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I don't know if this method has been tried before but I couldn't find anything on how to create 3D images using XX with light shading.
Later I will submit my method if one doesn't already exist.
The Xara on the right was made in X3D while everything else was made in XXPro3.0
The blue 'Pull' is a bit jagged but this could have been avoided by me by saving it as a high resolution bitmap first, before exporting it as 96dpi.
Attachment 39304
I would recommend to create 3D text with a real 3D software package.
Remi
I don't think that I will have time to create a tutorial so briefly:
3D text with correct contour lighting can be modelled in XX quite simply by applying a very small bevel to 2 vector shapes and then blending them together. The lighting direction as well as angle can be adjusted before or after the blend is created. Due to the versatillity of the blend tool, XX is able to create images which can not be created on X3D 6.
I was so impressed with what can be done in XX rather than X3D I had to show you.
I just have to ask why.... why in the world would anyone want to use that weird 3d text effect?? :confused: Has that ever been used successfully?
Don't know about using it for text, but it worked very nicely for the star-shaped crayon holder (or whatever that is on the right :D).
This is quite a nice effect actually when used with bevels. I should probably update my extrude tutorial below sometime.
Wouldn't it be great if you could do proper 3D things directly in Xara like you can in Xara3D?
No, because Xara 3D is a play tool and nothing more and I would like to see progress with new professional tools within Xara Xtreme and not such old wine in new bottles.Quote:
Originally Posted by Xhris
Remi
Well, I certainly wouldn't call the most slick 3D tool available: 'nothing more than a play tool'. It's much more than a play tool; it's essentially a 3D extrude tool which has valid applications in vector art. Illustrator has the equivalent tool. Anyway, I was sufficiently intrigued by what was meant by 'professional' tools, that I started a thread about it.Quote:
Originally Posted by remi
Yes, Illustrator has a 3D vector extrude tool, but Xara 3D is a play tool which lacks of a support of Xara's own vector file format ( :rolleyes: ) and supports only bitmap export or Flash export. And simple extruding of vector shapes is not professional 3D - certainly not in the year 2007.Quote:
Originally Posted by Xhris
Remi
Remi, Xara3D versions 4, 5, and 6 (possible older versions as well) can import .xar and .web Xara vector file formats. Xtreme Pro 3.0 and 3.2 can copy and paste directly into Xara3D6. You can also copy from Xara3D6 and Paste a png with Alpha transparency into Xara Xtreme Pro 3.0 and 3.2
Xara 3D isn't able to export a vector file in XAR format. That's one of the reason why I wouldn't pay money for this tool.
Remi
Ahhh, I misunderstood your post. :)
I must admit that while X3D is a pretty sweet little 3D tool for what it is, the only reason I have it now is because I got it "free" with my upgrade to XXPro 3.2. I demo'd it a while back when I was looking into extrusion, but never bought it because I wanted to be able to paste a vector object back, not a bitmap. I would have bought it months ago otherwise.
Ah, I appreciate what you mean now about it being a 'play' tool.Quote:
Originally Posted by remi
Professionals in most disciplines are limited by their industry. It is often the non professionals who 'push the boundaries' and make new discoveries whether this be in science or art etc. If Xara or Talkgraphics had to rely solely on professionals they would have to cease business. But professionals are very good for maintaining discipline when needed.
I for one would not be interested if X3D was geared towards the professional user.
The text uses a brush while the receptacle uses a blend.
I know, the lighting is wrong but I'm no pro' :D
A 3D nut and screw thread very quickly done.
Again made with beveled blends using a real software package (XX).
The perspective is wrong, partly due to the fact that I didn't bother to use the perspective tool nor did I have anything to copy.
Bare with me I'm exploring the possibilities until I get busy again.
Can I ask how many steps you used on the extrusions to achieve the smooth look?. I tried it with 200 steps and my PC slowed to a crawl, in fact I thought Xara had locked up for a while.
Salaam,
Yours is really a clever idea, the nut and screw have a surprisingly plastic look!
well done.
Luciano
It's of no interest for me, whether Xara 3D is further developed or not. My point was, that I would like to see new and already discussed professional tools in Xara Xtreme. I don't like the current strategy to use old tools as giveaways, like Xara 3D in the last Xara Xtreme Pro 3.2 Update. Perhaps you'll find Menu Maker or Webstyle ( :eek: ) as giveaway in the next Update or something like that - no thanks. Some of the functions on the wishlists of some users here are not so easy to implement, but that should be a challenge for a good software company...Quote:
Originally Posted by salaam
Remi
The steps are relative to to distance between the 2 shapes. Also your computer speed (measured in Ghz) may be slow. Ask Jamesmc how fast his PC does it (he the owner of an enormous number cruncher).Quote:
Originally Posted by Colin Carpenter
My method is to not use too many steps. Only enough to fill in all the gaps. It may still look rough but this is an illusion due to the low resolution (96dpi) of computer monitors. Once you have what you need, go to 'Arrange' and 'create bitmap image'. Save it at anything over 96 dpi. Then do the same with your new bitmap and this time save it at 96 dpi so that it looks correct on your 96 dpi screen.
You're right, I made it with a low contrast setting. Shiny/ metallic objects tend to have high contrast.Quote:
Originally Posted by Luciano
The screw is actually tilted as does a real screw thread on a bolt etc. This effect is extremely difficult using X3D.
Toothpaste and tube. My last one like the screw thread was on X3D. This is better.
It's not the most slick one out there. I purchased Ulead Cool 3D years before I came across Xara, and when I played with Xara's demo, I was far from impressed. Cool 3D allows you to independently move and rotate individual objects, making it unnecessary to use 'locating objects' to create a scene. Ulead's offering isn't the most user friendly, but is far more powerful in positioning ability than Xara.Quote:
Originally Posted by Xhris
I'm certain there are other packages out there that put Xara and Ulead's 3D programs to shame. Movie studios use them to make professional movies, something you will probably never see Xara 3D used for.
There are more powerful 3D programs out there, but they are not for the same user base as Xara3D or Cool 3D.
Xara3D is primarily for those wanting 3D text for a webpage. Although Anas and Mike Sims have shown it is capable of much more.
Cool 3D is primarily for those that want 3D objects without the high cost of many of the 3D applications on the market.
BTW I own Xara3D, Cool 3D, Cinema 4D, TrueSpace, Bryce, Blender, Wings3D, Maya, ZBrush, and Hexagon. Each has a use in my Tool Kit. :)
Almost forgot, I also have Poser and Daz|Studio for 3D people :)
I won't even mention the 2D applications :D
Before anyone asks, no I would not like one application to do all the things the others will do. Variety is good. The different applications are like a change in scenery.
BTW, I'm not a professional graphic person. Just a hobbiest. :D
We have gotten far from the original topic that Anas intended.
He has shown techniques to produce 3D looking images with a 2D application.
Thanks Anas for all the excellent examples.
Slick means highly user friendly, efficient and productive to use. Xara3D is designed for making 3D logos only, hence the obvious limitations, but is widely considered the most slick; it was designed this way from ground up.Quote:
Originally Posted by David O'Neil
In an argumentative mood, Xhris? :rolleyes: I'm sorry that I seem to rub you wrong.Quote:
Originally Posted by Xhris
salaam, thank you for pointing out the 3D text tricks.
Best wishes,
David
Hmm, it seems from this thread that people don't really have a consensus that there is a such thing as a 'professional' tool - which I found quite interesting. I'm sure any new tool would be just as professional as the next, whether it be Xara3D-like or not. Unless there are specific tools people had in mind. But that's a cue for a wish list. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by remi
I had a great idea for imitating trees.