Difference between revisions of "Xara X"
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* color swatches and current color widget | * color swatches and current color widget | ||
* dragging curve in node edit, new node in arbitrary place | * dragging curve in node edit, new node in arbitrary place | ||
* can node-edit more than one path at a time | |||
* brushes along path (path remains editable), can be used for object scattering with randomization | * brushes along path (path remains editable), can be used for object scattering with randomization | ||
* dynamic drop shadows | * dynamic drop shadows | ||
Revision as of 21:40, 4 February 2005
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
- spirals
- 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
- can node-edit more than one path at a time
- 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