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)
• tile tracing
• unclumping
• baseline snapping, alignment, distribution
• Find dialog
• 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)

Screenshots

Screenshots on the Xara site

Links

official site

community site