Matrix Maker
by Inclusive Technology
Adam
Last Update a month ago
Contents
- Overview
- Who's it for?
- Getting started
- Using Matrix Maker - common tasks
- Adjustments & options
- The IT Media Library
- Practical examples
- System requirements
- Downloads and documentation
- Troubleshooting
- Useful support articles
1. Overview
Matrix Maker is a powerful yet easy-to-use tool designed to help teachers, therapists, and parents create communication and learning materials quickly and effectively. It allows you to design and print symbolised resources such as communication boards, worksheets, vocabulary charts, flashcards, and labels - all tailored to individual learners.
Matrix Maker provides access to a wide range of symbols, images, and templates, allowing users to make high-quality, personalised resources that support communication, literacy, and learning.
You can create:
- Communication aid overlays
- Schedules and calendars
- Communication boards
- Pointing boards
- Flashcard sets
- Task sequencing charts
- Grids and labels
- Resources for games and worksheets
2. Who's it for?
Matrix Maker is useful for:
- Teachers and classroom staff
- Speech and language therapists
- Teaching assistants
- Parents and carers
- Anyone supporting learners who benefit from visual structure and symbols
It is suitable for SEND settings and for anyone who needs simple, reliable printed visuals.
3. Getting started
Be sure to install both Matrix Maker and the IT Media Library:
- Matrix Maker v1.5 (48MB) (includes free 2 week trial)
- IT Media Library v2 (125MB)
The IT Media Library includes over 26,000 symbols and images.
When you first open Matrix Maker, you’ll be presented with a selection of ready-made templates. These include grids for communication boards, symbol charts, labels, and flashcards.
Step 1: Start a new page
- Open Matrix Maker.
- Click New page on the opening screen.
- Choose a template (for example, 2x3 Grid or BIGmack).
Templates are grouped by type and layout.
Step 2: Add pictures
- At the top of the screen, open the Pictures toolbar.
- Click Media Library to use built-in symbols.
- Search for a picture using the search box, or open a folder.
- Click a picture, then click OK.
The picture will be placed into the currently selected cell.
Tip: The selected cell is shown with a red outline.
Step 3: Move and add more pictures
Drag pictures to move them between cells.
Click a blank cell before adding the next picture.
You can add pictures from:
The IT Media Library
Your computer
A USB stick or camera
The internet (JPG, GIF or PNG only)
Step 4: Print your page
- Click the Save + Print toolbar.
- Click Print.
- The standard Windows print window will open.
Important printing note:
Pages designed for communication aids print at a fixed scale. Other pages will scale to the paper size set in your printer.
Tip: If you’re creating resources for multiple learners, save your work as templates to speed up future projects.
4. Using Matrix Maker - common tasks
Use the Text toolbar to:
Add or edit text
Change text size
Grow or shrink text
Change text colour
Text is added within individual cells.
Using the Edit toolbar, you can:
Duplicate pictures
Rotate images
Flip images (up or sideways)
Tweak size and position
Delete selected items
You can:
Change cell background colour
Change page background colour
Use colour to highlight choices or categories
You can reuse pictures from an old page:
Create a new page with a different template.
Click Import matrix.mmx.
Select the old file.
Pictures will be copied into the new layout.
This is useful when changing grid size or layout.
5. Adjustments & options
- Zoom in and out for easier editing
- Select multiple cells at once
- Undo mistakes step-by-step
- Minimise or exit safely using the toolbar
6. The IT Media Library
The IT Media Library is a large, built-in collection of pictures and symbols that works with Matrix Maker. It includes the full Symbolstix collection, along with photos and illustrations that are ready to use in visual resources.
You can use the Media Library to add pictures quickly without needing to search online or manage your own image folders.
What the Media Library includes
The Media Library includes over 26,000 symbols, including:
- Symbolstix symbols (13,000+)
- Widgit symbols (11,000+)
- Inclusive Technology content (3,000+)
- Everyday objects and activities
- People, places and actions
- Categories such as food, clothing, transport and routines
Pictures are already sized and formatted to work well inside Matrix Maker cells.
- Open Matrix Maker.
- Go to the Pictures toolbar at the top of the screen.
- Click Media Library.
If the Media Library opens, you are ready to use it.
Finding pictures
There are two main ways to find pictures:
Search
- Type a word into the search box.
- Matching pictures appear as you type.
Tip: If nothing appears, try a simpler word (for example, try “eat” instead of “eating dinner”).
Browse folders
- Pictures may also appear grouped into folders.
- Double‑click a folder to see all pictures inside.
Adding a picture to your page
- Click the cell where you want the picture to go. The selected cell shows a red outline.
- Open the Media Library.
- Click the picture you want.
- Click OK.
The picture will be placed into the selected cell.
Using your own pictures with the Media Library
You can also add pictures from:
- Your computer
- A USB stick or camera
- A webcam
The IT Media Library includes a separate Manager program that lets you add and organise your own pictures so they appear inside Matrix Maker.
If Matrix maker can't find the Media Library
You may see a message saying “Cannot find IT Media Library”.
To fix this:
- Run Matrix Maker.
- On the title screen, click Options.
- Use Browse to navigate to the IT Media Library folder. This may be on your computer or a network server.
- Select the InclusiveLib folder and click OK.
Once linked, Matrix Maker should remember this location.
Helpful tips for SEND settings
Keep symbols consistent across resources
Use the same picture for the same meaning
Avoid mixing photo and symbol styles unless intentional
Print a small test page before printing large boards
7 Practical examples
- Create a communication board for a topic (e.g. animals).
- Build a daily schedule with picture symbols.
- Make a simple task sequence (e.g. “toilet routine”).
- Produce flashcards for matching and sorting activities.
- Design labels for trays, drawers, or learning stations.
8. System requirements
- Compatible with: Windows: 7 / 8 / 10 / 11
- Activation key delivered bty email
- An internet connection is required for activation
9. Downloads and documentation
10. Troubleshooting
If you wish to transfer your software licence to another computer, you will need to de-activate your licence on the original computer first:
- Double-click on the deactivate.exe file in C:\Inclusive\Matrix Maker
- Enter your activate-key and click “Deactivate”
You can now uninstall the software as normal and re-install it onto the new computer. Follow the instructions shown above to activate the software as normal.
If you uninstall Matrix Maker prior to de-activating the licence, send your activation key to [email protected] and request a key reset. One of our support technicians will be able to do this for you.
Remake licence required
- We will need to reset your activation key. Send the key to [email protected] and we will do it for you.
- Click Yes on the Remake Licence Required message.
- Open the activate.exe program in the installation folder (C:\Program Files (x86)\IT EyeGaze AL) and enter your newly reset activation key.
11. Useful support articles
If any part of this article was unclear, or you think there is something missing (extra steps, examples or images etc.), let us know and we'll update the article:
Support article feedback form