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$39

ComplxMinds Xara X1 Software Review

As with all our reviews, we always go step by step in showing you just how easy or hard it is to use a program. And as such, the below images are not promotional graphics by the company but are in fact part of a project created by ComplxMinds throughout the process of this review in order to show you the capabilities of the program.

Let us begin with the general layout of the Xara X. Shown left is a screenshot of the program before any preference editing or creating of any graphics. As you can see, the concept design is pretty simple and you would not expect Xara's program to have very many capabilities and functions. I'm about to prove you wrong. Upon reviewing the program, I found that Xara X has just about as many functions as Adobe Photoshop or Corel Draw.

The navigation bar (hyperlinked image) contains a series of commands to enhance your graphics. Ranging from animations to layering, this bar is quite extensive and does require time for introductions. Upon purchasing the Xara software, I recommend getting to know each of these commands quite extensively to ensure you fully understand all the possibilities Xara X has to offer.

Now the graphics bar, I am certain that you will immediately begin looking at so I don't need to tell you to get to know this bar. However, I would like to point out a quick review of the features found in this simple-looking menu bar because it really isn't as "simple" as it appears. Hidden beneath the icons is a series of 1s and 0s (software) that is going to blow your mind. I guess the easiest way to show you this is by going through a quick series of commands. What I would like to point out is the fact that all manipulations done in Xara is real-time processing. This means that as you drag the arrow for directional shadowing, etc. the shadow moves while you watch. This allows for accurate display of exactly what you want and eleviating any question to the outcome.

Let's start by using the "vector shape" command. The vector tool is a nice function that allows for drawing as you would with a pencil except it allows for more accurate smooth line display and editing processes. Using the vector commands, upon initial entry, you can then go back and edit the location and angles of the vector as seen to the right with my bear. The series of dots are points of manipulation. By changing the angles, etc. of the dots allows for smoother curves, etc. Plus the program also allows for adding points in a line for more detailing.

I'm not going to go through every command in Xara, but want to only highlight some of the features of the program. Items like the "zoom" command do not need to be described since I wouldn't want to insult your intelligence. I'm almost certain that you would be able to figure out the "zoom" command without my assistance.

Shown to the left is a quick view of the bevel tool. As I mentioned previously, all Xara commands are shown in real-time and as such you can see via the arrows that as I move my direction or bevel size, the software will accurately display my preferences. This is a wonderful feature by Xara and it does not require much processing requirements on your computer. As a matter of fact, the entire program is a huge memory saver for your computer. Saving your graphic files alone is quite significant in Xara. Xara has a compression rate like no other program I have ever reviewed. By saving a graphic in Xara format, the file size is close to 1/4 the file size that you would in Adobe or Corel.

OK, let's jump ahead a little ways because I don't want to bore you with the details of creating this simple image of my bear, as cute as he may be... Some other features in Xara are their fill and shadow tools. Again in real-time processing, Xara's fill tools work the same way. By using the contour tool, I created a smoothing process for the "cheeks". By feathering any object or graphic in Xara allows for excellent blending functions between to seperate images. You can really see this by viewing Xara's movies that are included in the CD.

So you can see how easy using Xara's graphic program, the image to the right shows you just how easy it is to texture your images with the hundreds of textures that comes with Xara. By creating a simple rectangle with a rounded bevel, I used Xara's texture capability to create some foreground and background for my bear. Texturing is so simple in Xara because all you have to do is mouse-drag the texture to your vector object. That's how easy it is and anybody can do it.

So based off what you have seen so far, Xara X is definately a program worth looking into. It has all the capability of most graphic programs, is only a small percentage of the cost, and is so easy to use without the need of 500-page tutorials / manuals. PLUS it saves your files in 1/4 the size that you would see in most other graphic programs. This program is definately holding up to it's name and brings a new light to CG artists everywhere. AND FOR ONLY $39!! Wow! Buy now, I recommend it.