Kid Pix Deluxe 3X, Universal Edition

© 2007 Software MacKiev
$4060, Mac OSX
Teaches: art, creativity
CTR Rating: 88%
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This 2007 update for Intel-based Macs lets you export Kid Pix slideshows in iPod video format as well as in iMovie HD and Garage Band. Other Mac advantages include the ability to import pictures from iPhoto, songs from iTunes or GarageBand, WYSIWYG font menus, and the ability to import art with transparent backgrounds. When you install this new version, you're asked if the program is going to be used in a home or school setting. If you select the school option, you are given the option to turn off introduction music and deactivate the student login screen. These are handy features for teachers. For those not familiar with Kid Pix, a quick history is in order. The first version we reviewed, back in 1991, was a sensation. It was designed by artist Craig Hickman for his preschool-age son (http://www.pixelpoppin.com/kidpix/KPHistory/index.html), and published by Brøderbund. It was the first to combine a clean yet playful interface with standard drawing tools one of the first products published by Brøderbund. Unfortunately, in 1998 Riverdeep acquired Broderbund, and Kid Pix was revised with a new more politically correct interface, much to the dismay of teachers (and us). It was called cartoonish and watered down. Still, the overall core drawing capability remained, along with some good slide-show tools, keeping Kid Pix in schools. In 2004, Software MacKiev, a studio known for enhancing and refining existing software products for the Macintosh platform, rebuilt Kid Pix 3, increasing its functionality, including the ability to import or export content with iTools, iMovie and GarageBand. There is another version of Kid Pix 3 for Windows published in 1999 without these features, so it is easy to get confused. Today, Kid Pix remains one of the few non-commercial (meaning no Disney characters) visual creativity options for home and school use. Note that a $60 "family pack" option is available, for up to five installations. See also Kid Pix 3D.