Difference between revisions of "Xara X"
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= Inkscape advantages = | = Inkscape advantages = | ||
* Free | === fundamental === | ||
* Free | |||
* multiplatform | |||
* open, text-based, XML-based standardized format | * open, text-based, XML-based standardized format | ||
* scriptable (almost), extendable | * scriptable (almost), extendable | ||
=== features === | |||
* live XML tree editor | * live XML tree editor | ||
* live clones, clone tiler (can be used for two-dimensional object scattering with randomization) | * live clones, clone tiler (can be used for two-dimensional object scattering with randomization) | ||
* export and conversion from command line, including batch export [Xara has batch export via GUI only] | * export and conversion from command line, including batch export [Xara has batch export via GUI only] | ||
* group transparency (master transparency on groups) | * group transparency (master transparency on groups) | ||
* hierarchical layers, enter group | * hierarchical layers, enter group | ||
* pattern fills from arbitrary objects | * pattern fills from arbitrary objects | ||
* transform/not transform switch for patterns and gradients | * transform/not transform switch for patterns and gradients | ||
* switch to preserve rounded rect corners | * switch to preserve rounded rect corners | ||
* different star rounding | * different star rounding | ||
* randomized stars | * randomized stars | ||
* easy segment and arc from ellipse | * easy segment and arc from ellipse | ||
* multistage gradients [Xara only has limited "rainbow" options] | * multistage gradients [Xara only has limited "rainbow" options] | ||
* the ability to combine color and transparency in a gradient | * the ability to combine color and transparency in a gradient | ||
* linked offsets and text-on-path remain freely transformable | * linked offsets and text-on-path remain freely transformable | ||
* speed-sensitive and direction-sensitive calligraphy pen | * speed-sensitive and direction-sensitive calligraphy pen | ||
* flowing text into arbitrary shapes, chaining, exclusion (just need UI for this) | * flowing text into arbitrary shapes, chaining, exclusion (just need UI for this) | ||
=== convenience === | |||
* keys for scrolling (with acceleration) | |||
* keys for scaling and rotating (including pixel-size) | |||
* keys for letterspacing, linespacing, kerning in text (including pixel-size) | |||
* history of zooms | |||
* zooming by single key (+/-, without ctrl) | |||
* cursor changes over selectable objects | |||
* more convenient per-object export hints [Xara has them via the Names gallery, but it's cumbersome] | |||
= Xara advantages = | = Xara advantages = | ||
Revision as of 15:24, 29 December 2004
Please post links to screenshots and/or insights of this vector app. We must learn from others.
Inkscape advantages
fundamental
- Free
- multiplatform
- open, text-based, XML-based standardized format
- scriptable (almost), extendable
features
- live XML tree editor
- live clones, clone tiler (can be used for two-dimensional object scattering with randomization)
- export and conversion from command line, including batch export [Xara has batch export via GUI only]
- group transparency (master transparency on groups)
- hierarchical layers, enter group
- pattern fills from arbitrary objects
- transform/not transform switch for patterns and gradients
- switch to preserve rounded rect corners
- different star rounding
- randomized stars
- easy segment and arc from ellipse
- multistage gradients [Xara only has limited "rainbow" options]
- the ability to combine color and transparency in a gradient
- linked offsets and text-on-path remain freely transformable
- speed-sensitive and direction-sensitive calligraphy pen
- flowing text into arbitrary shapes, chaining, exclusion (just need UI for this)
convenience
- keys for scrolling (with acceleration)
- keys for scaling and rotating (including pixel-size)
- keys for letterspacing, linespacing, kerning in text (including pixel-size)
- history of zooms
- zooming by single key (+/-, without ctrl)
- cursor changes over selectable objects
- more convenient per-object export hints [Xara has them via the Names gallery, but it's cumbersome]
Xara advantages
- faster renderer
- rich text [we just need UI for this]
- blends
- envelopes (including perspective)
- linked colors
- color swatches and current color widget
- dragging curve in node edit, new node in arbitrary place
- brushes along path (path remains editable), can be used for object scattering with randomization
- dynamic drop shadows
- on-canvas gradient editing
- more gradient types (conic, 4-point etc) [SVG limitation!]
- bevel tool, "nav bar" tool for buttons
- the ability to separate color gradient and transparency gradient [to be implemented via SVG masks]
- gradient profiles [SVG limitation, can be clumsily approximated by multistage gradients]
- different star rounding
- fractal fill (only two preset types)