Older software versions (like V6) may struggle to run on modern operating systems without significant troubleshooting or legacy support.
Here are that users often wished for in the CD era:
Reducing anxiety by showing students what to expect throughout the school day.
between the modern Boardmaker 7 subscription and free alternatives like ARASAAC.
In its early years, the Boardmaker CD (specifically versions like Boardmaker Plus! V.6 ) was a prized tool in classrooms. It provided a massive library of Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) —simple, clear drawings used to represent words and concepts. For the first time, teachers could easily print customized communication boards, visual schedules, and interactive activities. However, this era came with technical hurdles: discs could be lost or scratched, and the software often required the CD to be physically present in the drive to run, leading to "CD-wars" in schools with limited copies. boardmaker cd
Boardmaker CD was the industry-standard software for creating . The CD contained a massive library of Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) — simple, line-drawn images with consistent styling. You installed the software from the CD, inserted the disc to run it, and printed directly to a local printer. There was no cloud, no login, and no subscription.
Printing exact grid layouts to place underneath the plastic grids of early voice-output devices like the GoTalk, TechTalk, or CheapTalk.
: Build consistent visual schedules, "First/Then" boards, and choice boards. Print & Laminate : High-quality output that can be printed directly to your local printer for physical use in the classroom. The Shift to Boardmaker 7
The Boardmaker CD is more than just a piece of outdated software; it is a historical landmark in the field of assistive technology. The transition from a physical disc to a cloud-based subscription service perfectly mirrors the digital transformation of the entire education sector. While the medium has changed, the core mission of Boardmaker has not: to empower communication. And for that, the little disc that started it all deserves a place in the history of inclusive technology. Older software versions (like V6) may struggle to
Boardmaker 7 includes over 85,000 Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) , a massive increase from the roughly 4,500 symbols typically found on older CD versions.
| Feature | Boardmaker CD (Legacy) | Boardmaker Online (Modern) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | One-time purchase ($99–$399) | Monthly/Annual Subscription ($10–$150/year) | | Symbol Count | ~3,600 - 7,000 (depending on version) | 45,000+ (including high-res color) | | Symbol Style | Retro line-drawings, limited skin tones | Modern, diverse, realistic, 3D options | | Internet Required | No (Runs offline) | Yes (Must validate license) | | Print Quality | Low resolution (72-150 DPI) | High resolution (300+ DPI) | | Accessibility | Difficult (requires vintage OS) | Easy (Browser based, Chromebook friendly) |
The Legacy of the Boardmaker CD: Bridging Communication Gaps
Modern software requires monthly fees. For a school district with 50 SLPs, a subscription costs thousands of dollars per year. The original Boardmaker CD was a . You bought the disc once, and you owned it forever. Many cash-strapped homeschool parents and retired therapists still fire up old laptops specifically because they refuse to pay a monthly fee for symbols they already "own." In its early years, the Boardmaker CD (specifically
While the Boardmaker CD is durable, using it in 2026 presents challenges:
The Evolution, Legacy, and Modern Alternatives to the Classic Boardmaker CD-ROM
An early, widely adopted version that established PCS in classrooms globally.