StampIt for Word Reviewed May 2009 What’s It Do? StampIt is an add-on to Microsoft Word that automates the identification and printing of paper-based or PDF work flows. Simply put, it marks and prints documents the way they should be – at the time of creation instead of making copies at a copy machine and/or marking them with rubber or self-inking stamps. Does it do what it promises? Reviewer 1: Yes. It provides a fast, efficient way to add stamps such as "Confidential," "Draft," or "Thanks – We Appreciate Your Business" to any Microsoft Word document or a PDF version made from Word. The program comes with 58 commonly used words and phrases, but the user is free to create any text, up to a maximum of three lines, or to use a graphic. Developer’s response: Each of the existing words or phrases as well as any new ones are in three formats: hollow, solid, and shaded. Reviewer 2: Yes. Reviewer 3: It performed as advertised in my testing. Reviewer 4: Yes, it does. Everything that I tried with this program performed as advertised. Was it easy to install? Reviewer 1: Yes, although the installation procedure involved a few more steps than I usually have to go through. First, I had to choose among several StampIt versions, depending on which version of Microsoft Word I had. Developer’s response: This is only required when downloading the trial version. Reviewer added comment to Developer’s response: The trial version is the one almost everyone downloads to start with, so almost everyone goes through the procedure I described. After checking to see which Word version I was currently using, I selected the appropriate version of StampIt, downloaded it, and started the program. I then had to get a registration number. This required finding the serial number by clicking on About / Info, sending the serial number to the company by email, and then waiting for them to send me a registration number. Developers response: This is not the procedure. Reviewer added comment to Developer’s response: It was the procedure that NNT reviewers had to follow and I can only comment on what I experienced. When I updated the software, I had to put the registration number in again. Developer’s response: This is the procedure used for giving a free code; it is automatic on the Web site when a license is purchased. Reviewer 2: Yes, the 8.3MB downloaded file installed without any conflicts or trouble. It should be noted that this program is an add-on for Microsoft Word, so Word must already be installed for this program to install. Reviewer 3: Yes, it was a typical install routine placing a button on the tool bar of Microsoft Word. Registration is accomplished by copying and emailing the serial number from the open StampIt application. StampIt then returns the registration information to enter to make the program a “non-trial” copy. Reviewer 4: Yes. It is a standard Windows process, and I was able to place the program in a directory of my choice, even though it is an add-on to MS Word. The registration was a bit trickier. I had to request the registration number after the program generated the serial number; however, the company took only a few minutes to respond and then it was a simple copy-and-paste operation. The license is for one copy of the version of this software on any one hardware product, so it cannot be installed, for example, on one’s desktop and laptop under the same license. Good points. Reviewer 1: Probably StampIt's greatest strengths are its flexibility and ease of use. Although Microsoft Word has a built-in watermarking feature, StampIt offers many more features and options. It comes with 58 ready-made stamps, versus 18 in Word 2003. Developer’s response. Actually 174, considering that each can be selected in hollow, solid, and shaded. Both Word and StampIt also permit the user to create custom stamps, but as far as I can tell, Word stamps can be no longer than one line, whereas with StampIt, I was able to make two- and three-line stamps as well. Whereas stamp placement in Word is limited to a choice of Diagonal or Horizontal, StampIt offers eight default positions, plus the ability to adjust the placement further via Custom Edit. Word offers two levels of visibility, normal and semitransparent, with relatively little difference between them. StampIt, by contrast, offers three quite distinct visibility formats: hollow, shaded, and black. Also, StampIt makes it easy to choose the pages on which a stamp should appear, as well as to select different stamps to appear on different pages, or to print multiple copies of a document with different stamps on each one (e.g., one clean copy, two copies bearing the stamp "Client Copy," and one bearing the stamp "File Copy"). By contrast, Word offers much less flexibility, and what little it offers requires many steps to achieve, as Microsoft's Help demo makes clear. StampIt also permits one to save user-defined sets of stamps for easy re-use. One other noteworthy strength is StampIt's ability to stamp existing documents that were not created by Word. It will do so as long as these documents can either be manually fed through the printer or put into the paper tray. The User Guide offers simple, straightforward instructions for accomplishing this. Reviewer 2: Learning to use a new program is a key feature to consider when purchasing a new program. StampIt has a built-in help file that explains the functions of the various components of the program. The stamping of documents to identify the document for intended use appears to be a business-type application and I evaluated the program on that basis. StampIt clearly marked documents so that the reader could read the information in the document and plainly ascertain the intended use for the document. I like the number of included stamp messages that comes with StampIt and found that they covered nearly all uses a document could have in a business setting. I especially like the ability to place the stamp anywhere on the document, as such repositioning along with color changes prevents the stamps from becoming commonplace and ignored. Thus, as more and more documents are viewed with stamps on them, the reader will much more notice the large stamp in a different location. This feature makes use of StampIt a long-term possibility in a business setting. I tested the groups function and found that this feature would be a great time saver on repeated operations. I found (after some trial and error) how to place multiple stamps on the same document, a nice feature to use when the need arises. Neither the help files nor the on-line tutorial address this use, which I found to be strange since some of the examples shown on the StampIt web site showed multiple stamps in different locations on the document. Since these stamps indicate intended use of the document and since many such documents are transmitted via email rather than being printed, I tested StampIt’s ability to embed these stamps into documents and transmit by email and flash drive. When the stamp was left on the document and the document was saved, that stamp stayed with the document through emails and copies to flash drives. In my tests I found that any copy and paste of a stamped document resulted in the stamp being pasted as well to the new document, thus ensuring that the stamp stays with the document. On one test (which I could not repeat other than the one document I saved) the stamp was revealed as Word Art, and thus I was able to delete the stamp from that document. The graphic insertion functions, which included adding a signature, is a great way to spice up a document. The graphic stamp makes a Word document look like letterhead without creating a template for each situation of use. The graphic can be placed in the document and the text moved so it appears that the graphic was there and the text was typed around it. The graphic can be placed on other areas of the document too. I especially liked the add signature function which made placement of this reused graphic a snap. One of the nice features of custom edit of a graphic was the ability to use Word’s function to adjust the size and placement of the graphic to get the exact outcome desired. Reviewer 3: StampIt saves paper, time and money by applying the needed stamp directly to the computer’s digital file prior to printing rather than needing to print out copies, purchase the actual stamp and hand stamp all the copies prior to use. It can be used as a “workflow” management tool to mark a series of “Draft” copies as “FIRST DRAFT”, “SECOND DRAFT” AND “FINAL” and the like. Another potential money saver is in creating a company watermark that can be printed in a document rather than using more expensive watermarked paper stock. Password protection is available for security of certain stamps or for the ability to create custom stamps. Reviewer 4: When first run, StampIt opens Microsoft Word with a four-page QuickStart document that helps the user easily begin stamping Word documents within a few minutes. I enjoyed setting up a method to add my signature to standard cover letters that I use often. Although I did struggle with this a bit, I eventually was able to adjust the graphic file to a reasonable size, and am now cheerfully "signing" those otherwise quite dull documents. Producing multiple copies of documents with different stamps, or a combination of stamps on each one, is easily accomplished with StampIt. There are eight preset locations for stamping stamps and any one of these can be customized for any one of the 58 included words and phrases. The program provides editing functions that allow one to design and place any stamp exactly how and where it needs to be. Following the steps in help file, I was able to create my own "DELIVERED" stamp, which I now use regularly. Support, if needed, is first class. I always received replies to my questions in less than one day, including on weekends, and in one case, within 13 minutes. When things got a bit complicated in one instance, I was asked to send my phone number so that the person I was dealing with could phone me to resolve the problem I was having. As it turned out, this was not necessary, as I was able to solve it myself -- which I confess had entirely to do with mistakes that I made, and not because of issues created by the program. Weak points. Reviewer 1: Near the end of the Neat Net Tricks testing period, the Panel received word that an update had just been issued. I went to the company's website to try to find a change log so I could see how the update differed from the version I had been using. I did not find a change log, and when I wrote to StampIt to ask about this, I was told that the "change logs are not published except as disclosed in press releases and/or other company release." Since I usually consult change logs to see in detail what features have been added and corrected, I was surprised and disappointed with the company's policy. A day or so after the Panel was informed of the update, I received the update notification StampIt apparently sends to all its customers. It informed users that any earlier version of the software must be uninstalled before installing the update. I took this advice and found to my dismay that the process wiped out the custom stamps I had created. Only later did I happen to come upon the following question in an online FAQ (it was not in the Help file or its FAQ): "How do I backup custom stamp and group settings if I have to reinstall StampIt?" Since apparently every update involves a reinstall, this backup information should have been included in the update notification sent to customers and in the program's Help file. Developer’s response: The installation instructions for the update were included with the update notice. Also, the update will automatically require the removal of the previous version; it cannot be overwritten. We do not publicly disclose our changes in detail and the Reviewer was told this. Instructions were included in the update notice as well as link to the site. The Help file disappointed me on other occasions as well. The StampIt web site mentions that the program works on pdf files. I wanted to test this, but I wasn't sure how to do so. Developer’s response: PDF instructions are available in the QuickStart document (p. 2) and that document refers the user to p. 32 of the Manual for further instructions. StampIt prompts the user to read the QuickStart document each time it is run in the trial mode until the user instructs otherwise. Clearly, the Reviewer did not read the QuickStart document or the Manual. I therefore went to the Help file, but it contained no entry for pdf, Adobe, or Acrobat. I finally went to the company's web site and eventually found some useful discussion under "Product & Features." But why wasn't that information included in the Help file? Since that file is part of the program's interface, it is the first place I would normally go for information. At the very least, it would be useful for the Help file to point the user to other places (e.g., the User Guide) where information on specific topics not covered in the Help file can be found. Developer’s response: The Web site also has a PDF version of the Manual that has Table of Contents and Index entries for PDF. There are 22 uses of the acronym “PDF” in the StampIt 52-page manual. The Help file has standard Windows Help search ability with Contents, Index, and Find. StampIt's EULA (End User License Agreement) is far more restrictive than that of most other programs. According to the EULA, the program may be installed on one hardware product and may not be transferred to any other hardware product . . . or individual. This would be a deal breaker for me if I can't transfer the program from my desktop to my laptop or from my old computer to a new computer. Reviewer 2: Learning how to use StampIt to perform a specific task confusing from the information in the on-board help files. I am an experienced Word user, but I didn’t really understand how to use StampIt until after I had viewed the on line video tutorials which showed how to use various functions as well as what each would mean to the final product. After reading the help files and viewing online tutorials that had examples of multiple stamps, I used trial-and-error to determine how to achieve multiple stamps on a single document. Afterwards, I discovered a single line in the help file (which I had missed in my search for this function) that explained how to repeat the single stamp addition procedure for additional stamps. Since this is a function that many will want to use, I feel it deserves an easily identifiable section in the help file, e.g., Multiple Stamps. I also discovered that the downloadable 52-page manual addresses multiple stamp use but this simply refers to multiple stamp as “Stamp(s)”; and does not state how one leaves multiple stamps on a document, simply notes that they should not be overlapped. The help file needs to cover not only the functions of the components of StampIt, but also examples of how to use the program. The defaults are geared more for printing than adding a stamp to a document and thus caused a lot of printing when I desired only to add the stamp to the document. I suggest, rather than the single StampIt button, a menu with the common functions (e.g., Print with stamp, Print with stamp and add to document, and Add to document –No Print) listed as choices rather than setting changes in Options. Developer’s response: Had the Reviewer looked at the View/Edit>Preview Stamp function, he would have been able to preview all work without printing (see p. 13, Manual, Viewing Stamp In Document). Preview Stamp is also available in StampIt Help. Additionally, looking in the Pages to Print drop-down box on the Main Menu, the Reviewer would have seen the option “None”. Reviewer 3: The sequence of choosing and applying the stamp is somewhat critical for good results. The default is to print automatically and that must be turned off by selection for testing to avoid wasting a lot of paper. Developer’s response: Had the Reviewer looked at the View/Edit>Preview Stamp function, he would have been able to preview all work without printing (see p. 13, Manual, Viewing Stamp In Document). The stamped document can be previewed to see what it will look like before printing and this feature should be used when doing anything but a standard stamp in its default location. Reviewer 4: For a program that does everything else so well, I found the update process to be cumbersome. The new version of the program containing the updates is downloaded as a trial version and the existing copy must be uninstalled. When the new trial version is installed, the registration key has to be entered, just as if the program is being installed for the first time. There is not an obvious uninstall file in StampIt’s program directory. I used the Add-Remove Programs applet in the Control Panel, hoping that it would leave remnants, as it so often does. I wanted, for example to keep the signature file, which has to be in the StampIt folder. Sadly, that disappeared with all the rest. StampIt should be able to handle the complete upgrade process, including the uninstallation of the older version, keeping the registration key, and all the user-created data. This cannot be all that difficult, as many other programs do all of this without the need for user-intervention. Developer’s response: Microsoft will not allow an add-in to leave remnants when an add-in is uninstalled; moreover, it is not consider a best practice to leave program “remnants”. The other drawback is that it is only an add-on for Word. I use many programs each week in both work and in my computer-based hobbies. I would like to be able to use StampIt in those other applications also. Perhaps StampIt for All could be developed, using a concept such as the one used by FinePrint™ or PdfFactory™. That would be totally awesome. Developer's Web site. Reviewer 1: The Web site is a mixed bag. It contains several sections: Products & Features, Free Trial, Pricing, Support, Reviews, Demos & Tutorials, and About Us. The Reviews section cites several reviews, but almost all are old and/or no longer available. The Demos & Tutorials section contains two useful demos ("Basic StampIt Use" and "Creating Stamps") and one that is much less useful ("Quick Overview") and somewhat defective (the Back to Main Menu button does not work). Unfortunately, all the demos deal with text stamps and a demo covering graphics stamps would be a helpful addition. There is useful information in the Product & Features section but there is no search engine or detailed site index to easily retrieve this. Reviewer 2: The StampIt Web site is easy to navigate and find what one is looking for, but has little beyond the basic components of a developer’s Web site. I did find the tutorial videos interesting and they displayed in the browser with typical video player controls. It was refreshing to find the sales ads limited to the identified pages rather than displayed throughout the Web site. Reviewer 3: The Web site is clean and easy to use. I had no problem finding the information I was looking for. Reviewer 4: Stampitnet.com is a very business-like, and avoids the flash and splash of many other developers’ sites. Of course, part of it is oriented towards showcasing the program, to encourage people to try it, then buy it. Although I would like to see a longer trial period that the 15 days/15 uses offered, it could be argued that a program with such a specific objective can be well-tested in that period. To be fair, there is a note on the site that if someone needs an extension, they can contact the developer by email. The StampIt site is also full of supportive material, from excellent tutorials to a downloadable full 52-page pdf-format manual. Navigation is easy. Although there is a lot of information packed into each page, the presentation is attractive and effective. Other comments. Reviewer 1: The trial period for StampIt is 15 days or 15 uses, whichever comes first. Most software gives the user a 30-day trial period. Reviewer 2: StampIt is geared for the business setting rather than for the individual user; however, the small price can allow a user to produce documents with a professional look. Although one can preview a stamped document or add a stamp without printing, the program’s default settings are geared for adding stamps wile printing a document. To prevent unwanted printing, the user must remember this when adding stamps to a document. Reviewer 3: By viewing the video tutorials on the Web site, I learned that StampIt was very flexible and customizable. It can print stamps on existing documents that have already been printed by setting up the stamp or series of stamps on a blank document in Word and running it on the printed documents fed into one’s printer as if using blank paper. StampIt uses three types of stamps, Hollow (default) Solid and Shaded (for watermark). Each can be positioned in one of eight menu-selected locations on the document or custom positioned where desired. The pages to be stamped is also determined from the menu as “all, first, current, multiple, odd, and even”. The stamp can remain or be removed from the digital copy and multiple stamps can be applied on different pages or copies of the same page. A “custom group” can be built for a repetitive task to avoid the need to reconstruct the setup each time. This could be quite a handy and money saving application for a business since individual physical stamps can be expensive. The license is for one computer only. Multi-seat licenses are available at a reduced per-seat price and at about $15 for a single license, it is a bargain for what it does. Reviewer 4: Once in a while we come across someone who has found a specific need, and designed a well-thought out, well-designed and well-executed program to fill that need. StampIt for Word is one such program. It integrates into Word just as if it had always been there, available only when needed. I almost want to print "File Copies" and "Archives" and put my signature on everything, just for the fun of being able to do so. The first license price of $14.95 is really a bargain and I highly recommend the program. Will you continue to use it? Reviewer 1: No, because I have no need to stamp documents. If I did, I would much prefer StampIt to the built-in capability in Microsoft Word. Reviewer 2: Yes. Reviewer 3: While this is more targeted toward a business application, there are times when I could use it StampIt. Since it does not require additional resources and is easily called from a button on the Word tool bar, I’ll leave it installed for when I do want to stamp something. There are times when it would be handy to mark something as “Faxed” or “PAID” and save it as a PDF. Reviewer 4: Yes, I will. OPERATING SYSTEMS USED IN THIS REVIEW Windows XP Pro, XP Home, XP Media Center Back