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Illustrator Xara X question


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SCync

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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:
 
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
 
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. :}
 
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]
 
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 :D

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