Suggestion to Xara Ltd.

[michaelward]

I have to support the call for new import/export filters.

For me the core of the programme is still superb and isn't showing it's age (although a refreshed interface might be nice, it isn't important).

But those import/export filters have always been a bit 'naff and they're really beginning to show their age now. Xara isn't ubiquitous enough for us to rely on it's native format, so good import/export filters are essential for those who have to exhange files or send to printers.

Maybe Xara could license some filters from another company and then charge a small fee for an update to Xara (£10-20).

I'd be more than happy to see that happen.



Michael Ward
http://www.leythers.co.uk
http://www.metalandplastics.co.uk

[stlewis]

and surely the same or a similar version of the filters could be added to the other products too - a valuable feature for them I guess.

www.bricksandbrass.co.uk

[RAMWolff44]

and a new interface with dockable galleries and some additional filter effects added in (3D lighting and bump maps) and a mesh tool and I'm happy!!

Richard http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

---Wolff On The Prowl---

http://www.ramwolffsworld.com/

[Karim]

So what this thread is saying, is 'Give us import/export filters'. Well, Xara may or may not give them to you. But if anyone has programming skill or buddies, then you *can* roll your own, you know. AFAIK, Xara's file format is open - it's published at http://www.xara.com/support/docs/web.../Contents.html anyway (or search for Flare at Xara.com). This is how Jon & I managed to do thumbnail viewers & probably how xnview can display Xara files.

My point is that if you can be bothered where Xara can't, then you can easily provide your own import/export filters & prolong the life of your favourite graphics tool.

Preach over http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[jens g.r. benthien]

it wouldn't work. You've worked on the files, but not on the program code. And since the import - export filters are in the program code, there is no chance to modify the filters. If it would be a plug-in - great, but not with a built-in filter set. It's not even a separate *.dll...

jens g.r. benthien
designer
http://www.sacalobra.de

----------//--
If you don't know how to dream you'll never be a designer.
----------//--

[Karim]

Jens,

Agreed, you can't modify the program. The only way I can imagine 'integrating' any non-Xara extension with XX is via the bitmap plugin architecture - you could write a dummy bmp plugin to ask for eg an AI9 file & convert it, so your filter can live in XX, but you still need to manually load the generated .xar file.

But it's perfectly possible to write a small standalone prog which reads an AI9 file & spits out a .xar, ready for XX to use. XX even makes it easier because at least one of its supported file formats is human-readable.

[PaulB]

Hi All,
well, this is my two-cents worth. Only woth two cents I feel... I purchased Webstyle and think very highly of it. Have been using XaraX in its "trial" version for the last week or so.
Xara Ltd, behave as though they have lost focus or interest in either of these two markets. Perhaps because competetive products are breathing down their necks, getting pretty close 'user wise' and being agggressive with their pricing.
Other than this forum, I've noticed that Xara do not respond to customer inquiries. Sound strange? You bet! I have sent several (4x) messages to Xara asking for feedback and have yet to hear anything from them. Did get charged for Webstyle, so they are "there".
I hate to say it, because I think XaraX is a terrific piece, but it does look as though Xara Ltd. perceive that they are squeezing the last drop out of this goose.
If anything, Xara Ltd. is breaking this product into smaller components and pumping them out.
Sorry about that

[Mark (theKeeper)]

Paul... you sent them FOUR emails and haven't gotten even ONE reply?!

Man i don't care HOW good a program is... that's just not right! They sold you a product, now they NEED to be responsible, and be active in their "Buyer/Seller" relationship with you.

I'm sorry too but that's just bs if you ask me. http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/mad.gif

[Lori]

Hallo,everybody!
Like to tell you XARA´s ANSWER to my letter:

I asked:
From: sales@xara.com

When will the next version of Xara X be released? New features planned???? I purchased Xara X a couple of weeks ago (haage und partner, germany) and I like it very much. Will there be a german version too? Please let me know!!!!! Viele Gruesse, Lori

AND THERE IS THEIR REPLY:
---
All our resources are currently employed on Webstyle 4. There is a new version of Xara X under development and our current intention is to complete it after Webstyle 4, but I wouldn't want to commit myself to a reelase date on that! Haage is keen to do a German Xara X - they have already done Xara3D - but the answer to that will depend I think on when we do the next version.

Kate
.................
Kate Moir
mailto:kate@xara.com
offering the best in graphics software http://www.xara.com/
quality fonts from just $2 http://www.buyfonts.com/
graphics forums for all http://www.talkgraphics.com/
enhance your website online http://www.xaraonline.com/

Sounds nice!

lori

[roman]

I really admire Kate. She has to be so careful about what she is saying etc. in her private answers to all those private questions about how is it with Xara X etc. and then those people go on this forum and publish them completely. Where the good manners go... ? (and btw. Ross M. where are you?, I always like to read your calming reactions in discussions).