Rating: 
Summary: Master Lanscape software is not a toy.
Review: If you're looking for an easy software package that lets you play for a few hours on a Saturday afternoon and get quick gratification, then this definitely isn't for you. Rent a video game, turn on the TV, or go plant some bushes.
If you want a very sophisticated architectural design package that a layman can learn to use without being a math wizard, then take the time to learn how to use this product. From what I've seen, it's the most advanced on the market. It is awesome! But you have to take the time to go through the Help Tutorial or you won't know what the tools are, or where to find them.I've been writing instructional materials for software systems for fifteen years. My opinion is that the Master Landscape and Home Design application is an incredible piece of programming. You should just about be able to do anything you want with this software, and all the background you need is basic carpentry and basic cipherin'. Sure there are design tweaks that would make it easier to use, but I would assume if the company wants to stay on top of this niche in the market and make the product better in the future, then they'll continue to upgrade it as time goes on.
Congratulations to the design team. This is a very slick product for the backyard builder.
Rating: 
Summary: Solid product
Review: In an attempt to visualize deck designs on my existing house, I tried two other programs (that were both weak) before stepping up to try this one. Yes, it is more expensive. But Punch software doesn't crash like other programs, and is much more flexible for things like deck designs and incorporating photos of existing structures.
Rating: 
Summary: Not for the average designer
Review: Plant data base is not accessable by choosing the name of an item - you choose from pictures which are dragged on to your plan and only then can you find out it's name. Also not enough choice in materials i.e. gravel, rocks, paving, outdoor garden features like pergolas, sunhouses etc. The house design is not easy to use for amateurs - not easy to construct - I am still trying to find out how to apply a flat roof to part of a house design and to build walls which actually go to the apex of the roof. I have used better and easier to use programmes 10 years ago when the technology is not what it should be today. Not recommended at all - a complete waste of money.
Rating:
Summary: Terrible Landscape Software
Review: Please do not believe the hired reviewers of this software that gave it any praise. I am a landscaper and this software is useless for the do-it-your-self or for any serious designer. The plant selection is extremely limited despite the claim of the large number of plants. The plants symbols are so far off in appearance, size and color that it is laughable. I tried entering at least 50 popular landscape plants and found 2 or 3 in the database. I am only hoping that I can return this junk after I have opened it.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: The other reviewers were dead on...I bought this product from an office store, before I read these reviews. I wanted to start with the basics, and recreate a survey I had done of my property. Even using the landscaping tool for this simple task was difficult. When you drag the line beyond the window, it does not automatically scroll down, so you have to page down, and extend the line. Also, once a property line is drawn, the dimensions are too small to read. This program tries to do alot, and feels like they just bundled a bunch a inferior prodcuts together. Don't waste your time or money.
Rating:
Summary: Remedial design program
Review: This program looks like it does alot but once you start drawing with it you quickly see limitations. I am a Photoshop, powerpoint, excel user and am comfortable with toolbars and functions. This program will not group and move an object. Each line drawn must be adjusted individually. I gave up after 2 hours of trying to draw an odd shaped house angled on an odd shaped lot. For straight lots it will probably work fine. Also, the arial views were extremely difficult to control. I was flying all over the place but couldn't get around the corner of the house.
Rating:
Summary: Don't waste your money
Review: This Software has a real nice package with lots of great examples on it. How they made them, I have no idea! Maybe I'm to spoiled with my AutoCad LT program. I bought this program because I'm redoing my backyard. Thinking it would be nice to have a finished view of my ideas before I started (like the ones on the box), I dove right in. That was over a month ago, and I still can't get my ideas down. I'm so damn frustrated with this program, and its poor instructions, that it drove me to write this review, which I have never done before. The review from the person giving it 5 stars has to be working for the company. If I could have givin it 0 stars, I would have.
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