MandalaMaker FAQ

Java is a powerful object-oriented programming language developed originally by Sun Microsystems. Oracle bought Sun in 2010 and has continued to develop the language.

Instead of running directly on the operating system (OS), Java code is executed by a virtual machine (VM), known as a runtime environment, which runs on top of the OS. This allows a Java program to run on any OS or platform for which a compatible VM is available.

Java is continually evolving and has gone through many versions. All versions to date may be designated in the form 1.x, the latest release version being 1.8. Versions are also referred to simply by the second digit of the version number, so Java 8 and Java 1.8 mean the same thing.

How do I get the Java I need to run MandalaMaker?

On Windows, download the latest JRE from Java.com.

On Mac OS X (now called macOS) MandalaMaker 3 includes a bundled Java 8 environment, so no extra steps are needed to get Java.

Features

Can I use MandalaMaker to make black and white line mandalas that I can print out and color?

Yes, this is easily done with MandalaMaker.

Can I import images into MandalaMaker and incorporate them into my mandalas?

Yes. MandalaMaker 3 allows images in a number of formats to be imported, manipulated and incorporated into your mandalas.

Can I export my mandalas and work with them in another program such as Photoshop?

Yes, MandalaMaker can export images in JPEG, PNG and GIF formats which can be opened and modified in Photoshop and other image editing programs.

Can I draw freehand in MandalaMaker?

Freehand drawing is a feature that we plan to incorporate in a future update, but it is not supported in the current version of the program. However, you can easily import scanned freehand art or images drawn freehand in other graphics applications.

Can I create PDF files of my mandalas?

Yes, in a way. While PDF export is not available in the MandalaMaker program itself, "print to PDF" features can accomplish the task.

On Mac, simply choose Print… from the File Menu and then choose "Save as PDF" from the PDF Menu found in the lower left corner of the detail view of the Print dialog.

On Windows, you will need to download one of the free PDF Printer programs available from various sources.

Note that the editability of PDF files created in this way will vary depending on the tool used to create the file.

Installing & Uninstalling

How do I install MandalaMaker on my computer?

Full installation directions for both Mac and Windows systems are available in the Install section of the manual.

How do I remove MandalaMaker from my computer?

Uninstalling MandalaMaker is accomplished in the same way that you would remove any desktop program on your operating system. Full uninstall directions for both Mac and Windows systems are available in the Install section of the manual.

Licenses

I have filled out the form on the "Get License" screen of MandalaMaker, but the Buy License (or Get License) button is grayed out and I can't click it. What's wrong?

MandalaMaker parses the information you enter in the Get License form to insure usable input. If you do not enter information in required fields, or enter text which uses symbols that MandalaMaker rejects, the Buy License button will remain inactive.

You must enter either a first AND last name OR a company name and the two email fields must match. Enter only letters or spaces in the name fields. The company field may also contain numbers. If you are entering a PayPal number, it must be either a 17 character Transaction ID (which can contain numbers and letters) or a Receipt number with four sets of four numbers separated by dashes (i.e. - 1234-1234-5678-5678).

I have received my license file but I can't open it. What should I do?

MandalaMaker license files can't be "opened." They need to be installed following the instructions in the Install section of the manual.

I have a desktop and a laptop computer. Can I run MandalaMaker on both of them with one license?

MandalaMaker licenses are machine specific and a single license is intended for a single user. If you personally own both a desktop and laptop computer, you can install the program on both machines, so long as you use it on only one machine at a time. In order to obtain a valid license for the second machine, you will need to use the "Get License" dialog from that machine. Enter your PayPal Transaction ID or Receipt number in the supplied field to avoid being asked to pay for the second license.

My computer crashed and I replaced (or reformatted) it. MandalaMaker now appears to be unlicensed. What should I do?

You will need to request a new license from the "Get License" dialog, as described in the Install section of the manual.

Startup

As of OS X 10.8 "Mountain Lion," Apple has introduced a feature called Gatekeeper which is designed to protect your system from malicious software. Because MandalaMaker is not a signed application, it triggers Gatekeeper when you attempt to run it. To get MandalaMaker running, Control-click (secondary click) on the MandalaMaker icon (found at /Applications/MandalaMaker-2.0/MandalaMaker-2.0). In the pop-up menu choose "Open." In the dialog box that appears, click "Open." If prompted, enter your administrative password. Once launched in this way, MandalaMaker will open normally from then on.

When I attempt to launch MandalaMaker, I get a message that the program needs Java 1.8. What should I do?

Download the latest Java JRE from Java.com.

General

Are their any restrictions on what I can do with the images that I create with MandalaMaker?

No. I am surprised at how often this question is asked. As with any other software application that you purchase, the documents that you create with MandalaMaker are yours to do with whatever you want. Your imagination is the only limit.

What if my question is not listed here?

If you don't find the answer to your question in this FAQ, you can email support at abgoodwin dot com.

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