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NCS MagiSign allows you to create custom signs in 4 simple steps using Adobe Illustrator 10, CS, CS2, CS3 or CS4 over Mac OS 10.3, 10.4, 10.5 or 10.6 (not all version of Adobe Illustrator are compatible with all those system one). NCS MagiSign is compatible with over 350 cutting plotters (major brands)
What's New
Version 2.3.3:
- Added a solution to drive cutting plotter over OS X 10.6.
Requirements
PPC / Intel, Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later, Adobe Illustrator 10 or later, Sign cutting plotter.
PPC / Intel, Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later, Adobe Illustrator 10 or later, Sign cutting plotter.
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NCS MagiSign User Discussion (Write a Review)
Overall:
(1)
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| Downloads:5,495 |
| Version Downloads:1,363 |
| Type:Multimedia & Design : Illustration |
| License:Demo |
| Date:27 Feb 2010 |
| Platform:PPC / Intel |
| Price: $299.00 |
Overall (Version 2.x): |
| Features: |
| Ease of Use: |
| Value: |
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NCS MagiSign allows you to create custom signs in 4 simple steps using Adobe Illustrator 10, CS, CS2, CS3 or CS4 over Mac OS 10.3, 10.4, 10.5 or 10.6 (not all version of Adobe Illustrator are compatible with all those system one). NCS MagiSign is compatible with over 350 cutting plotters (major brands)
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+54
nicksloan reviewed on 06 Sep 2009
So far as I know, MagiSign provides the only way to drive a cutter-plotter directly from Illustrator on a Mac. And it works, simply and beautifully. I have been using it for years, through many versions of AI and OS X. Sometimes it takes a little while to be updated, and currently there seem to be issues with the PPC version of the Leopard driver, but generally it is good.
If you use Illustrator for design, and if you need to output to a cutter-plotter, then the chances are that you are doing both professionally, in which case the price, though high, is not so much of an issue. It is a huge advantage to be able to cut directly from AI without having to use a bridging app.
Installation is a little tricky, especially if you are having to use a serial adapter to connect to your cutter: you have to follow the instructions to the letter, but once correctly installed, MagiSign is accessed as a palette in AI, and sending a job to cut is as simple as printing, with plenty of flexibility in terms of orientation, scale, offsets etc. It is worth noting that you will need a spare USB port for the hardware key.
I am a little puzzled as to why there is not more up-to-date information on the NCS website, which often fails to show the latest version, but an email to the developer (info@magisign.com) is all it takes. There are in fact specific versions up to Leopard/CS4, though possibly not demo versions, which may explain why the last version listed here is over 3 years old.
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I also wonder if - @ $249 - it wouldn't be more economical to purchase a used PC and the necessary software? Sure, it's more convenient to use directly from your Mac. But if it were a $99 plug-in, I would be more apt to diving in head-first.
+30
I have been very happy using SignCut Pro (www.signcutpro.com)
has an export from illustrator plugin to external app that does quite well giving weed line features, cut by color, scaling,tiling. controls tons of apps. works great with a keyspan usb to rs232 adapter with all sorts of old plotters...
Can get it dongled or pay monthly/yearly subscription fees. I was thinking about using my old already paid for windows plotter control app (cocut) to cut while designing from my Mac and finally gave up - it's easier going single platform.
I have no affiliation or personal stake in the developer..