Xara X

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, using Names gallery]
• 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)
• box per-object selection hints
• 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)

• more input and output formats

Screenshots

Screenshots on the Xara site

Links

official site

community site