New and know nothing

[mightyfun]

I am trying out the Xara Xtreme as a free trial while I decide what program would work best for me.

I have a couple problems (which are user, not program based, I'm sure).

1. I understand about importing jpeg drawings and adding another layer to "trace" over them for design purposes. My problem lies in that my "tracing" has too much of an auto correction. I can't get any sharp angles that don't turn into a soft curve. I also want some imperfections in my lines. It doesn't work for me to have all perfectly smooth lines. How do I correct these issues?

2. When rounding objects can I make it so they are not so glossy looking?

Much thanks for any help.

New and frustrated,

Mightyfun

[Odat]

When you're using the Pen tool to "Trace", you can use the freehand smoothing slider to control how smooth your curve is (see attached picture). The closer to 100% the slider is, the "smoother" the curve is, and the closer to 0% it is, the more "rough" the curve is.

Once you've drawn the line, but before you switch to a different tool or start drawing another line, you can adjust the smoothing slider to adjust the smoothness of the line to try and give it the feel that you want.

I'm not sure what you mean by "glossy looking", so I'm afraid I can't help with that.

[Soquili]

Hi Mightyfun,

Welcome to talkgraphics.

It sounds like you are using the Freehand and Brush Tool to draw your 'trace'. Change the Freehand Smoothing to 10 or lower. It defaults to 50.

Using the Shape Editor Tool or the Pen Tool will draw angled lines.

EDIT: Odat and I were answering about the same time.

[Doug]

My problem lies in that my "tracing" has too much of an auto correction. I can't get any sharp angles that don't turn into a soft curve. I also want some imperfections in my lines. It doesn't work for me to have all perfectly smooth lines. How do I correct these issues?

You need to use the slider in the upper left called 'Freehand smoothing'. Move the slider to the left and you get more control points, move right and you get fewer control points-thus your soft curve problem

2. When rounding objects can I make it so they are not so glossy looking?

Not quite sure what you mean. Can you describe what you do?

[mightyfun]

Thanks so much for the tips, I knew it had to be something simple with the drawing tool.

By glossy I mean not so plastic looking. For example I'm trying to make a country angel. I used the rounding tool on the face and it looked very much like a shiny ball. I was hoping for more of a shaded look. Maybe that's not possible?

One more question while I'm on it. Can I change the colors of my brush strokes so I see a different color while I'm drawing? Or do I have to go back after it's drawn and change outline?

Thanks

Mightyfun

[Odat]

If you change the current line color when you don't have anything selected, it will become the new default line color for everything else that you draw.

Depending on your settings you might be asked if you want to make it the new default color, or it might just silently do it for you.

[WolfMoonHP]

You can choose any color you like for your brush strokes. When re-drawing over a bitmap image, it really helps to have your lines a different color from the ones you are tracing.

Why don't you upload the pictures you are working with and see if someone can help get the look you want. I have found that many of the artists in this forum are extremely helpful!
---
Will

[Soquili]

Maybe the fill you are using is causing the glossy look.

I'm attaching the .xar file so you can open it and see how this simple face was created.

[mightyfun]

I'll have to try to add color before I've selected anything.

I really appreciate your help. I really do know nothing about graphic design programs. I tried Xara because the reviews said it was user friendly. I guess I just need a little more patience.

I don't know if this attachment will work or not.


Mightyfun

[mightyfun]

Hear is the angel I am working on also.