Xara X

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Revision as of 20:12, 29 December 2004 by Buliabyak (talk | contribs)
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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