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Finish Boardmaker: The Complete Guide to Modern Symbol-Based Education
For over three decades, Boardmaker has been the standard in special education, speech therapy, and AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). If you are looking to "finish Boardmaker"—meaning, transition from older versions, adopt the new standard, or master the creation of materials—you are in the right place.
As of 2026, Boardmaker 7 is the definitive, unified software, replacing older versions like Boardmaker v6 and Boardmaker Online. It is a multi-platform tool that runs on Windows, Mac, and Chromebooks, featuring over 85,000 Picture Communication Symbols (PCS).
This article covers how to transition, create, and finish your board-making projects efficiently. 1. What is "Finish Boardmaker" (Boardmaker 7) in 2026?
Boardmaker 7 is a major leap forward from previous iterations, consolidating all previous functionalities into one desktop application. Unlike the older "online" editors that required constant internet connectivity, Boardmaker 7 is a installed app that works offline, improving speed and reliability. Key Features of Modern Boardmaker:
85,000+ PCS Symbols: Includes the latest, diverse, and inclusive symbols.
Multi-platform Compatibility: Same experience on Windows, Mac, and Chromebook. Offline Editing: Create boards without internet dependency.
Backward Compatibility: Easily import and edit old .bm2, .bm3, and v6 boards.
2. Transitioning: Moving from Old Boardmaker to Boardmaker 7
If you are still using Boardmaker v6 (classic) or an older "Online" subscription, you need to transition to Boardmaker 7 to get the latest symbol updates and software improvements. finish boardmaker
Download Boardmaker 7: Visit the Tobii Dynavox website to download the editor for your computer.
License Activation: Use your existing subscription login or the new standard license key to activate the software.
Importing Old Files: When you open Boardmaker 7, select "File" > "Import" to bring your older v6 boards (.bm2, .bm3) into the new format. 3. Creating and Finishing a Board Activity
Creating a new activity in Boardmaker 7 is streamlined with intuitive tools and templates. Steps to Create a Resource:
Start with a Template: Instead of starting from scratch, pick from thousands of pre-made templates for schedules, communication boards, or worksheets.
Use the Symbolate Feature: This is a crucial "finish" tool. It automatically adds a PCS symbol above every word you type, making it easy to create symbol-supported literacy materials.
Edit-in-Place: Click on any cell and start typing to instantly search for and add symbols.
Using the Symbol Finder: Click on the Symbol panel to search for specific PCS symbols. You can narrow your search by category or word type.
Adding Images: You can use PCS symbols, or upload your own pictures to personalize the board for your learner. Finishing Touches: Finish Boardmaker: The Complete Guide to Modern Symbol-Based
Customize Aesthetics: Change button border thickness, colors, and fonts to increase visual contrast for users with low vision.
Add Actions: Make buttons speak, turn pages, or play sounds for interactive activities.
Print or Play: Print directly to a printer (or PDF) or use the "Play" mode to use the board immediately on a computer/iPad. Boardmaker Training Videos
Finish Boardmaker Review: A Comprehensive Look
Are you in the market for a reliable and user-friendly PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design software? Look no further than Altium's Boardmaker, a popular choice among engineers, designers, and hobbyists. In this review, we'll dive into the features, pros, and cons of Finish Boardmaker, helping you decide if it's the right tool for your next project.
Overview
Finish Boardmaker, now rebranded as Altium's Boardmaker, is a professional-grade PCB design software that offers a comprehensive set of tools for creating and manufacturing PCBs. Developed by Altium, a well-known leader in the EDA (Electronic Design Automation) industry, Boardmaker provides a robust and intuitive platform for designing and producing high-quality PCBs.
Key Features
- Schematic Capture: Create and edit schematics with ease, using a vast library of components and symbols.
- PCB Layout: Design and layout PCBs with precision, featuring advanced routing and placement tools.
- Component Management: Manage components and libraries efficiently, with support for multiple formats.
- Design Rule Checking (DRC): Ensure design accuracy and compliance with industry standards using the built-in DRC tool.
- Output and Fabrication: Generate manufacturing files, including Gerber, ODB++, and IPC-2581.
Pros
- User-Friendly Interface: Boardmaker's interface is clean and intuitive, making it accessible to users of all skill levels.
- Comprehensive Feature Set: The software offers a wide range of tools and features, covering all aspects of PCB design.
- High-Performance Routing: Boardmaker's routing engine is fast and efficient, allowing for quick and accurate design completion.
- Seamless Integration: The software integrates well with other Altium tools, enabling a smooth design flow.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Boardmaker is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms.
Cons
- Steep Learning Curve: While the interface is user-friendly, mastering the software's advanced features and capabilities can take time.
- Resource-Intensive: Boardmaker requires a powerful computer to run smoothly, which can be a challenge for users with lower-end hardware.
- Cost: As a professional-grade tool, Boardmaker comes with a significant price tag, which may be a barrier for hobbyists or small businesses.
Conclusion
Finish Boardmaker, now part of Altium's suite, is a powerful and feature-rich PCB design software that is well-suited for professionals and serious hobbyists. While it may have a steep learning curve and require significant system resources, the benefits of using Boardmaker far outweigh the drawbacks. With its comprehensive feature set, user-friendly interface, and high-performance routing engine, Boardmaker is an excellent choice for anyone looking to create high-quality PCBs.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommendation
If you're:
- A professional engineer or designer looking for a reliable and feature-rich PCB design software, Boardmaker is an excellent choice.
- A hobbyist or small business owner seeking a user-friendly and affordable solution, you may want to consider other options, such as KiCad or Eagle.
System Requirements
- Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit), macOS 10.14 or later, Linux (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or equivalent
- RAM: 8 GB or more
- Graphics: OpenGL 3.3 or higher
Pricing
- Altium's Boardmaker: $4,995 (perpetual license)
- Altium's Boardmaker Subscription: $495 (annual subscription)
By providing a comprehensive review of Finish Boardmaker, we hope to have given you a better understanding of its capabilities and limitations. Whether you're a seasoned designer or just starting out, Boardmaker is definitely worth considering for your next PCB design project. Schematic Capture : Create and edit schematics with
Step 5: Save & Name the File Clearly
- Use a descriptive file name:
[StudentName]_[Activity]_[Date].bm2
Example:Eli_ChoiceBoard_Mealtime_2025-03-15.bm2 - Save both editable (.bm2) and print‑ready (.pdf) versions.
Step 2: Finalize Visual Layout
- Check alignment: symbols evenly spaced, clear borders, logical left-to-right or top-to-bottom flow.
- Adjust grid size if needed (e.g., 2x2 for early learners, 4x6 for advanced).
- Remove unused or duplicate cells.
- Add color coding if used (e.g., verbs in green, nouns in yellow).
2. Check Accessibility & Visual Clarity (The "Final Proof")
Before printing or using on-screen, check these:
- Symbol size: At least 2” x 2” for physical boards (finger access).
- Contrast: Dark symbols on light backgrounds (or vice versa) – avoid busy patterns.
- Grid alignment: Use View > Show Grid and Arrange > Align to tidy up.
- Text labels: Ensure they are directly below or above the symbol, same font (AAC-friendly: sans-serif, 18pt+).
Write-Up: Finish Boardmaker
9. Testing & review
- Pilot with one representative user (student/client or colleague).
- Note usability issues and fix in minor revision if needed.
- Confirm printed copies look and function as expected (test color, cut lines, laminate tolerances).
6. Troubleshooting Common "Finish" Issues
- Symbols print too small? → Increase button grid size (e.g., 2x2 instead of 4x4).
- Text cut off? → Reduce font size or increase button height.
- Interactive mode not working? → Make sure you are in Play mode, not Edit.
- Board looks different on another computer? → Embed fonts or use standard ones (Arial, Tahoma).
8. Versioning & backup
- Create a final-version tag (e.g., project_final_v1) and keep incremental versions (v1, v2) during revisions.
- Back up to at least two locations (local + cloud or external drive).
- Document major changes in a simple changelog file.
10. Distribution & instructions
- Prepare a one-page user guide: purpose, how to use, any setup steps (audio, navigation), and recommended accommodations.
- Provide downloadable package containing:
- Final PDF(s)
- Native Boardmaker files
- Media assets (audio/images)
- User guide and changelog
- Choose distribution method: LMS, email, cloud share link, or print copies.