Need help creating this effect

**mindscapedesign** · 27 August 2007, 04:31 PM

Hi everyone,
Can anyone offer help on how to create this effect It's very subtle (not the black part). It has a slightly 3D effect which I can't figure out how to achieve it.
Thanks
Jason

**gwpriester** · 27 August 2007, 04:45 PM

I don't mean this in a rude way, but you will learn a lot more if you try to figure out how to recreate the effect.

Zoom in on the button and see what is going on and then try to replicate what has been done.

I'd start with gradient fills, blends, and perhaps a bevel. Maybe a white duplicate rectangle over a light gray rectangle with a small amount of feathering applied to the top, white rectangle.

Gary

**mindscapedesign** · 27 August 2007, 05:58 PM

Not being rude but I have tried....and that is why I came to the forum. Anyway thanks.

**stlewis** · 27 August 2007, 06:09 PM

Here's my 5 minutes worth...

**mindscapedesign** · 27 August 2007, 06:31 PM

Here is what I did but I was not pleased with it. I'll check your file lewis thanks.

**raynerj1** · 27 August 2007, 09:02 PM

syd,

You can change the glow shadow to a lighter grey, or if it is a feathered background, use a lighter grey on the square. Do you know how to create your own shades/colors?

**gwpriester** · 27 August 2007, 11:56 PM

At least you tried. Sorry Syd.

It's deceptively not easy. Here is what I was able to come up with.

Gary

**mindscapedesign** · 28 August 2007, 03:57 PM

What can I say.....You know your stuff. I wish I knew my stuff like that. I looked at some of your tutorials...there is alot of stuff to go through. Maybe you should sort out a curriculum for self studies of Xara. I think it would be very much appreciated. Thanks for files. I think my approach was not too far from yours. It's a long ENJOYABLE learning curve.

It's like the old Monty Python line about novel writing; The words are all there, the trick is getting them in the right order."

**Xhris** · 28 August 2007, 11:48 PM

Originally Posted by mindscapedesign

...Maybe you should sort out a curriculum for self studies of Xara. I think it would be very much appreciated.

I've been thinking about doing this, but it's not a trivial task. I would have to be in a position where I was expected to produce this kind of material and thus had masses of time to devote before I would attempt it though, unfortunately. It would also be nice to produce an advanced spin-off course, teaching graphics artistry.

The only curriculum I could recommend in the mean time is one of self-study via playing around and picking up tit-bits from forums over years. You can learn about certain features of Xara in detail from my tutorials below though, and more about the art side from the Xara Xone.