jaclyn

Just want to preface by saying that I've asked this on another forum, so if it looks redundant, it is!

So here goes:

I bought Xara X about a year ago, and never really got to using it. Recentlty, I started playing with it and discoverd that it is an amazingly versatile vector program. A nice complement to Illustrator, and handy to have in the tool box.

I went to their site and downloaded a few custom brushes and fills. But I'll be damned if I can figure out how to install them. I've been through the owners documentation, and although it covers the topic, it gets me nowhere, ditto for the on-line FAQ's.

The files come in as XAR files, but when I try to install in the Fill Gallery, the prog is expecting raster files (jpg, gif, etc.)

There doesn't seem to much of a community concerned with this product, thus I turn to the all-knowing Photoshop sages. I've scoped Mark's work, and maybe he can offer a wee bit, as he's used this for a couple of renderings.

If anyone is familiar with this program, I'd appreciate a hand. [righton]

John1

I guess you didn't check http://talkgraphics.com ? (section "Xara software", forum "Xara X/X1")

Serious, if they can't answer your Xara X question, nobody else can

Blinky2004

It comes in Xar format because you're expected to open that file and save the contents in your main library. The Xar file(s) you have are just a 'container' of sorts.


Within the XaraX folder is a Templates folder. Within that is a Brushes folder. You can dump the brush xar file there and it will be inserted into the main brush palette within the program. That's another option.


Hope that helps. :B

jaclyn

Mark, thanks big. You saved my hair from ending up on the floor. Figured if anyone would know, it'd be you. [righton]

John, appreciate the link. Lots of good stuff over there. :}

jaclyn

Ya, ya, I'm still intrigued with this Xara deal!

Gotta tell you, I'm more than a little embarassed that I didn't explore the online help a little more to find out that there is in fact an active little beehive community, that thrives on this product. And does Gary Priester know his licks, or what. :}

Anyway, going back to Mark's work, the Wishing Fountain piece. If I can call on you to dredge up the know how, on how you accomplished the water, and waterfall effect. So sharp! Hey I know it goes gack a piece!

Also, Xara recently sent me an "offer" to upgrade to X1. Is there enough in it to flip the 40 bones?

For all I know, you may have kissed this off, miles away. If so, just give me a little Gordie Howe "welcome to the league". [honesty]

Blinky2004

Nope, no kissing off being done where XaraX is concerned.

The water texture is very simple, but being as the method is one i'd use for a raster app, it's not something most vector folks would think of to do. B7

If i recall correctly, i filled a rectangle with a water texture, then squished the rectangle in width. This created the thin streams of water. I then applied a fractal clouds gradient to the rectangle. and then, i duplicated the rectangle several times and shifted the duplictaes around a little to create a more random/fuller looking effect.

Hope that helps. [righton]

And yes, it's definately worth the 40 clams to upgrade. There are several very cool new features added, and overall the app is stronger/faster than before. Go for it. :B

PS: to see the exact list of featurs/updates, checkout the XaraX1 thread over at the XaraX forum.

jaclyn

Thanks again, Mark. Neat technique, works really well for ice patterns too. [righton]