Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11

[mwenz]

Don't know what "But it holds for disposable products" means for certain.

However, I cannot use AI brushes in XDP, PP, ID, QXP, PS, etc. Unlike PS brushes that can be utilized by applications other than PS, the same does not hold true of AI brushes. Why should I expect XDP brushes to work in AI?

It is true that I can convert AI vector brushes that have been applied to art into vector shapes, but that also leaves the brushes unusable as is. I can manipulate these vector brushes outside of AI as vector objects, that is true. But as a brush, they are useless outside of AI.

When I know I need to turn over drawings in AI format, I will do as much as I can in XDP but finish off in AI. Brushes would be one of those things I would finish off in AI. 99% of everything I do begins in XDP whether it will eventually be ported to AI or something else. Most times the assets I am making only need to end up in PDF or EPS format. In that case, it is wholly done in XDP.

Source files that make up the assets--which I would include brushes, JavaScripts in the case of both AI and ID, etc., I have never turned over to a client. Everything gets converted to "flat" objects. So I personally don't care whether XDP brushes are vector or bitmap if they end up in an AI file I turn over. Heck, often enough there will be a flattened PS file in the AI file. I don't give them the original PSD along with brushes either.

So like I mentioned, I care mainly about the resolution of the bitmaps in an exchange format or PDF.

Mike

[digitalphaser]

Don't know what "But it holds for disposable products" means for certain...

Under the disposable product I understand any file that will be printed once. In that case, I'll PDF(rarely EPS) file that is optimized for certain print.

Of course, before I export my document, I convert all the lines to shapes. Always. Especially when I do not know how to use my file.
Therefore, if I create a vector file and use a vector brush, I want to convert it into a vector shape. For me it's important.

[mwenz]

I understand that you desire to keep vector vector. I do too whenever possible and especially if the asset is going to be further processed outside of XDP. But for a PDF? I could care less. Like I said, the RIP or other output device will at some point in the output process convert it to a bitmap. Whether it happens for the print PDF or downstream at the RIP, I don't care.

Unfortunately, Xara products have a max resolution of the brushes set at 192 dpi. However, if you use the "Make bitmap copy" and set the resolution to whatever you need, that will indeed hit the PDF at that resolution or be limited in resolution to the PDF profile setting used. For instance, make a bitmap copy of a brush and set it to 600 dpi. Make sure the PDF profile will allow 600 dpi. Now check the PDF in Acrobat (if you have it). Alternately, open the PDF in XDP and check the resolution. It will be truly 600 dpi. It's a work-around in a sense. But it isn't onerous nor does it affect the final printed piece even on high-res output to film.

Mike

[digitalphaser]

I understand that you desire to keep vector vector. I do too whenever possible and especially if the asset is going to be further processed outside of XDP. But for a PDF? I could care less. Like I said, the RIP or other output device will at some point in the output process convert it to a bitmap. Whether it happens for the print PDF or downstream at the RIP, I don't care.

Unfortunately, Xara products have a max resolution of the brushes set at 192 dpi. However, if you use the "Make bitmap copy" and set the resolution to whatever you need, that will indeed hit the PDF at that resolution or be limited in resolution to the PDF profile setting used. For instance, make a bitmap copy of a brush and set it to 600 dpi. Make sure the PDF profile will allow 600 dpi. Now check the PDF in Acrobat (if you have it). Alternately, open the PDF in XDP and check the resolution. It will be truly 600 dpi. It's a work-around in a sense. But it isn't onerous nor does it affect the final printed piece even on high-res output to film.

Mike

No, I'm not talking about the print work. I'm talking about the exchange of files.

A simple example. My client had a vector EPS file of map. He needed some changes. In addition the map was 20x20cm size. He wanted to print it a 2x2m. When I opened this a "vector" EPS, I saw a clipped bitmap. These are the brushes. I opened a file in AI, PS, XDP with the same result. Client initially was very upset when he learned that he will have to pay another 300€ for a new map.

[mwenz]

Not certain what your example has to do with XDP.

Other than the brushes and what are obviously bitmap effects, my XDP vector work hits a PDF (and EPS) as vector.

If the map had been created with the idea it would be scaled and made properly, then there would not have been an issue. The same goes with any bitmap effects and the brushes in XDP.

Exchange of files between applications is always problematic. I don't know where the map in your example came from. But if it was suppose to be scalable as vector, the client got ripped off and should attempt to get original files from whomever made it.

Mike

[dutchim]

A feature only found in Designer Pro 11 and not in Photo & Graphic Designer 11 is the Nip Size Toggle (Fixed or Zoomed) in the Shape Painter Tool.

The Warp Effect is a welcome addition to this tool as well.

[handrawn]

you are so right whooooot! I am one happy bunny; they may take my money [actually they already have ]