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Programs to Make QSL Cards

Amateur radio operators, also called ham radio operators, and shortwave broadcasters regularly send QSL, or "acknowledge receipt," cards to confirm reception of their stations. You can make and print QSL cards using computer software programs available for download on the Internet. These programs enable you to create attractive designs and fill in the cards with details confirming the reception report. At the time of publication, only four options exist for English-language programs to make QSL cards.

QSLMaker
- Perhaps the most well-known free QSL card program, QSLMaker was created by ham radio operator WB8RCR (qsl.net/wb8rcr/). Its creator's website supplies relatively little information about the software, although it does provide a download link. DXZone indicates that QSLMaker allows users to select the colors and other characteristics of QSL cards while adding images of their choice. QSLMaker requires a computer that runs Microsoft Windows.
QslDesignAndPrint
- One of the two completely free programs to make QSL cards, QslDesignAndPrint is a creation of VA3HJ Software (va3hj.ca). It requires a relatively small 2.1 megabyte download. QslDesignAndPrint prints QSL cards or saves them as image files, according to VA3HJ Software. It prints three to four cards per page, and the cards can include reception log data. Users may add images to the foreground and background. This software is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7, but it will not work with older versions of Windows.
QSL Wizard
- Alpine Software (alpinesoft.com) provides QSL Wizard as a free trial product, unlike the QslDesignAndPrint and QSLMaker programs. It comes with special fonts and allows users to manipulate the background, colors and images on cards, according to Alpine Software. It also features logbook data to automatically make cards customized for each recipient. Customers may use QSL Wizard for any length of time after making a donation of any amount. QSL Wizard requires a 5.6MB download and a computer running either Windows 2000 or Windows XP.
GlobalQSL
- GlobalQSL (globalqsl.com) offers a QSL card printing and mailing service that includes a card design program. Ham radio operator KN4QD reports that this program is technically available for free. However, the program requires users to register it and pay to use the card design for sending out QSL cards. Users may import images or use graphics supplied by GlobalQSL on the foregrounds and backgrounds of the cards. GlobalQSL's software is compatible with Microsoft Windows.

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