Export formats - request and problems

[Nuno]

Hello!

I love Xara Xtreme. I always designed in Paint Shop Pro, but this is way, way better. The only problem is that my clients always ask for a PSD file!!!
I know the LX version has already something, and I hope to see layered PSD export in Xtreme soon.

Until then, I thought of exporting as an .ai, but I get this error
"Internal program error 7139.k.rn.gn"

Until then my only option is exporting it as a TIF, RAS or something, opening it in Paint Shop Pro, and saving it as a PSD, but of course, no layers, so my clients will complain...

Xtreme is so good, and the only thing that could be better are the exporting formats.

[remi]

You're right: PSD export is important.

But if you own Adobe Illustrator, then export the drawing as PDF (choose the right PDF export options to receive good quality). The PDF export saves all your layers and Adobe Illustrator is able to export to PSD with layers.

Regards,
Remi

[Big Frank]

If I were you (and I appreciate that you might not have such a free and easy relationship with your clients) I would say to my clients "I cannot create the designs you like in Photoshop because Photoshop is too limited - I create them in a specialist application called Xara Xtreme and if you insist on having the original file instead of a raster or bitmap export then I will supply you with a copy of Xara Xtreme". Buy them a copy of Xtreme and bill them direct or, if that would be politically incorrect, absorb the cost into one of your bills.

For what it's worth, I know everybody works in different ways, but I have never sent any of my clients an original layered PSD file. I retain the intellectual copyright of all artwork I produce, whether for web or print, and I secure that copyright to a large extent by having the original layered file. I had a client 'demand' the Photoshop file once and I said "sure I can transfer the file and the intellectual copyright over to you but that will cost you ten times the price of the finished article". Unsurprisingly they stopped demanding after that.

But I know every situation is different.

[Nuno]

Hello!

As to importing PDF in Illustrator, I'm going to try it!! Thank you!!

As to recommending Xara, that is what I've done until now.
I say that it's much better, and vectorial! But they don't care and complain.
"I need the PSD version". What can I say?
And all rights are given to them, this is in the agreement, so they really want the separated layers.

Of course they don't want to buy a program, or keep downloading trial versions, just to alter the logo once in a while. I could even earn something with the affiliate program, but they don't want.

If they knew how good Xtreme is
To be honest, I never like Photoshop, and I've tested almost all versions.
But you know how the industry works. If you don't give what they want, you loose the job.

[gwpriester]

Xara Extreme can export a Photoshop PSD file.

But I agree with Frank. You are the designer. A CMYK TIFF file at a dpi resolution determined by the printing company should be sufficient. Or if you have mostly vector objects such as text and vector graphics, then a PDF file is even better because it is device dependent. This means that if your PDF does not contain photographs, the printing comany can scale the image up or down as small or as big as he or she wants and the objects will be sharp and crisp. Even for a postage stamp or a billboard.

The only reason a client would need a PSD file is if she or he intends to edit your work. And this is only of use to him or her if you put all of your design elements on separate layers (which Xtreme cannot do at this time--maybe in the next version???).

So you should be the one to determine what is the most appropriate file format to submit your work and not your clients. But, you should be able to explain to your clients why the file format you are giving them is best. Clients have notions. And they are not always right. (Especially as we get older )

Gary

[Nuno]

I could do that if those clients contacted me, but if you work for hire, in eLance for example, and the project says we must deliver the PSD file, we can't argue with that We just have to accept or refuse the proposal.
So I have no choice for those jobs... or I give them what they asked, or I don't get the project.

Xara Extreme can export a Photoshop PSD file

How? Any other way besides those discussed?

Thank you!!!

[AntonyF]

How? Any other way besides those discussed?

I think Gahry is getting confused. You can't export as PSD in Xtreme.

[Nuno]

Thank you for your replies. I'll be anxious for news about this. For now I'm gonna install Lx and see what I can do

[Fred C]

Hi Nuno,

Here is an option if you have Photoshop: Export your multiple layers as .png files from Xtreme. You can then open all the resultant png's in Photoshop and manually create a composite or layered .psd file.

[Nuno]

Hello Fred!

Hum, that is another idea. I'll sure try it! Many, many thanks!!