Whether you’re crafting handmade cards for family or running a small business, the right software and tools can streamline design, printing, and personalization. The following selected products cover premium software suites for greeting card design, reference books for techniques, and high-quality printing stock to bring your creations to life. Use this guide to compare features and choose the best fit for your needs.
| Product | Brand | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Hallmark Card Studio Deluxe [PC Download] | Avanquest | Large card library, premium graphics, extensive sentiments |
| Hallmark Card Studio— New Version | Avanquest | Rich design options, numerous sentiments, diverse project types |
| The Encyclopedia of Greeting Card Tools & Techniques | Union Square & Co. | Comprehensive reference on card-making methods and projects |
| Hallmark Card Studio Deluxe 2018 [Download] | Nova Development | Extensive card designs and creative projects |
| PrintMaster v7 Platinum for Mac | Broderbund | Advanced design tools, royalty-free image library, modern UI |
Hallmark Card Studio Deluxe [PC Download]— New Version
Brand: Avanquest
Features: 20,700+ Hallmark Cards and Creative Projects, 21,000+ Premium Graphics, 16,000+ Hallmark Sentiments
The Deluxe version offers an expansive card library and a broad collection of graphics and sentiments, supporting a wide range of occasions. It is designed for PC download and emphasizes quick access to ready-to-use designs, enabling rapid customization for personal or professional use. Users can leverage varied themes and a robust set of embellishments to produce polished, print-ready cards from home or a small studio setting.
Hallmark Card Studio— New Version
Brand: Avanquest
Features: 11,800+ Hallmark Cards & Creative Projects, 600+ New Card Designs, Photo Projects, Scrapbook Pages, Invitations, Stationery, 3D Projects, Calendars, Themed Party Sets, and More!, 11,000+ Sentiments
This version expands the available card designs and project types beyond basics, including diverse invitation formats and themed sets. It’s well-suited for creators who want a larger visual library and more versatile options for gift-giving occasions, photo-based projects, and personalized stationery.
The Encyclopedia of Greeting Card Tools & Techniques
Brand: Union Square & Co.
Features: Lark Books-Encyclopedia Of Greeting Cards
This reference guide provides a comprehensive overview of card-making tools and techniques, including step-by-step methods, templates, and inspiration for traditional and contemporary card designs. It serves as a valuable companion for anyone looking to deepen their craft, plan projects, or learn new embellishment and layout strategies.
Hallmark Card Studio Deluxe 2018 [Download]
Brand: Nova Development
Features: 11,200+ Hallmark Cards & Creative Projects, 13,000+ Premium Graphic Images, 10,000+ Hallmark Sentiments
This older desktop design software provides a substantial card library and graphic resources, making it a feasible option for crafters who prefer a classic Studio interface and a broad palette of sentiments. It supports a variety of card styles for weddings, birthdays, holidays, and more, with a focus on ready-to-use templates and decorations.
PrintMaster v7 Platinum for Mac
Brand: Broderbund
Features: 10,000+ brand new, royalty-free, commercial-use images, Sleek modern user interface, Powerful new text-handling capabilities, and new photo fonts, paint brushes and styles
PrintMaster for Mac focuses on flexible layout design and a large media library. It’s suited for users who want to create personalized cards that blend text, images, and varied fonts with an intuitive workflow. The software emphasizes user-friendly design and strong printing options for high-impact cards.
Buying Guide
Key purchase considerations
- Platform and compatibility: Ensure the software works with your computer (PC vs Mac) and operating system version.
- Card library size and variety: A larger library reduces the need for external assets and enables quicker design iterations.
- Sentiments and themes: Look for a broad range of sentiments that match your occasions and customer preferences.
- Project scope: Consider if you need invitations, calendars, 3D projects, scrapbooks, or photo-based layouts in addition to standard cards.
- Printing compatibility: Verify supported paper stock, printer compatibility, and print-quality settings to achieve professional results.
- Stock and asset options: Access to premium graphics, royalty-free images, or image libraries can influence design flexibility and outcomes.
- Learning curve and support: User interface design, tutorials, and customer support impact onboarding and productivity.
Comparative perspectives
- Best for comprehensive card libraries and ready-to-use templates: Hallmark Card Studio Deluxe and New Version.
- Best for depth of technique and theory: The Encyclopedia of Greeting Card Tools & Techniques.
- Best for traditional layouts with established templates: Hallmark Card Studio Deluxe 2018 and 2019 old version.
- Best for flexible design and media-rich projects on Mac: PrintMaster v7 Platinum.
Usage scenarios
- Home crafters designing seasonal greetings and personal notes.
- Small business owners producing branded cards and promotional materials.
- Educators or hobbyists exploring card design concepts and layouts.