Photo Tool vs. Picture Editor

[davelash]

I rarely need to manipulate bitmaps, so I don't use these tools much. I was recently delighted though to discover the cropping function on the Photo Tool.

Two questions:

1. Can anyone explain the basic difference between the two tools and when to use one versus the other?

2. I presume there is no way to remove a color from a bitmap. For example, if I have a blackline sketch on white background, is there anyway to make only the white background transparent? Traditionally, I do this in Photoshop, then import a transparent gif into Xara. Is this still my best workflow?

Many thanks!

Dave

[Soquili]

Hi Dave,

I would recommend using the Photo Tool. The Xara Picture Editor is being depricated and will eventually no longer be included with newer releases.

As for removing the white from a bitmap, I believe the Mehdi Eraser is included with Xtreme 4. I've added some Mehdi plugins to my Live Effects so I'm not sure if Eraser Classic or Eraser Genuine is the correct Live Effect that comes with Xtreme. The Mehdi plugins are free so you can download them from http://www.mehdiplugins.com/.

If you do need to download one of the Mehdi Eraser plugins please post and someone can provide the path for the folder you need to place the file.

[davelash]

From further research, I see that Photo Tool in new in XX4 and Picture Editor is now semi-obsolete.

Still interested in an answer on question 2.

[Soquili]

As for removing the white from a bitmap, I believe the Mehdi Eraser is included with Xtreme 4. I've added some Mehdi plugins to my Live Effects so I'm not sure if Eraser Classic or Eraser Genuine is the correct Live Effect that comes with Xtreme. The Mehdi plugins are free so you can download them from http://www.mehdiplugins.com/.

If you do need to download one of the Mehdi Eraser plugins please post and someone can provide the path for the folder you need to place the file.

Dave wasn't the information in the above quote of my previous post clear that you can remove the white (or any colour from a bitmap image)?

[davelash]

Soquili/Bill,

I was typing my addendum when your post was published. I didn't see it until later.

Wow, wow, wow!

I downloaded Mehdi Eraser Genuine and setup a plugin folder in Xara > Options > Effects & Plugins.

Then, in about 10 seconds, I had dropped out the background just as I'd wanted.

Thanks so much for your assistance!

I've attached a sample for others to see.

Best,
Dave

[Soquili]

Glad you have it working.

The cartoon character reminds me of some old comic strips about 50+ years ago. The style was very popular with several artist of that era.

[davelash]

The cartoon accompanied a NY Times column drawing parallel between the Depression and the current mess, so I think the throwback style was intentional.

I just checked out the cartoonist for fun. Turns out its the same guy who did the controversial New Yorker cover of the Obamas last year. Who knew?

I don't know how to insert an active hyperlink, but here's the url:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/0..._n_112432.html

[Soquili]

Thanks for the link Dave. The attachment of the image may be overkill and a copyright viloation. I'll remove the image and let people click on the url to see the image.