What Is Known About Print Shop for Mac 4.1 by Mackiev Software?

MacOS Catalina came out in October, 2019, and Print Shop for Mac 4.0 was incompatible with it because it was a 32-bit application (and Catalina forward didn't support 32-bit applications). So I've been stuck on Mojave for over two years in order to run my existing copy of Print Shop for Mac.

During that time, Mackiev (the developer) never created a 64-bit version; it appeared that further development of the app had been abandoned.

Recently, I received an email from Mackiev stating that they were in the final stages of creating a "true 64-bit update, 4.1, of the Print Shop product" which would be "fully compatible with Catalina through Monterey". From the sound of things, they haven't actually made this available, yet, however, but expect to in the near future.

Does anyone know anything about this? Is this for real? Is it a true 64-bit app that will run properly on Catalina forward? Perhaps most importantly, will it be backward-compatible with Print Shop projects created using previous version(s) of the product?

I'm somewhat dubious of this, given Mackiev's track record with failing to produce a 64-bit app following the introduction of Catalina (over two years ago). Also, I've heard (anecdotally) that this will be a port of their Windows product, and it will therefore not have the look and feel of the original Mac version.

I very much appreciate any insight anyone can offer.

Mac mini, macOS 10.15

Posted on Jan 2, 2022 3:35 PM

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fastprof

Level 1

44 points

Posted on Mar 30, 2022 10:07 AM

As others have pointed out, a 64 bit update is now available. So far it runs fine under Monterey. The link is available only to registered users of The Print Shop 4.0. Once you have registered (or if you have already registered), you respond to the registration email and tell Support you need the 64 bit update. They will email you the link, but also as others have pointed out, you have to scroll through a bunch of MacKiev ads, to get to the link requesting the updater.

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63 replies

lkrupp

Level 7

22,129 points

Feb 5, 2022 6:42 AM in response to BluesBrother3

The last time I checked Mackiev’s website it said Print Shop was available only to educational institutions in the U.S. Broderbund software offers a Print Shop for Mac but it is a totally awful Windows port and almost useless on macOS.

lkrupp

Level 7

22,129 points

Apr 23, 2022 9:41 AM in response to dougfrommounthoreb

I hope you are aware that there are two developers of Printshop, Broderbund and MacKiev and they are not compatible. The Broderbund product is a clunky Windows port and not very Mac like at all. C’est la vie I guess.

Apr 23, 2022 10:39 AM in response to dougfrommounthoreb

Same here. 7 years of artwork I can’t access. I am devastated. I contacted MacKiev several times and they said repeatedly the 64 bit isn’t ready. I’m on their “please send updates” list but haven’t heard a peep.

Apr 24, 2022 6:27 AM in response to BluesBrother3

That is the problem. I have the version 3.2 and MacKiev promised a FREE 64 bit updater in December 2021. And for four months they keep on putting us off and saying that the update will be available real soon. They are not telling the truth.

Apr 24, 2022 3:11 PM in response to magadams

I received this today.

Hi Susan,

Thanks for writing.

We are putting the finishing touches on The Print Shop for Mac updater for your version of The Print Shop. As soon as the update is ready, we'll email it to you.

Regards,

Alex

The Print Shop Team

@ Software MacKiev

Ronasara

Level 6

15,519 points

Apr 30, 2022 3:08 PM in response to katrina128

It seems that for years now these so-called issues with Printshop have gone on and on and on. I have suggested moving on to something else before. I will do so again. One alternative is an app called Swift Publisher. It is actually a desktop publishing software. Very comprehensive and easy to use. It does much more than Printshop does, though, being a publishing app. No, it will not open your old Printshop files. But at least by moving on you won't have to deal with these endless problems any longer.

lkrupp

Level 7

22,129 points

Jun 6, 2022 6:10 AM in response to Lyricjay

No, the Broderbund version is not compatible with the MacKiev version and will not open files created by the MacKiev version. Furthermore, the Broderbund version is a ghastly Windows port that barely functions. I know because I bought it.

Feb 5, 2022 6:08 AM in response to BluesBrother3

Yes. What's even more interesting is that it has a 2020 copyright date in the About menu. When you check the Finder, it has the 4.1 version number and a modified date of March 19, 2020.

Jan 3, 2022 9:38 AM in response to Ronasara

Agreed, and I have done exactly that. In posting here, I was hoping to possibly get some insight from actual users of the product. However, if they have not released the update yet, then it's unlikely that end users would have any experience with it.

Jan 3, 2022 10:13 AM in response to stedman1

That's the type of thing I was looking for, stedman1 - someone who had actually been able to access the Update and install it. The link I followed (from the email) did not lead to a downloadable file, but only a series of marketing web pages, and finally a "form" on which to register for the Update when it became available (Mackiev said they were 'putting the finishing touches on it').

You say "the PrintShop app was updated successfully". Have you tried using the updated app (a 64-bit app should run on Mojave and earlier versions of MacOS)? I'm particularly interested in 1) does the updated app retain the same look-and-feel of the previous (4.0.1) version, and 2) can it open PrintShop projects created with previous versions of the product (i.e., is it backward-compatible)? TIA for any light you can shed on this.

Jan 3, 2022 11:18 AM in response to stedman1

Thanks again, stedman1. Not sure what the deal is, but try as I might, I always wind up in a "pre-order" page on Mackiev's site, stating that "they're putting the finishing touches on the Update and will notify me by email when it's ready". Not sure what to make of that... perhaps they've pulled it back and are doing some additional work on it? However, nowhere do I see a link to download the actual file (even though the email and their website implies that it is available for either order or download.

At this point, there's nothing more I can do except wait, I guess. Your anecdotal experience with the Update is encouraging, and I appreciate you sharing it!

stedman1

Level 10

264,406 points

Jan 3, 2022 11:25 AM in response to BluesBrother3

I just checked the email I received with the news of the available update, and clicked the “Free Download” icon within that email. It did take me to the page for the download (with the “Next” button that shows us the many pages of Promotional ads). But I did notice a little fine print on that page (that I had forgotten about), stating that:

“Download link provided by email to install at your convenience.

I’m not sure if that helps you 🤔.

Feb 7, 2022 6:30 PM in response to BluesBrother3

I think that this so called update is all smoke and mirrors. I received an email from MacKiev over a month ago, but have yet to hear from them about the update, even though I placed "the order", as directed. Furthermore, after I gave them my email address, I have been inundated with spam in my junk mail. I bet they released my email to these bogus companies.

Feb 25, 2022 9:26 PM in response to BluesBrother3

Gosh, I am so lost with all of this. I unfortunately updated to a Monterey and lost all of my art from the last 6 years. I got the email update back in late December, but that was before my computer updated. My program was working fine until Monterey. I don't know what to do, I am not computer savvy. I did contact them and the link they send just downloads and says disk image. I had a version of the print shop 3. Can anyone help me? This is so far out of my wheelhouse.

Thank you so much.

Apr 23, 2022 10:26 AM in response to fastprof

Thank you very much!! No, I was not aware there were two versions. And on top of that, when I inquired about it with Broderbund they said it would work on my MAC under OS Monterey. So I bought it. Then when I inquired again with support saying my .psf files would not open, they said sorry, new Printshop does not open .psf files. Period. That's all the advice I received. I just now submitted a request for a refund, which hopefully they will honor.

So now if I understand this correctly, I should purchase Printshop From MacKiev and then once I have it in my app folder, I should email the developer and get a link to the new upgrade to 4.1 which runs on Monterey and will open the thousand hours I have invested in hundreds of old .psf files. Right?

But I cannot seem to find a place to purchase it because on the MacKiev page it says available for purchase but only available for education licensing?

I really appreciate the help. I'm almost 80 but still use computers very well. Just do not understand them. :-) THANK YOU!

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What Is Known About Print Shop for Mac 4.1 by Mackiev Software?