How do I copy a complex shape to use with Xara 3-D 6?

[Zane]

Hi,

I have Xara X and Xara 3-D 6, and I want to copy a coplex shape I created with Photoshop 7 but don't know how. I want to import it into Xara X, create a copy of it that can be used with Xara 3-D 6, and then import it into there. Can someone please tell me how? http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[Zane]

Hi,

I have Xara X and Xara 3-D 6, and I want to copy a coplex shape I created with Photoshop 7 but don't know how. I want to import it into Xara X, create a copy of it that can be used with Xara 3-D 6, and then import it into there. Can someone please tell me how? http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[stlewis]

Zane

Welcome to TG...

It depends how complex!

Essentially you need to (1) create ONE vector shape in X1 for EACH element in you PS image. (2) Copy and paste, or import, each shape into X3D.

(3) You then use the font adjustment tools eg baseline shift to move the shapes on top of each other.

For step 1, you *can* use the trace function in X1, but as you really only want a handful of shapes it would be better to trace the shapes manually.

[gwpriester]

Hello Zane and welcome to the Xara X Conference.

Photoshop images are bitmap and as such will not work in Xara 3D. Not to create a shape. You can use a bitmap for a fill (texture). You will need a vector object if you want to create a non-rectangular shape.

If you have an Adobe Illustrator version of the complex image, you might be able to import that into Xara X.

You may also be able to recreate the complex object in Xara and then copy and paste it into Xara 3D.

The difference between bitmaps and vector images is one that confuses a lot of users.

For a more detailed explanation of bitmap vs vector images see WebXealot 30.

Gary

[Soquili]

Hi Zane,

Welcome to the forum. If you post a copy of the image we can give better information. If it's something you would rather not post, you can find my email address in my profile. Send me a copy and I will see what can be done to create the shapes in XaraX¹, and give you some tips on how to use them in Xara3D-6.

If it's something you are willing to post, it may be another Guest Tutorial someday http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/wink.gif
(A shameless plug for this month's Guest Tutorial at Gary's XaraXone)

[Zane]

Hi,

Everytime I use the Trace Bitmap tool in Xara X I still get nothing but a sqaure shape when I import it into Xara 3-D 6.... http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/confused.gif

[gwpriester]

You probably need to remove the background rectangle.

The overall shape of the object will determine what shape is imported into Xara 3D.

Gary

[Zane]

Ummm, how do I do that, hey? http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[John Rayner]

Ummmm... Maybe select the background shape and press ... ummm ... maybe... ummmm... Delete http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/wink.gif http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

don't worry about me, just being an A$$...

[stlewis]

When you insert the trace from the trace window, it comes in as a Group (ie all the vector objects are stuck together).

Select the trace. On the menu pick Arrange and Ungroup (control+U). In your case you want to drag the pieces apart and pick which ones you want X3D to use.

Copy and paste each shape into X3D.