Building iAds with Apple’s iAd Producer

Apple has introduced a new software tool for developers within marketing contexts: iAd Producer. It enables anyone to create iAd banners without any coding experience. The tool is available to members of the iOS developer program.

iAd Producer makes it easy for you to design and assemble high-impact, interactive content for iAd. iAd Producer automatically manages the HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript behind your iAd to make creating beautiful, motion-rich iAd content as easy as point and click.

For advanced developers, iAd Producer offers sophisticated JavaScript editing and debugging, along with a powerful extension mechanism that enables them to create and re-use their own page templates and components.

Source: “Introducing iAd Producer” Apple

It’s really easy to create simple iAds with this tool. Most parts of the production can be completed with just drag and drop and minimal additional configuration. The tool comes with a nice user interface and a good visual representation of the iAd’s walkthrough.

You can easily add iPhone apps from the iTunes store for purchase in the iAd. All you need to do is insert the application id from the store. iAd Producer inserts the icon, description and screenshots on its own. Of course you can add any other iTunes store content as well, but I guess this is a nice way to promote your apps.

It just takes a few minutes and you can see your iAd live on your iPhone. You need the iOS SDK installed on your Mac to preview the app on the iPhone simulator or you can preview the iAd in any web browser since it is based on HTML5. Although I really appreciate this tool. Everything looks nice, comes with smooth animations and works as advertised. However, I must admit it looks nothing like a real cool iAd out of the box. For some supreme quality iAd you still have to do things manually in code after all. Luckily, within in iAd Producer you can.

This tool really is a great start. I can’t wait to see iAds in action in Germany. According to Apple’s announcement, iAd is coming to Germany in January 2011 with some major brands signed already. If you want to be ready, try out iAd Producer for yourself.