You are exactly right Stygg I realize that Filter Forge is not a cheap plugin by any means and there are issues at the moment that necessitate locking the effects. But I do know that FF is interested in fixing those issues once the new version 4 is out of beta. And they have an open beta which could give anyone wanting to try FF a chance for an extended free trial. Beta Stage 2 has been going for months and they have said there is a 3rd beta Stage yet to go. Add to this that you can upload filters to the library now from the beta version and they have a reward program for finding bugs means a lot more opportunities for earning a free copy!

The filters I am experimenting with are based on a displacement technique and how you set up the lighting in xara and the colour of your extrusion will have an effect on how the texture looks.