• PrintMaster Gold is a software program that allows users to design and print a multitude of projects for business and personal use. PrintMaster Gold's design templates pave the way for the quick creation of custom business cards, banners, calendars and greeting cards. The PrintMaster Gold user interface is not difficult to navigate, and with a few pointers you'll be up and running in no time.
  
  

Choose Photos First

• When creating a project that will feature your own photos, pick out the photos before you boot up PrintMaster and start working on your design. Make copies of the image files and put them in a separate folder on your desktop so you don't have to hunt for them. If you are working on multiple projects at once, create a "PrintMaster Files" folder and a subfolder for each of your projects. Save both your photos and your PrintMaster file in the same folder; it will save you time when you come back to work on your project.
  
  

Start From Scratch

• The PrintMaster Gold templates are a quick and easy way to put together a print project, but they are somewhat difficult to customize. If you want to ultimately end up with an original design, select the "From Scratch" option when you begin a new project. Even though you will be creating a new project from scratch, it may be helpful to look over all of the template options for the type of project you're working on beforehand to get layout and color ideas.
  
  

Use the Check Project Function

• On the left-hand side of the main work area in PrintMaster Gold you will see a "Check Project" button. If you select it, PrintMaster will show you a preview of the project and scan it for any spelling or design errors. You can check your project at any stage in the design, and it is advisable to do it often so you can catch errors and mistakes before you repeat them and compound the problem. Clicking on "Check Project" also gives you an opportunity to step back and evaluate your design creatively to make sure that all of the design elements are coming together in the way you intended.
  
  

Test-Print First

• Before you send your project off to print in full with multiple pages or copies, create a test print. If the document has any formatting errors or mistakes that you failed to catch, making a test print will save you time, ink and paper. To create a test print, select "File" on the main menu, then click on "Print." Change print range from "All" to "Pages 1 to 1."