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  1. #1

    Default Another basic question

    Further to my problem with reading the onscreen help . .

    Does anyone know of a book along the lines of "xara for dummies" that I could get hold of?

    I'm not being critical of the software. I wouldn't DARE! . . but I do find myself somewhat disappointed with the glibness and surface skipping character of the helpfiles.

    I feel the effort that went into providing and listing the many (and sometimes bewildering) alternatives available for achieving a given effect may have been better spent on memory hooks such as "we do it this way because . ." or "the structure of metafiles is such that we designed the import mechanisms to automatically create separate objects from outlines and fills, reproducing the original edit handles for both instances and grouping them separately so either may be discarded." (I wish)

    This last is a matter close to my heart, as I am currently bringing forward my "stock" from macdraw format via metafile to xara format. And there's a shedload of it.

    The move to xara is one frought with serious misgivings and a massive task, but not to be deferred any longer. I tell myself that putting everything on a single (pc) platform will simplify things in the future and keep costs down.

    I'm also swayed a (little) bit by admiration for a bunch of guys that are clearly in a league of their own, and who soldier on undaunted after being used and abused by the bastards at corel. (or so I've been told)

    It's the last day of my trial so I will be buying this afternoon. I've read enough of this forum already to know that there's an impressive pool of intellect out there, so I just hope you can spare me a little.

    Thanks in advance

    Anthony

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Posts
    1,570

    Default Re: Another basic question

    If you never done vector, it can be a little intimidating.

    After you view the basic movies, pick a few and repeat those help tutorials over and over until your comfortable.

    Then go to xaraxone.com for the beginner tutorials by Gary Priester.

    There might be a book, perhaps Gary Priester would know. He's one of the Mods here.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2001
    Location
    Birmingham, England / Javea, Espana
    Posts
    2,343

    Default Re: Another basic question

    I'm in danger of repeating what has been said many times before but the best source of information / tutorials is the Xara Xone or just asking here.
    Xara Xone tutorials go back years but they are just as current with newer versions of Xara as they were for the version they were produced for. There is of course the movies which if you haven't downloaded will come on your CD when it arrives and they go from the very basic beginner to more advanced demos theat should enable you to grow in confidence.

    The very best way to learn Xara is to play with it. You're hardly going to break it by playing, and if you come up against a problem when you are producing a project then ask here; your question will be answered (several times) by different people gladly. If you do find the answer to any particular question a bit 'techi' then ask it again and someone will answer in 'real' language.

    ..and no, I've certainly never seen a book about Xara, for Dummies or otherwise.

    Derek
    Last edited by masque; 10 May 2007 at 01:43 PM.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Nov 2000
    Location
    Red Boiling Springs TN USA
    Posts
    19,208

    Default Re: Another basic question

    Hello Anthony and Welcome to Talkgraphics.

    The only 'book' available are the tutorials on the http://www.xaraxone.com. It appears publishers have not seen a profit in a book about Xara programs.

    The movies are a very good place to see how things can be done.

    Some people learn more readily with the printed word, so Gary's Tutorials and the Guest Tutorials on XaraXone are wonderful. In addition to the Tutorials there are also Workbooks.

    Workbooks 30 and 31 are a beginners guide to the Tools in Xara http://www.xaraxone.com/webxealot/workbook30/index.htm
    http://www.xaraxone.com/webxealot/workbook31/index.htm

    Workbook 41 is a preview of the features added when Xtreme was first released http://www.xaraxone.com/webxealot/xpreview/

    Workbook 51 begins with a beginners tutorial that creates a simple lamp
    http://www.xaraxone.com/webxealot/workbook51/

    The basic index to the workbooks is at http://www.xaraxone.com/html/workbook.html

    and the Alphabetically listed index is at
    http://www.xaraxone.com/html/workbook_index.html

    You can always ask questions here on the Talkgraphics forums. With many users from around the world you usually receive several answers within a very short time frame. With the flexibility of Xara Xtreme (and it's previous editions) you will find there are many ways to accomplish a task.
    Last edited by Soquili; 10 May 2007 at 01:41 PM.
    Soquili
    a.k.a. Bill Taylor
    Bill is no longer with us. He died on 10 Dec 2012. We remember him always.
    My TG Album
    Last XaReg update

  5. #5

    Default Re: Another basic question

    And don't overlook Eggs video tutorials...They help immensely.

    mg

  6. #6

    Default Re: Another basic question

    James, Derek, Bill & Mg - Thanks for your help

    It's nice to be in such knowledgable company.

    Anthony

  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    Houston TX
    Posts
    16

    Default Re: Another basic question

    Rodzo, everyone:

    May I suggest the Manual? It is on the 'Xara Xone' CD that came with the Xara Xtreme package. Look for manual.pdf. I was pulling out my hair trying to use a feature in Xtreme, finally decided to dig up the manual, read the appropriate chapter, and found help. It is quite nicely done.

    But, I do agree that Xtreme Help is not aimed towards newbies. It is more of a quick refresher for experienced users. Many of the movie links in Help didn't work for me, either because I didn't install them correctly from the CD, or they weren't made yet.

    However, in recent months, Xara seems to have released a bunch of new movies, which I will have to take the time to review.

    Xtreme is one of the best-documented graphics programs you will likely find.

    -Ken

    PS: You probably should get an edition of Xtreme that comes with the printed manual. It would make a good companion to the terse online help.
    Last edited by kismert; 11 May 2007 at 04:53 PM. Reason: add PS

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    California
    Posts
    252

    Default Re: Another basic question

    Rodno, there is a printed manual which you can prchase. It cost $29 US, and I believe it's well worth it. I got it about a year ago. You can purchase it at http://www.xara.com/products/xtreme/buy.asp.
    Charlie

  9. #9

    Default Re: Another basic question

    Ken, Charlie . . Thanks. I'm looking forward to receiving the cd's and manual.

 

 

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