Cropping pics to a defined aspect ratio

[Dayo]

Hi there

I'm about to create some images for a corporate video. I'd like to crop my pics to an aspect ratio of 16:9 (ie widescreen). Currently I'm still using Xara X1. I'm just wondering if there is a way of setting and defining my own aspect ratio for cropping in my old version of Xara or, if not, can I do that in Xara Xtreme - in which case I would upgrade.

Thanks

[covoxer]

Create rectangle with size 16:9cm (enter size manually in the property bar). Resize it proportionally to any size you like. Use it's copies to intersect with images (Ctrl+3).

[Dayo]

Thanks - yes I can see that, but in my version of Xara, cropping is done in the photo editor, which means I can't see the 16:9 rectangle whan I'm cropping

[ss-kalm]

Then don't use the photo editor to crop it. Forget about cropping as such ... Just intersect two objects - the 16:9 rectangle and the original photo.

[Dayo]

Help! I don't follow! Not sure what you mean by the word intersect.

[ss-kalm]

Put the 16:9 rectangle (sized to suit by adjusting a corner) over the photo. Go to Arrange > Combine shapes > Intersect shapes.

As far as my memory serves, this has been the same command sequence since CorelXara 1.0.

[wizard509]

I don't remember how X! works, but if you want all the same size you could as an alternate method create your shape the dimensions you want and then fill/bitmap. Then you can move the image up and down until you get what you want, you can't move left or right because the photo borders will show.
If you need to do multiple photos you should copy and save the shape for further use. Export the finished filled rectangle.
I am aware that this method may not give you the ability to crop the image exactly like you want it, but, it's just a thought.

What do the rest of you think? Is this a resonable method using X1?

Here is an example.

[steve.ledger]

Here's a method I use when creating DVD slide shows where all images must be the same size.
(Adjusted here for use with X1)

Drop images onto X1 page then delete them all.
Open Bitmap Gallery (images are stored there for this document).
Draw an 800 x 450 pixel rectangle.
Hold the CTRL key and drag an image from the Bitmap Gallery and drop onto rectangle.
Then (if necessary) press F5 and drag the horizontal fill arrow while holding SHIFT + CTRL.
Select the filled rectangle and export (SHIFT+CTRL+F5) to jpg.
Repeat process using the same rectangle to fill with next bitmap.

[Dayo]

What a fantastic forum this is - thank you so much to everyone who took the time to answer my question. I really appreciate your kindness.

A final supplementary question:

If I upgrade to Xtreme, will the process be even easier?

Thanks!

[steve.ledger]

Xtremely so