That really makes the newbies want to post here.

Oh yeah, My brother, dad and I all drive race cars. http://www.stlsr.com/forums/images/smilies/bootyshake.gif

[mtmdesigns]

we did all trhe irwindale speedway signs and decals a couple years ago, as a well a sprewell racing and almost all the drivetech race cars.. I took it a liitle to far my apologies.:Oops:

[Kustom DeZigns]

I like Flexi. It's a good program that I have learned very well with. I can make design proofs for my customers with my logo in it and a place for them to sign under 10 seconds looking professional. It dose have some bad things but so does any program. I like flexi though.

Muy 2 cents

[mtmdesigns]

I'm new to this and I'm glad to see you continually putting down people who make decals for race cars and motorcycles since that will be part of my business. That really makes the newbies want to post here.

Oh yeah, My brother, dad and I all drive race cars. http://www.stlsr.com/forums/images/smilies/bootyshake.gif

nope, just one guy who suggested he disliked flexi, the program that i love:thumb:

[chiselbit]

Bob,

Yes, I agree Coreldraw is far easier to control nodes/points than Flexi by lights years ahead or controling most objects.

I have been using Corel since Version 2 ... its a good solid program. Sure there are limitation ... I havent seen a program without limitations.
But anyone wants to buy my Flexi Pro v8 sure can have it once I figure out how to cut from corel to a graphtec cutter fc7000-75

[Flame]

Just upgraded to Flexi 8... now I hate Flexi even more. I lost all of my RIP settings and ICC profiles. Then when I had those loaded, they didn't recognize my plotter. Then when I downloaded a "patch"... it started to print weird. So, frustrated, I tried switching back to 7.6v2... and I can't access it anymore. It doesn't recognize my dongle anymore.

Now I'm pissed.

Oh yeah, and that upgrade of Flexi's is NOT worth $900... not even $100. Totally worthless. I'd have been better off sticking to 7.6v2

I don't see myself buying too much more stuff from Scanvec Amiable in the future...

[Pro Signs & Graphix]

Just a tip: Always research upgrades PRIOR to purchasing.

"New and improved" does not always hold true. There are many people complaining about the 8.0. (Just like Onyx pissed off a bunch of people.)

Also, where are your backups, or or even copies of your profiles. Critical stuff like that requires multiples, just in case the worst happens.

Anyway, have fun. You have our sympathies - well sort of. Most of us know where you are coming from. !LOL!

[Flame]

I got the program FREE, and had it sit around for a month before I installed it. Figured I might as well, but I now regret it.

I am not gonna go into all of the issues I had with it, but I DID have backups of my profiles, but it wouldn't recognize their file TYPE! I downloaded some off of the internet and I'm good to go now ( uh... I think. lol).

I would have NEVER paid the money to upgrade Flexi. I'd suggest you follow suite. The program isn't any better IMHO.

I'll be sure to "have fun" Pro. lol. Like always!




Well, gotta get back to work. Have a nice evening folks.

[mark in tx]

When you get your computer back to where it needs to be, I highly suggest a program to image your hard drive. Something like Ghost.

[ahollow]

Yeah, keep in mind the upgrade to 8.0 includes a new dongle, that overwrites and destroys the old dongle. Even with a hard drive image, there is no going back on the dongle.