XD7 - Why no pen tool?

**Squeaky** · 27 May 2011, 09:26 PM

I'm at a bit of a loss. Why was the pen tool dropped?
I use it quite a bit. Is the Shape tool better if so how?

**handrawn** · 27 May 2011, 09:32 PM

pen tool still there

shift+5 still work

if you want the button its on the button palette - you can alt+drag it onto the toolbar

**MarcT** · 27 May 2011, 09:35 PM

Yes, the Icon is hidden under the Shape editor tool.

I'm not sure but pressure support seems better in this version!

Marc

**handrawn** · 27 May 2011, 09:39 PM

that would be the freehand and brush tool rather than the pen tool?

the pressure support does seem better - but in my case I've just upgraded my graphics card, and that may well be a factor...

**MarcT** · 27 May 2011, 09:48 PM

Yes, total tool confusion here!!

**Soquili** · 27 May 2011, 10:02 PM

Flyout toolbars only serve to cause confusion about where tools are located, IMHO. Fortunately Xara's toolbars (controlbars) are easily changed to fit your needs.

**handrawn** · 27 May 2011, 10:06 PM

I'm frequently confused

no fan of the flyouts either - if buttons are needed it just slows things down... what ever happened to 'the fewer the clicks the better'

**Soquili** · 27 May 2011, 10:13 PM

Steve I believe I permanently live in the State of confusion but the post service is not very good.

Maybe I should apply for a postal code.

**Squeaky** · 28 May 2011, 11:21 AM

I know I can replace the icon (I dislike the flyouts for the most part). What I would like to know is the Xara Thinking behind this. This is obviously not an oversight or omission. Is the shape editor tool supposed to be superior and if so how? In the Xara Xone First look of 7 Gary said:
By the way, the Pen Tool is history. Gone. Vanished and banished! Three cheers!
Just what am I missing here????

**handrawn** · 28 May 2011, 11:30 AM

never mind Gary

he is on record as saying that the pen tool is only there for those who are used to the illustrator pen tool and decline to change to the shape editor tool, which he apparently sees as the programs mainstay advantage [along with super fast rendering] - perhaps xara are of similar mind?

the shape editor tool can 'do more' than the pen tool in terms of its options and the way it works... but that's the operation of the tool it's not to say you can't do everything you need to do with the pen tool if you prefer to work that way

anyhow I am 'neutral' as I almost always use the freehand tool...

best way to appreciate the actual differences is to try them out for real I guess