Bitmap manipulation

[BillHely]

Time is the great enemy, John.

When I first got Xara-X I quickly ran through all the movies and though "Wow, this is great. I gotta practice this stuff".

But it seems one project leads into another ad infinitum. Right now I'm finishing up a major eBook on PC and Internet security, but the Next-To-Do list is still very long.

I keep telling myself that I should find a local Xara-X or Photoshop expert and pay to have some intensive tuition over several consecutive days. I have no patience for those 2-hours-a-week night classes that every school seems to run.

I own Photoshop also, but know even less about it.

Somehow I just seem to get by editing images and screen shots for my book --- mainly in <blush> Image Composer </blush>.

Ah well ... one day.

[raynerj]

Hi Bill,

A great source of info is Gary's xaraxone. You can learn alot there just from reading the pictures.

If you could take the time to practice, you could draw some really good stuff.

Or... you could take the same amount of time playing with photoshop, and make a passable square... http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

http://www.draginet.com/dragon.gif
John/DOT

[BillHely]

Thanks John.

Point taken re Photoshop!

- BH

[raynerj]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Bill.Hely:
Thanks John.

Point taken re Photoshop!

- BH<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hope you liked it Bill.

There is never enough humor in the world... So, in my twisted, sick and perverted way, I try to bring a little more into the world each day...

Sounds a little preachy doesn't it? http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

stay tuned for my next sermon... http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif

How bitmaps can corrupt your soul... http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/eek.gif

http://www.draginet.com/dragon.gif
John/DOT

[BillHely]

Since the subject of Xara-X vs Photoshop has come up, I wonder if I can get the opinions of you experts on something related.

Another Australian guy has a website where he posts short video tutorials on various diverse topics. I've just had a look through this series of videos.

Probably the most daunting thing about Photoshop for the beginner is the vast range of tools - learning where they are and what each iconic representation stands for.

Would Xara-X handle the task demonstrated in those movies for just as good a result but in an easier way?

TIA
- Bill Hely

[OklaEd]

Congratulations Bill ... you just asked the $64,000 question that's either going to be passed over by the majority ... or spark a thread that may set records in the annals of TalkGraphics.

Certainly, the banner which is the topic of the tutorials you referred to can be created (and created well) in XaraX. That being said ... I will dispense with the normal rhetoric and fast forward to the meat of my answer.

What is it that YOU Bill want to accomplish with a graphics program? THAT is the question. If the artwork which you have witnessed on this forum emulates that which you would like to accomplish yourself ... then by all means XaraX is your tool of choice. If there are graphical representations which you have not found displayed in the pages of this forum ... yet simply MUST have the ability to re-create ... then perhaps your quest for the "holy grail" lies elsewhere.

In the hands of an "expert" (a term I don't care to use) or seasoned user Photoshop can produce awe inspiring effects. The same can be said for Illustrator, Canvas, CorelDRAW, Photopaint, Photoimpact, XaraX, and a host of other programs.

If bitmap manipulation is your main thrust and represents 75-80% of your artwork then perhaps a bitmap program (Photoshop, Photopaint, Photoimpact) is what you need. XaraX is a vector drawing program. Correct me if I am wrong Charles (or any other Xara designer/programmer) ... but I do not believe Xara was created with the sole purpose of competing with bitmap manipulation programs. One of the unique features of XaraX is it's variety and quality of bitmap manipulation tools which generally are not found (or well implemented) in vector drawing programs.

For ME ... XaraX offers just the right amount of quality bitmap manipulation tools, coupled with a well designed array of vector drawing tools which allows ME the ability to create 90% of the effects which I want to create within the confines of one program. It isn't perfect, nor is it ever likely to be. The "holy grail" of graphics doesn't exist ... and if it DID it wouldn't be long before someone wanted something NEW that it couldn't do.

In closing (I can hear the applause now) I would like to add that most of us "enthusiasts" and certainly all of the "seasoned veterans" which you see in this forum have a variety of programs they use on a regular basis to accomplish their style of expressive graphics. The fact that so many have gathered here to share this one (when so many others compete for their time) speaks volumes for the program and the folks who give us this space to express ourselves.

I hope this ostentatious verbiage has in some way answered your question.

Best regards,

-Ed.

[raynerj]

Hi Bill,

Without watching the videos I would say a resounding YES! The only area photoshop beats out xara x is in 4 color printing. Not because it is any better but because xara does not run on a mac and most printers prefer macs...

The gripes and complants you see in this forum are us venting our frustration at not being able to get connected directly to the printer. WE have to translate our artwork into something the measely mac can do.

http://www.draginet.com/dragon.gif
John/DOT