I think this is probably a sign that I’m getting old, but I love tech history stories that take you on a trip down memory lane. Palotronic just released a web-based Apple II emulator running The Print Shop, which is a huge nostalgic trip. I can remember printing hundreds of things from this program when I was a kid. It’s amazing how far we’ve come since only being able to select a half dozen fonts and only using solid-colored clip art images. I’m sure we destroyed countless print ribbons on the ole Apple ImageWriter II with this. I will say that tractor-fed paper still has an advantage in printing banners.
Fire up The Print Shop in your browser and send someone a holiday or birthday card. The emulator will provide you a PDF download of the thing you send to the printer. If you want to really get in the mood, play this in the background while it “prints.” Apparently Broaderbund, the company who created The Print Shop, still sells it. They’re up to version 23!
Oh boy. Someone whose memory goes back as far as mine!
I can’t believe Br0derbund is still going! Remember Karateka? It seems you can still play it https://online.oldgames.sk/play/apple2/karateka/6640
This brought back so many memories! I remember spending hours with The Print Shop on our old Apple II, making banners and cards. It’s wild to see it running in a browser now. For those who want to try modern design tools with a similar creative spirit, Turn branded app might be worth a look. But honestly, the nostalgia here is unbeatable.
This article really took me back! I remember using The Print Shop on our old Apple II to make birthday banners and greeting cards. It’s amazing to see it running in a browser now, and the PDF output is a clever touch. I love how retro computing is becoming accessible again. For anyone interested in a modern twist on creativity, Turn content into a branded app might be worth exploring. But nothing beats the nostalgia of those dot-matrix prints.