Photo and Graphic Designer 7 - Layer Modes

[TheFreespirit]

Hi everyone

I've just downloaded the trial so I have no knowledge of anything Xara yet.

I am wondering if Xara supports layers in the same way as my other graphics programs. I am able to bring a bitmap into a layer over another bitmap layer and by applying a particular mode, lets say Overlay or Soft Light, it will change the appearance of the new layer. By doing this I build up new designs for digital papers. Can anyone tell me if I can apply modes to layers in this program and if so, how I do so?

Thanks so much for any replies.

Freespirit

[sunland]

Hey Freespirit,
I Xara one does not apply modes to a Layer but to the objects themselves.
You can have multiple objects layered on one Layer or you can have objects in multiple Layers.
Select an object (bitmap), choose the Transparency Tool and experiment with the different styles and modes.
You can also apply transparencies in combination with different fills using the Fill Tool to get different effects.
If you want the mode effect to apply to the entire area of the layer then draw a rectangle to fill the screen and
apply transparency to that.
Hope that helps,
sunland

[TheFreespirit]

Thank you so much sunland, I will certainly try out your suggestions.

I am currently looking for some tutorials to help me find my way. The tools look awesome but sometimes it helps to follow a tut, rather than slog through the help menu, just to get going.

Thanks again -
Freespirit

[mwenz]

Look under the Help menu for Tuts and movies...

Here is the link to great Tuts

http://www.xaraxone.com/

Take care, Mike

[angelize]

Hello Freespirit, welcome to Talkgraphics! Is there any particular project you would like to start with?

[TheFreespirit]

Thank you all, you are very kind!

I have found the tututorials, they are extremely helpful and I am working through them.

I have to go into hospital next week, so I am trying to cram in some quality testing time before I go, although I have extended the trial. First impressions - extremely favourable!

I produce digital artwork for scrapping, so I am particularly interested in producing artwork with transparent backgrounds for page embellishments. I draw cartoon style characters, buttons, frames etc, which I export as high res .pngs.

So I'm off to have some fun playing with the program now!

Freespirit x

[amoore]

Hi Freespriti & welcome to the Forum

Have a great time playing with Xara this week. Looking forward to seeing your work around here.

And good luck next week

Allison

[TheFreespirit]

Thanks for the good vibes Allison! I'm taking my laptop in with me, so hopefully I can do some playing while I'm there.