Objects with "soft" edges

[chrisl]

Hello,

We are evaluating Xara X1. We often have the need to create a circle or rectangle that has very “soft� edges, meaning that the boundaries of the object has no real definition. This is not transparency, but basically the object fading through the color gently dispersing into nothing.

We can’t find a way to do this with your software. Can you help..

Sorry if this is a double post, but can't find our original message..!!!

Thank you,

Chris

[John Rayner]

Well my picture test didn't work... so... see the next post.

[John Rayner]

Hello ChrisL,

Welcome to Talkgraphics! Without having pictures to talk about this might be a little harder. When you create an object you can "feather" the edges up to 50 pixels worth of feathering. There are two slider on the top tool bars. one slider adjusts the view quality. You want to play with the other... http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[chrisl]

John,

Thank you, that is just what I needed, works like a charm...

Chris

[tremendous]

could be more obvious as to its function, no?

[gwpriester]

could be more obvious as to its function, no?

Yes. I have long felt that they "Determine size of feather region" slider was too obscure and can easily be confused with the View Quality slider.

Another way to accomplish what you are asking for is to create two circles with the same filll applied to both. Make one circle larger and set the transparency to 0. Then create a blend of the two circles. Add a Position Profile, Profile 1 preset to the blend.

I guess we have once again lost the ability to post images (temporary) so you will just have to try it. If the image displays, you will see the same soft edge as you get with the Feathering slider.

Gary

[gwpriester]

Here is another method. You will need to visulize the results as we do not seem to be able to post images (temporary?)

Create two circles, one larger by about 1/4".

Apply the same fill to both cicles.

Apply a 100% transparency to the larger circle.

Create a 20-50-step Blend of the two circles.

Apply a Position Profile, Profile 1 preset to the blend.

Gary