NEW - MAC OSX version

We are now beta testing the MAC OSX version of Cross Stitch Professional. If you would like to try the test version, it is free of charge and will run until end March 2014. You need to create an account (choosing your own ID and password) at www.dpsoftware.com/register When it asks for a serial number, just write 'MAC test'

If your account is approved, you will be able to login and get access to the full version download.

If you already have a software registration account with us, you can just email dave at dpsoftware.com and ask for MAC version access to be added to your login.

You should be aware that test versions may contain bugs or unfinished features and are designed to allow potential customers to comment before the final version is released. If you want to continue using the MAC version after the test has ended, you will need to make a purchase and download a new version.

Old method - Using the Windows version on a MAC

If you use a Mac rather than a Windows PC then here is a way to run our software and have it appear just like any other Window on your desktop and on the dock. This is the method I am using for my own new Macbook Pro and in fact I am even running my Windows development system on it.

You require two other purchases in addition to the cross stitch software:

1) Parallels Desktop 5 or 6 for Mac. £59.95 from your local Apple store or see www.parallels.com

This runs on Intel based Macs with OS X 10.4.11 or higher (including snow leopard - Lion requires version 6) and at least 2Gb RAM. It allows other operating systems to run in parallel with OS X and integrates them so they appear as additional icons on the dock. Any programs running under another operating system simply appear as further icons on the OS X dock.

MAC Lion requires Parallels 6

2) Windows 7, Vista or XP. I use the cheapest Windows 7 which is readily available in computer stores (but not your apple store !). Make sure you get the full version and not an upgrade.

Once Parallels is installed, you simply insert the Windows install CD into your Mac to install. Just choose the default options. You will end up with the Windows start button on your OS X dock.

When you have the above two items installed, you are ready to insert the cross stitch CD. This will install automatically as a Windows program. To start the program, simply click the windows start button on the dock and select the cross stitch icon. The program starts on your desktop just like any other program. It's fast too.

Tips

On a Macbook Pro, use two finger clicks to delete stitches or set a dedicated area on the touchpad to act as a right mouse button.

Check that your printer is supported by Microsoft Windows drivers (most are). In many cases the printer is recognised and the drivers downloaded and installed automatically. If not, download from the manufacturers site.

If you don't have a supported printer, get the Plus or publisher version of the cross stitch software. This allows you to create an Adobe PDF file of the charts which you can then print with your Mac Adobe reader.

Alternative method

All current Macs come with bootcamp which allows you to switch your machine between OS X and Windows. The dissadvantage of this method is that you must reboot your machine every time you switch from OS X to Windows and you can't run an OS X and a Windows program at the same time. It does however mean you only need to buy Windows and not Parallels as well.