The all new "Xara is inaccurate" thread!

[jamesmc]

This is quite apart from any arcane argument about what it can or cannot be used for

IMO

Arcane may be an accurate description of the lack of knowledge of the "bug" decrier's . That is, people using graphics application for purposes not intended it to be used for and their expectation that a vector set not intended for CAD/CAM wanting it to be so.

I understand that reporting bugs is important, I do it all the time, but to make a public flogging of it is not helpful.

I can make the same assertions about Adobe Illustrator if I wanted. Why? Because it is not a vector set that can handle CAD/CAM applications. Graphics programmers know this; industrial engineers know this. I'm not going to, Adobe knows the limitations of their Vector sets.

[handrawn]

Arcane may be an accurate description of the lack of knowledge of the "bug" decrier's .

James I'm really sorry to say this but I find that quite an arrogant thing to say.

The argument is arcane because the bug is known about, as are the ins and outs of usage - so everyone can make their own minds up as to what they use. Debate is useful, but won't in itself solve the problem.

The real issue is getting this, and other bugs, fixed

[jedfrechette]

Yes, the bugs should be fixed, but since Xara is a Graphics program and not an Industrial software application, I well imagine they have higher priorities than competing with CAD/CAM and CNC software packages.

Well the 2 other graphics programs I have in front of me are Inkscape and Canvas. Both pass the rectangle - square test by producing an object with the correct 9 nodes. Based on other comments in this thread it sounds like Illustrator passes as well. Based on that small sample I don't think accurate boolean operations falls under the category of "competing with CAD/CAM and CNC software".

I understand that reporting bugs is important, I do it all the time, but to make a public flogging of it is not helpful.

It has been said, by folks smarter than me, that the best customers are the ones who complain. Most folks will just move on to the next box on the shelf.

[mikeengles]

Hello

Perhaps I am not doing the right thing, but I cannot see the effect. I have made a 6cm square and cut it with a 5 cm circle, see .xar file. I have drawn tangents to the circle at the nodes and at 8000% or higher I see a circle and a tangent. Is this a video card thing?

Mike Engles

[Egg Bramhill]

Mike,

You won't see it if you cut a circle from a square, if the circle is centered on the square. Offset the circle so it's partly outside the square and then subtract. You will see the problem then.

James,

I've used Xtreme quite often in the past to cut vinyl for signs. This is not a CAD/CAM task requiring ultra monitors/video cards etc, but a simple 2D vector operation.

The bug exists and for people trying to use Xtreme for this type of operation it is a pain the the arse.

[MEB]

I agree that this is clearly a bug that should be fixed.
I´ve run into trouble in the past because of this. In certain situations after you have finished a more complex drawing where you used boolean operations to build some shapes against a white or other light color canvas and decide later to make it bigger (to show a detail of the work or for print a poster for example) those inconsistencies become visible. If your shapes are dark and were created against a white or light canvas, the constrast between the two surfaces produces some visible "artifacts" that are the result of the inacuracy of the boolean operations. Because of this i learned to always fill the background where boolean operations will occur with the color of one of the shappes to prevent those types of problems.

Since this is a vector program and those type of operations are math-based this is an issue that i think should be revised.

[The Alien]

There is no motivation behind my point other than constant belittling of a World Class software doesn't do anyone any good.

I see no belittling, but I'm looking at this issue from the opposite point of view
I don't think anyone in this thread has said something like "Xtreme is crap". I've only read constructive criticisms so far Unless I've forgotten a few posts here.
I think even world class software needs criticism in order to compete with others. Being criticized doesn't make the software more inferior IMO. I can imagine there are enough bugs in other widely popular software.

Well the 2 other graphics programs I have in front of me are Inkscape and Canvas. Both pass the rectangle - square test by producing an object with the correct 9 nodes. Based on other comments in this thread it sounds like Illustrator passes as well. Based on that small sample I don't think accurate boolean operations falls under the category of "competing with CAD/CAM and CNC software".

Yeah, that's what I thought too when I read James' post
Doing precise boolean operations doesn't make inkscape an industrial software. Only the opposite is true: not being able to do precise boolean operations definately excludes the software from being industrial type.
Also, fixing a bug is not the same as adding a feature that's common in CAD software IMO

Ohnoes, we've mentioned its name. Now we're gonna be banned! :X

[jamesmc]

I apologize for being arrogant and wrong.

My enthusiasm for the software outweighed my common sense in not allowing others the rights to critique a software.

I shall endeavor to keep my enthusiasm in its proper place in the future.

[handrawn]

I apologize for being arrogant and wrong.

My enthusiasm for the software outweighed my common sense in not allowing others the rights to critique a software.

I shall endeavor to keep my enthusiasm in its proper place in the future.

Your enthusiasm belongs right here on the forum - it is not misplaced, xara is a wonderfully unique and special product, but not perfect.

We all have our views and this is the place to express them.

[masque]

I use xara to produce vinyl cut signage on occasion and have rarely had any problems due to the nature of the requirements of the sign produced. However I have noticed the inaccuracies and have resorted where necessary to using Serif Drawplus which is much more accurate.
Using Eggs example of the circle cut from the rectangle showing the straight line segment, I produced the same shapes in Drawplus and sliced the circle from the rectangle and there is as you can see a perfect curve. I cannot make it produce inaccurate slices in anything I have tried so far as a test. If Serif can do it I'm sure Xara can if enough people demand it.