Mac software > All Reviews > Software > Web design > Web editors > Ahead review

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 Ahead review

Looking for a presentation tool that doesn’t rely on slides? It’s time to get Ahead

Karl Hodge

Manufacturer: Ahead
Manufacturer: Ahead
Pros: Supports many media file types; built-in file manager
Cons: Doesn’t support embedded video from online services; baffling name
Price: Free (£22 per month Pro version)
We rate this 5 out of 5.Star rating:

If you have to give presentations, it’s easy to get stuck in a Keynote or PowerPoint rut. These slide-based systems are boring, so it’s refreshing to find a tool that does it better.

Ahead is an online service, with a desktop client that enables you to create sprawling, animated presentations without slides. Instead, you have a two-dimensional, virtual ‘Space’ that can be filled with text, images, sound and video in a variety of formats. In fact, the huge range of formats it supports is one of the main reasons to consider it over its rivals.

The tool makes it easy to upload all your media in one go, an advantage over similar apps. You simply drag and drop these elements to your presentation. Then, when you’re happy with the content of the Space, you designate Scenes. These determine the order that the presentation will play through the content, either automatically or step by step as you waffle over the top.

Ahead isn’t entirely original. Prezi is a similar offering that generates huge, interactive, Flash-powered maps or posters, though it doesn’t support all the file types that Ahead supports, and we preferred the ‘Scenes’ metaphor and interface. Plus, Prezi’s desktop version only works if you have a subscription.

With dynamic transitions and animation, Ahead is a creative presentation tool

MACWORLD BUYING ADVICE >
1 | 2 | NEXT >

Reevoo Price Comparison For Ahead

Reevoo Reviews For Ahead

Submit your own review for this product

Click here for the latest reader comments

<<prev article | back to index | next article>>

Search reviews

Search Google

Newsletter signup

It's easy and free to get the latest news headlines, reviews and opinions straight to your email inbox. Sign up NOW to make sure you receive the latest Mac news, reviews and tutorials on your favourite topics.

Latest issue: Macworld

Find out what's in this month's Macworld here.

Macworld reader poll

What version of Adobe Creative Suite do you use?:

View poll results

Have your say in the
Macworld Forums!

Register now

Stay on top of the latest, breaking Mac news and chat with other Mac professionals and enthusiasts about the issues that matter to you. Register with Macworld today to join our forums and receive our twice-weekly email newsletter, Macworld Mainline.

RSS

Have the latest content delivered to your desktop via RSS. Use the links below to get access to a specific blog, news, or reviews feed.

Subscribe to our feeds here

Latest PC industry news

Latest news from MacVideo

MACWORLD MARKETPLACE

	LogMeIn Free - Remote Computer Access LogMeIn is a secure remote desktop software that lets you access your computers, files, and apps from anywhere on any device. Simply connect with LogMeIn Free and be free to work the way you want.
	TemplateCloud TemplateCloud.com is the design marketplace for graphic designers. You create designs, and use our software to build them into online editable templates. We sell your designs in different countries via different websites. Each time a customer uses your design, we pay you a royalty; the price is set by you.
	Amsys Amsys is recognised as the technical leader in Apple and has developed bespoke technical products and solutions to deliver class leading support to its business clients. Amsys clients can select from consultancy, integration, break-fix, recruitment, training and app development. Amsys make Apple products work for business.
	About NAD NAD Electronics has always stood out by doing things differently. Our relentless pursuit of great sound has earned us a ‘giant killer’ reputation. Every product is designed with heart and soul you can hear, emphasizing quality over quantity. We focus on the inside where it counts—and where you can hear the results.
	Sphero is a completely new type of gaming system. It's the world's first robotic ball that you control from your smartphone or tablet. You can drive Sphero, play tabletop and multiplayer games, use Sphero as a handheld controller for on-screen gameplay, and even explore augmented reality. Now with 20+ apps!
	MeteoGroup WeatherPro - the award winning weather app! Developed by professional meteorologists and providing weather forecasts for over 2 million locations with real-time, high resolution radar and satellite images, ski weather, water temperatures and more, WeatherPro is the most accurate and comprehensive weather app on the market.
	Beat the Credit Crunch - Lease your Mac from Hardsoft Hardsoft are the only 'one stop' solution for the supply and finance of I.T. to businesses throughout the UK via our regional branch offices. We are uniquely both equipment Apple Approved Reseller and licensed Credit Brokers and have tailored a solution which includes a full 3 year warranty and an equipment upgrade every 18 months.