Hello decorators, just got to thinking today, wouldn't it be nice if there was (or maybe there already is) some computer software out there that we could use to design a cake right on our computer at home just to see what it would look like. Maybe insert a square and then add roses and a boarder with just a click of the mouse. It would also be handy to print out to give to a potential customer. Just a thought, but it sure would be nice. Hope everyone has had a great day.

Good idea! Kind of like those programs that let you experiment with hairstyles before taking the plunge!

So funny!!! I was talking to DH about that same thing!!
Somewhere there is an idea for those computer whiz people to cash in on!! They make them for other companies to design whatever with, why not cakes???

I made a cake last week that had a baseball diamond on it and player's names. I used the paint shop program on my computer to see the general layout. I'm still new at cake decorating, and sometimes I have a hard time seeing what I want in my mind. So it helped to see the colors and the layout. But yes, a cake designing program would be wonderful!

That would even be a good idea for the public, then they could design the cakes they want and show them to the decorator. It may help tame some of the bridezillas out there.

come to think of it.... if you had a website where people order cakes from you, it would be cool for them to choose their options (i.e. 1/4 sheet, basic border) and see what it looks like as they click the different options. Kind of like a "build-a-cake" option. That way they'd have an idea of what they're getting before they order it.

that would sure make my job a lot easier. with 4 to 5 cakes a week, i could use all the help i can get.

wow, i would totally buy that software! i've been trying to make a pixel cake on Paint shop pro, but, its pretty horrible

irisinbloom
Look for some sort of "new idea" website and patent that idea ..Sounds wonderful!!!!!!! I'm sure once you get it out there we would be able to purchase it from Jackie here on CakeCentral.com..

I thought the very same thing two years ago when I made my first wedding cake. It certainly would have been nice!


Amy

I'm such a dinosaur! I'm forever reaching for a sheet of paper to sketch out a cake design that pops into my head.

bikegal

I've thought about it too. Not sure how to do it though.

I too am old school...pencil in behind my ear and notepad always at hand...doodling and scratching out idea for cakes!

I put this idea to my sons, one is a computer programmer who has designed some games, the other is a commercial artist, I thought they would be a great combination! Computer son's response was "It sounds so easy, but it isn't!" Haven't heard from artist son, so I have to assume that he didn't think too much of the idea. Maybe I can keep working on them, I think they could do a great job.

I did do a pretty extensive search online, the only software I could find was for the edible images, so it looks like the field is wide open. Janice

Yes it would be nice and let me tell you this...I am so corny...but I had already made this suggestion to microsoft.....of course there is no response back but hey I tried!

I guess great minds think alike! I was wondering if there was something like this out there too! I know I would buy it!
Here's what I was thinking about doing. It's sort of like a "Paper doll" for cakes. I was going to draw out a few basic cake shapes and laminate them. Then, get some small flower pics (maybe even make some with BC and take pics) and cut them out, laminate them and apply repositionable adhesive. Maybe do a couple of borders and swags the same way. It'd be a lot of work to have enough pieces to be useful at all, which is why this idea is still in my head and not cut out yet. Software that did this for me would sure make life easier!! Wouldn't that be a COOL FEATURE to have exclusive access to here on Cake Central??? (hint, hint)

If any of you have Paint Shop Pro you can make cakes designs on that. It's pretty limited ( or at least for me it is because I'm not all that at good with that program yet) but you can make stacked cakes with the preset shapes designs, then add tubes with pretty much any decorations you want.
It's not 3-D or anything and not extremely detailed but it is kind of fun to do anyway. Just thought I'd share.
KimAZ

Thank you for sharing that info KimAZ! I don't have that program, but I think a friend of mine does. I'll have to give her a call!

I was playing on the web and found this site that let you color their color book type pictures on the computer. Just click on the color and click where you want the color to go. Can't design cakes but you can play with color combinations. I am doing butterflies for a cake this weekend and I was playing around with different color combo for the butterflies.

coloring.com

bj