Questions On Live Effect 3D Bump Map

[Kman]

Hi. I am glad to see the Xara update to Xara Extreme.

I have tried out the the 3D Bump Map feature, and I'm wondering if you
find the following operations to be the same on your computer as I have
on mine. (Windows XP, 1 Gig of memory, with 80 Gigs of free space
remaining.)

1. It seems that this feature is better suited for bitmaps and text objects
rather than vector objects.

2. When using this feature on vector objects (such as a circle), I find that
no matter what original color is on the vector object, it becomes black in
the 3D Bump Map window, until a color is specified.

3. Directional Light Type. Only these parameters seem to have any
noticeable effect/change : Intensity and Scale. All other parameters do
not alter the vector object. This is also true if you click the Inverted Option.

4. Point Light Type. Likewise, only Intensity and Height parameters make
any noticeable change. When including the Inverted option, then the
Scale parameter also effects a change.

5. Spotlight Type. Only adjustable parameters making a change are
Intensity, Height, Blue, Width, Elevation, Angle. This is also true if you
include the Inverted Option.

6. When adjusting the color in the 3D Bump Map window, you cannot
use the eyedropper to grab colors from other areas (as you can from the
Color Editor).

I'm asking if you are experiencing the same results when using the 3D
Bump Map feature, so I can know if what is happening here is the "norm",
or if I am experiencing some snafu.

Could you also please share what you see the main usage/benefit this
feature has in Xara ? Perhaps I'm missing something in its applicability.
(The 3D Bump Map feature reminds me of the 3D Light function in the
bitmap app Real Draw Pro.)

Thank you for your help.

Ken