Reviews @ Applelust

Review: HotDoor MultiPage for Illustrator

Illustrator Plug-in: HotDoor Multipage for Illustrator
Reviewer: Joel Davies
Cost: $49.00
Publisher: Hot Door- www.hotdoor.com
Rating: 5 bites from the Apple
Date: 8-29-01

Installation - very easy- just select your Illustrator plug-ins folder in the installation window.

In a world where design software is getting quite complicated, HotDoor Multipage stands out as a simple, easy way to add a level of functionality to Adobe Illustrator. Multipage is a must for any graphics/design professional using Illustrator. My gripe against Illustrator has always been it's total lack of support for multiple pages. Mind you, Adobe is limiting this support on purpose to boost sales of InDesign and PageMaker - but I really like creating complete layouts in Illustrator. Just convert your fonts to outlines and send the file to the press. But I digress.

HotDoor Multipage is really easy to use and devastatingly effective. After installation, a new panel called "Multipage" (how easy is that) is added to the Window menu. Also, the option to print multiple pages is added to the file menu. Adding and deleting pages is very simple - click the new page symbol (just like the new layer symbol) to add a page - click the trash can to delete a page.

Multipage also allows you to quickly set up the plug-in to handle double-sided pages, automatic page numbers, and customized left and right master pages (just like QuarkXPress). It really couldn't be much easier to use. The only improvement I'd like to see is native handling of spreads.

Quite simply - Multipage has quickly become an essential part of my workflow. It was a prime time player during a recent identity overhaul for a major client. It simply becomes a part of your regular Illustrator experience.

The Verdict

Speed - 5

Not even a factor - you're just adding pages to document, no rendering times needed.

Complexity/Usability - 5

This is terribly easy to use. The panel is very easy to navigate, and Multipage printing is added under the File menu.

Stability - 5

No crashes, hang -ups, or RAM errors.

Flexibility/Originality - 5

Whether you are working on identity, original graphics or (service bureau forbid!) a layout, this is an essential plug-in.

Value - 4.5

If you use Illustrator - spend the 50 bucks. It's well worth the money, and its a great price.

Rating: 5 Bites from the Apple.

Joel Davies

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