IMSI ships new graphics converter; Powerful image management utility converts, compresses and catalogs over 65 file formats.

SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 19, 1997--IMSI (NASDAQ:IMSI), a leading developer and publisher of premium productivity software for the business and home markets, announced today plans to ship Graphics Converter on May 27, 1997 at an estimated street price of $49.95.

Graphics Converter provides quick and simple tools to convert, compress, and modify files in over 65 formats including vector and raster graphics, video, sound, Internet, fax and animation. Graphics Converter also catalogs up to 32,000 files within easily accessible, thumbnail referenced libraries. In addition, Graphics Converter is OLE compatible allowing users to drag and drop graphical files into leading publishing, graphics and word processing applications.

"With the rise in Internet usage, graphic and multimedia content is being distributed at a record rate," said Martin Sacks, president and CEO. This increased use of electronic art has created a demand for tools to manage and modify graphic files. Graphics Converter is the perfect solution for all of these image management needs."

Easily Convert File Formats

Graphics Converter supports leading industry standard file formats including: CorelDraw (.CDR) files, Microsoft Video for Windows (.AVI) files, Quicktime Video (.MOV) files, Autodesk animation (.FLI/FLC) files, and sound files (.WAV, MID, VOC). In addition, Graphics Converter can convert a wide range of other commonly used graphic file formats including the following:

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Raster: 301, ATT, CAL, CLP, FAX, IMG, GIF, CUT, ICA, IFF, JPG, PCD,
        KFX, LV, PIC, MAC, PCT, MSP, DCX, PCX, PSD, RAS, TGA, TIF,
        BMP, WPG, XBM, XPM, XWD, ICO, WMF, RLE, GX2.

Vector: CGM, CDR, DRW, DS4, DXF, EPS, PLT, HGL, AI, PIC, MET, WMF,
        WPG, GEM.

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Graphics Converter offers the flexibility to convert files independently or in batches to save time.

Safely Compress Files to Save Time and Disk Space

Graphics Converter conveniently defaults to a compression method, which saves files for quick retrieval. For greater flexibility, a user also has the option to select from a variety of compression methods based on the graphics or content they need to store. These options give the user control to compress files, whether their need is to save electronic transmission time or conserve disk space, while ensuring clean image quality.

Quickly Catalog and Search Graphic Libraries

One of Graphics Converter's primary features is its ability to catalog images into a structure of main libraries and sub-libraries. This sorting allows the user to organize their multimedia files into a hierarchy based upon subject matter. A user can also customize the libraries by adding icons to characterize the contents and description notes about the sub-libraries. Up to 32,000 objects can be managed in Graphics Converter.

The number of media libraries a user can have is limited only by the amount of hard-drive space available. Within the libraries a thumbnail provides an instant view and access to images, along with keywords for easy searches and the file's compression method. A thumbnail image can represent a single image or represent multiple images. Users can modify, export or convert images directly from the thumbnail image.

Easily Modify Any Electronic Art

Graphics Converter provides bitmapped image editing tools including, Crop, Rotate, Resize, Zoom, Flip, Invert, Contrast, Brightness, Gamma Correction, and Inversion. Bitmapped imaging techniques are also included with edge detection, dilation, sharpening, and smoothing.

Graphics Converter also contains a screen capture utility that provides simple features for capturing a window, client area or an entire Windows screen.

Graphics Converter comes complete with a vector-based drawing and illustration program that allows the user to customize images to meet their specifications. A user can design an image then change color, size, positioning, and more.

"Graphics Converter provides powerful media management and modification tools for electronic art users," said Rob Halligan, vice president of marketing. "Whether you are a graphic artist, Web publisher or an office manager, Graphics Converter will provide an easy way to meet your image management and modification needs."

Graphics Converter is the newest addition to the best selling Master line of desktop publishing tools and electronic art. Founded in 1983, IMSI is a leader in developing and publishing of premium productivity software for business and home.

The company offers a range of high quality, affordably priced products including TurboCAD(R), MasterClips(R) Premium Image Collections, FloorPlan(R) 3D Deluxe, and FormTool(R). IMSI is headquartered in San Rafael, Calif., with wholly owned subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia and South Africa.

For more information, contact Laura Bourgeois at IMSI, 1895 Francisco Boulevard East, San Rafael, CA 94901-5506. Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail] or visit IMSI's Web Site at www.imsisoft.com . -0-

Note to Editors: TurboCAD, MasterClips, FloorPlan 3D Deluxe and FormTool are registered trademarks of International Microcomputer Software Inc. Other products and companies mentioned herein are used for identification purposes only and may or may not be trademarks of their representative companies.

CONTACT: IMSI

Laura Bourgeois

415/257-3000

[e-mail]