21 March 2007

The first step in distributing your software is to create a PAD file.  PAD is the Portable Application Description, and it helps authors provide product descriptions and specifications to online sources in a standard way, using a standard data format that will allow webmasters and program librarians to automate program listings. PAD saves time for both authors and webmasters.

There are heaps of free PAD file generators including PADGen by the Assosication of Shareware Professionals (this is the one we use).  Make sure you have the latest version (v3) released in February 2007.

Below is a description of some of tips to creating a PAD file that the shareware sites will accept.  There is more detailed information about each PAD file field at the ASP site.

Company Info <Company_Info>

These fields contain all of the information about your company.  Some authors (for whatever reason) may wish to omit this information.  It is fine if you wish to remain anonymous, but it is best to include information in every field, even if it is made up.  This will ensure your PAD file is not rejected by any shareware sites.

Don't forget to double check the company URL.

Contact Info <Contact_Info>

The author contact details is for the author of the software. Contact details are for the name of the person who should be contacted regarding this software. These can be the same.

IMPORTANT: Most shareware sites will use the contact information to send you emails regarding your submission so make sure this field is correct!

Support Info <Support_Info>

This is for contact emails and phone numbers.  If you don't have a separate email or phone for each of these it is OK to enter the same one.  Again, it is best not to leave any fields blank so if you don't want to include your phone number, just include some random numbers.

Be sure to include a country and area code in the phone number field and enter numbers only.  For example, an Australian phone number with +61 (country code) 07 (area code) and 34589625 (phone number) should be entered as 61734589625 into the PAD phone number field.  The numbers that you would type to dial directly to that number from overseas.  Shareware sites are global so don't assume your phone number does not need a country code.

Program Info <Program_Info>

This is for all of the information about your program.  A few things to be careful of here:

• Don't include a 'v' in the version number field.

• Ensure the day field and month field are two digits long and the year field is 4 digits.

• Don't put a '$' in the US$ field

• If your program has any limitations (e.g. a nag screen) put this information in the <Expire_Other_Info /> field.  Don't make this field too long.  Most shareware sites have a 50 character limit on this field.

• System requirements (e.g. 16Mb Ram) should be included in the  <Program_System_Requirements> field.  Don't make this field too long.  Most shareware sites have a 50 character limit on this field.

Program Descriptions <Program_Descriptions>

Enter your program descriptions here.  You can also enter descriptions in other languages if applicable. 

Make sure your descriptions are not longer than the character limit.  If you are using PADGen, it will automatically impose the limit.  If you are just using a text editor, be very careful.  Many sites will simply reject your PAD file if they find you have violated these (or any other) fields.

Spend some time on your description.  Some sites want a short description and a long description.  Don’t make the long description too long, people will generally only read the first sentence as they are looking through.  This first sentence has to give them enough information to make them want to read more.  A catchy description will mean more interest and more downloads.  Also avoid terms that grossly over promote your program.  This looks unprofessional.

Web Info <Web_Info>

This is for all of the URLs.  A few things to note here...

• Make sure your icon and screenshot images are jpg or gif (most shareware sites accept only these types of format)

• Your icon should be a 32x32 jpg or gif

• Your download URL should point directly to a zip or exe file.

Last but not least

And finally.....check, check, check all the information you are submitting is correct.  Make sure there are no spelling mistakes and that all the URL’s work correctly.  Also, try to get somebody else to check it (it is easy to miss your own mistakes).  Program reviewers are not going to contact you to find out what the correct URL is.  They are just not going to review your program. These people are VERY busy.

Want us to help you create a PAD file? Contact us - we are happy to help.