Any advice please ;) Adobe Illustrator v11 or Xara X ?????

[ashpurple]

I have not used either of the two software packages before. Each have good raves for professionalism but I am not sure which one I should start learning. Are they a muchness of the same thing with avid CorelDraw users swung to using Xara X ? Does one favour a particular style that the other does not have ? Would it be pointless in buying both packages if they are so much the same with regards to raw artwork creation. (I am a CorelDraw user who has just upgraded from v10 to v11). http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/wink.gif http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/confused.gif

[ashpurple]

I have not used either of the two software packages before. Each have good raves for professionalism but I am not sure which one I should start learning. Are they a muchness of the same thing with avid CorelDraw users swung to using Xara X ? Does one favour a particular style that the other does not have ? Would it be pointless in buying both packages if they are so much the same with regards to raw artwork creation. (I am a CorelDraw user who has just upgraded from v10 to v11). http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/wink.gif http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/confused.gif

[Christine Farrelly]

As an ex Coreldraw user (although I still keep up to date with it) I would go for XaraX it is much easier to learn than Illustrator (I have that also) Download the demo of XaraX and give it a whirl - you will be amazed how easy it is to use.

Christine

[gwpriester]

Hello Ashley

For what Xara X does, it is the best (in my humble opinion). Xara X is a splendid illustration and web graphics tool. No other application comes close to matching Xara X's capabilities.

In terms of desktop publishing, generating PDF files and exporting EPS files that printers and service bureaus love, Illustrator is better. And Illustrator integrates well with all the other Adobe products.

Illustrator is also the industry standard vector graphics application.

So if you want the best application for illustration and web graphics I strongly recommend Xara X. If you need a more rounded application that is more widely accepted, although does not have the powerful tools and unique intuitive user interface that Xara has, then it's Illustrator.

This help?

Gary

Gary Priester

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[Clements]

Xara's a far greater value and easier to learn.

HOWEVER, it depends upon what you want to USE it for. What do you intend to depict or design? Xara has limited vector export filters, but eps, ai., or cmx should cover many needs.

What I would do is go to www.xaraxone.com and download or look at as many of Gary Priester's tutorials as you can to get an idea of the practicality of Xara. Also, visit the featured artist area for what talented artist can do with program.

If I was you (assuming you had the same needs as I) I would get Xara. By the way, Corel 7, I believe, "borrowed" the design of some of the interactive tool interfaces from CorelXara so Xara should be easy for you to pick up and use. You can trade the vector shapes easily between Draw and Xara via the CMX format.

[ashpurple]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Christine Farrelly:
As an ex Coreldraw user (although I still keep up to date with it) I would go for XaraX it is much easier to learn than Illustrator (I have that also) Download the demo of XaraX and give it a whirl - you will be amazed how easy it is to use.

Christine<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thank you Christine, I will take your advice and Order Xara X. I want to try and keep in step with the professional software. It is tempting to run before one can walk with so many good packages out there. One other question that comes to mind: "Is Xara X user friendly with Flash MX ?" I have started to read into Flash and it does like Illustrator, however even with that, it prefers an older version. v6 or v7 I believe.
http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[gwpriester]

Xara can export SWF files which can be opened in Flash.

Here are two tutorials for working with Flash and Xara February 2001 Xara Xone and March 2001 Xara Xone tutorial

These tutorials should answer you question.

Gary

Gary Priester

Moderator Person


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[ashpurple]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by John S. Clements:
Xara's a far greater value and easier to learn.

HOWEVER, it depends upon what you want to USE it for. What do you intend to depict or design? Xara has limited vector export filters, but eps, ai., or cmx should cover many needs.

What I would do is go to http://www.xaraxone.com and download or look at as many of Gary Priester's tutorials as you can to get an idea of the practicality of Xara. Also, visit the featured artist area for what talented artist can do with program.

If I was you (assuming you had the same needs as I) I would get Xara. By the way, Corel 7, I believe, "borrowed" the design of some of the interactive tool interfaces from CorelXara so Xara should be easy for you to pick up and use. You can trade the vector shapes easily between Draw and Xara via the CMX format.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

My main area is the CorelDraw which suits my needs, however, I need to branch more into Multimedia and eventually Web Design. There is a need to start this road off by learning Flash, not only for general interest but for a niche within a department at work I am trying to enevtually transfer to in the future.

I will take your advice and was most in awe with Gary Priester's web-site and Links to which he is someone to look up to.

Thank you

Ashley
http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[ashpurple]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by gwpriester:
Xara can export SWF files which can be opened in Flash.

Here are two tutorials for working with Flash and Xara http://www.xaraxone.com/tutorials/feb01/index.htm and http://www.xaraxone.com/tutorials/mar01/index.htm

These tutorials should answer you question.

Gary

_Gary Priester_

Moderator Person


http://www.graphics.com/toplist/in.php?id=gwpriest

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<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I am in AWE. I now have something to get my teeth into and look forward to starting the tutorials and obtaining Xara X. I am most impressed with you web-site and help! Thank you - Ashley

[gwpriester]

Ashely

I did not really address CorelDRAW as your question was between Xara and Illustrator.

Much of Corel's interactive on-screen controls and transparency, and Property bar were directly "inspired" by Xara. Corel even licensed Xara for a while until it became apparent that this was just a move to stall the success of Xara.

If you have used CorelDRAW then you will find Xara familar, although I think you will find Xara much more responsive and more fun to work with.

Gary

Gary Priester

Moderator Person


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