If you've used Flash before then you'll agree with me in that creating text effects can take both, time and patience, there are however, tools that allows one to create text effects in less time than that needed in Flash, the only problem is finding the tool that has the right stuff - features and lots of text effects.

Recently, Wildform released a new version of one of its most popular products, SWFX now called Wild FX. Wild FX is a major improvement over its predecessor but the question is, how does it stack up against other similar products?

What you get

The effects library lists all the effects you have installed in Wild fx. Click here to see interface.

Wild FX offers over 400 effects organized in three categories - Flash 3, Flash 4 and Custom; these effects work with a user's installed fonts. Also included are 45 customizable effects (Custom folder) that will allow you to expand your effects library without limit.

An expanded HTML export option not only allows you to deploy your .swf in a web page but also in a pop-up window with dimensions specified by you. The code generated in the HTML file can be copied and placed in any web page you wish. You are also given the ability to make your .swf link to a web page or another .swf file, and specifying the browser target is as easy as selecting your target preference from a drop-down menu.

Wild FX also offers a host of automated Flash functions that give you control of how your .swf behaves; with these functions you can determine how your movie starts and ends. Custom variables allow your .swf files to hold variables such as clip information and the Protect SWF option provides your work some security.

Unlike similar product's help files, Wild FX's help file is concise, well presented and very effective, going over it won't take much time and will enable you to use the product just as an experienced user would in a matter of minutes.

A product with great promise

Wild FX's features, its vast effects library and ease of use definitely make it stand out from similar products. While it would be nice to have the product offer Tool tips and an integrated Preview window, the overall product experience easily overcomes this minor shortcoming. With Wild FX, it seems like Wildform delivered on its promise to create one of the best products of its class and it seems like it will only get better over time.