Introduction
Micrografx was a company that made a big splash in computer graphics. Started in 1982 by two brothers, Paul and George Grayson, it came from humble beginnings in Richardson, Texas. The goal of Micrografx was simple: create easy-to-use graphics software for people using Windows computers. Computers were new to many folks back then, and making pictures or designs on them wasn’t easy. Micrografx changed that by offering tools anyone could use, not just experts. It made it a pioneer, especially when Windows became popular in homes and offices.
The company grew fast because it filled a need. People wanted to draw, edit photos, and make charts without needing years of training. Micrografx gave them that power. Even today, some people remember its software fondly, even though the company isn’t around anymore. Its story shows how one small idea can shape technology for years.
The Early Days of Micrografx
This company began at a kitchen table—yes, a real kitchen table! Paul and George Grayson had a dream to bring graphics to everyday computer users. In 1986, they released their first big product called InAVision. It was a drawing tool for Windows 1.0, one of the earliest versions of Microsoft’s operating system. It was a big deal because most graphics tools back then were for fancy machines, not regular PCs. A few years later, in 1990, they renamed it Micrografx Designer, and it became a hit.
The early days weren’t always smooth. The brothers had to work hard to get noticed. But by focusing on Windows, Micrografx found its sweet spot. Windows was growing, and so was the need for software that worked with it. The company’s timing was perfect, and soon, it wasn’t just a tiny startup anymore—it was a name people knew.
Key Products That Made Micrografx Famous
This company didn’t stop with just one program. It built a whole lineup of software that people loved. Micrografx Designer was a star for technical drawings, like blueprints or diagrams. Then came Micrografx Picture Publisher, a photo-editing tool ahead of its time. It let users fix pictures or add effects long before tools like Photoshop were everywhere. Another gem was the ABC Graphics Suite, launched in 1995. This bundle had tools for making flowcharts, editing photos, and managing media—all aimed at business users.
These products were easy to use and affordable, which set Micrografx apart. While other companies targeted pros with expensive software, Micrografx went after regular people in offices and homes. That choice paid off, making its tools a go-to for many in the 1990s.
How Micrografx Grew and Changed
As the 1990s rolled on, Micrografx kept growing. It went public in 1992, meaning people could buy its stock. That year, it made $63 million, a massive leap from its kitchen-table days. The company also bought other businesses to add more tools. In 1992, it grabbed Roykore Inc., which brought the ABC Suite into the mix. Then, in 1997, this company picked up AdvancEdge Technologies and their Optima! Software for process simulation. These moves made its offerings even more potent.
But growth wasn’t always easy. By 1993, Micrografx hit some bumps. It lost money, dropping its stock price from over $20 to under $7. There was even drama when Paul Grayson and the board pushed George out as president. Still, the company bounced back, showing it could handle tough times.
The Big Rivalry with Corel
This company had a big competitor: Corel. 1996, both companies fought for Windows 95 users who wanted graphics software. Corel had CorelDraw 6, a favourite among pros like artists and designers. This company had its ABC Graphics Suite, perfect for business folks needing simple tools. It was like a friendly battle—Corel for the experts, Micrografx for the everyday user.
This rivalry didn’t last forever. In 2001, Corel bought this company ultimately. Instead of disappearing, Micrografx’s ideas lived on. Corel took tools like Micrografx Designer and Picture Publisher and mixed them into its products, like CorelDRAW and PaintShop Pro. The competition ended, but the legacy didn’t.
Why Micrografx Still Interests People
People still talk about this company because it was a trailblazer. It brought graphics to the masses when computers were confusing. Its software was user-friendly and cheap, which made it special. For many, it was their first taste of digital creativity—drawing a chart or editing a family photo. That nostalgia keeps its name alive.
This company showed how a small company could take on giants like Microsoft and Corel. It didn’t always win, but it left a mark. Today, when you use a simple graphics tool, you see a bit of what Micrografx started.
Facts About Micrografx
Here are some cool tidbits: This company once helped write graphics code for IBM’s OS/2 system in the 1990s. Its Designer program was so good that technical illustrators swore by it. And despite being bought out, a small community still loves the old Micrografx software, keeping it alive on old PCs. These little details show how deep its influence ran.
The End of an Era and What We Learned
The company’s story ended in 2001 when Corel took over, but it’s not a sad ending. It’s a tale of innovation and grit. From a kitchen table to millions in sales, Micrografx proved that good ideas can go far. It taught us that tech doesn’t have to be complicated—sometimes, simple wins. Its tools shaped how we use graphics today, even if the name isn’t on the box anymore.
References
New York Times, “Sound Bytes” article, 1993
Wikipedia: Micrografx entry
IT History Society: Micrografx overview
CorelDRAW and PaintShop Pro websites