Difference between revisions of "Xara X"
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* 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/polygon rounding (both Xara's and Inkscape's approaches have their advantages) | ||
* randomized stars | * randomized stars | ||
* spirals | * spirals | ||
| Line 58: | Line 58: | ||
* the ability to separate color gradient and transparency gradient [to be implemented via SVG masks] | * 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] | * gradient profiles [SVG limitation, can be clumsily approximated by multistage gradients] | ||
* different star rounding | * different star/polygon rounding (both Xara's and Inkscape's approaches have their advantages) | ||
* fractal fill (only two preset types) | * fractal fill (only two preset types) | ||
* more input and output formats (not including SVG though) | * more input and output formats (not including SVG though) | ||
Revision as of 18:01, 19 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/polygon rounding (both Xara's and Inkscape's approaches have their advantages)
- 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 scaling and rotating (including pixel-size) of nodes
- keys for letterspacing, linespacing, kerning in text (including pixel-size)
- nodes can be moved along straight line fragments of Bezier controls
- gradient handles can merge and unmerge
- 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
- color blending modes (lighten, darken etc)
- 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
- 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/polygon rounding (both Xara's and Inkscape's approaches have their advantages)
- fractal fill (only two preset types)
- more input and output formats (not including SVG though)