Extream noob here, and zero graphic talent..

[rgranger]

and it worked. I think that I will like this tool!
thanks again!
Rob

[handrawn]

Thanks for letting us know - glad to help

[raynerj1]

the only drawback with clipview is you can only use it so many times within a complex drawing before one gags xara. Add/Subtract work just as well and you can throw lots more at xara before she gags.

As an example try grouping about 500 objects together and then using that to apply a clipview.... Xara will slow up dramatically if not gag.

Now add all 500 objects together and do a subtract. Xara flies through it because it is just 1 object subtracted for another.

[handrawn]

well yes

same argument goes for most things that are collective - like clipview - as opposed to unitary - like the result of a boolean

agreed [just in case thats not clear]

[steve.ledger]

Add/Subtract work just as well ..

But not so well with Shadows or feathered objects. Because slice/subtract is redimensioning the object, the feathering re adjusts accordingly. Clipview is the best option in these (and a few other) scenarios.

[Thatch]

Good point sledger. I tend to stay away from clipviews when possible (if for no other reason than I always do them wrong the first time I try them) but there are certain behaviors that just don't work with subtraction.

This discussion reminds me of a post I made lord knows how many years ago about a technique that makes particular use of these differences in clipview.

Below is the image I made to explain it then.

http://skeesick.com/images/cloud.png

[David O'Neil]

...Below is the image I made to explain it then.

Would creating three objects with different colors and different featherings be easier, and achieve the same effect?

An item to be aware of with clipviews--in many cases you will want to ensure that the object being used for clipping has a 'no-outline' attribute, otherwise the end result may (in my exerience, *will*) have a thin border the color of the clipview outline, even on exports.

[handrawn]

Good point - I'm sure I would never have expected to slice a feathered or shadowed object and have it stay the same - well worth mentioning.

Outlines as well, I still sometimes forget to switch them out in boolean too where necessary

[Thatch]

Would creating three objects with different colors and different featherings be easier, and achieve the same effect?

David, the problem with that approach and the one I took is that it gives a soft edge shape where as I wanted a hard edge to the shape but a soft edge on the shadow. There is also a different falloff to the color with feather than there is with the external glow. I didn't care for the sort of 'melted shape' that the feather produced compared to the more 'masked airbrush' look of the clipview approach. While your approach would be fine in some cases in mine it just wouldn't give the look I was after.

Below is the image this technique was used on...

http://skeesick.com/images/bilibin.png

You can see how a softer edge on the cloud just would not work correctly in this case.

J

[handrawn]

now that is one mighty fine example