Xara X 1

Xara X 1

Having produced efficient quality innovative graphics programs for a long time now, they are still doing their magic with the fastest vector graphics program on the market.  For those that find Adobe Illustrator or Macromedia too much to contend with, and are working within limited price points, dollar for dollar, this is a real value package that has something for nearly everyone including the pros.

Saturday, October 09, 2004

Xara X 1 

System  Requirements 

Microsoft Windows 98, ME,2000 and XP

Pentium Processor

64 MB of Ram

20 MB of Hard Drive Space

Screen Resolution 640 by 480

 www.xara.com 

Price: $ 179.00 US and $ 69. Upgrade, check site for details. 

A review by Kurt von Behrmann 

Xara X, now version Xara X 1, has had a distinguished history.  At one time owned by Corel Corporation – it went under the name “CorelXara” – it is now firmly back in the hands of its U.K. based creators. Xara is once again back, but this time faster. 

For those unfamiliar with this application, it gained a loyal following among Vector Graphics users for its easy to comprehend interface and very intuitive tool set. Eclipsed largly by its better known counterparts, Adobe Illustrator and Macromedia Freehand, this fast program with the small foot print gained a devoted following. 

What Xara X 1 brings to the table are enhancements with regards to speed and a slightly more updated interface. Externally it bears a strong resemblance to its predecessors. For those already familiar with the application, it will seem very comfortable.

Claiming speeds up to 500 times faster than other comparable graphics programs, it is hard if not impossible to substantiate this as a hard cold fact. What is easy to discern is that this is very quick program when it comes to effects. 

The Achilles Heel of many high end vector graphic programs is that have some rather steep learning curves. In the case of Adobe Illustrator CS, one really needs a graphic pen tablet to really get the most out of the program. Even with the proper tools, Bezier Curves are not exactly easy to master. 

What sets Xara apart is that it is lightening fast, has a relatively small foot print and it showcases instant effects. Pioneering features like anti aliasing, transparency, linked colors and feathering to name a few. Superficially little looks like it has changed with Xara, but that is misleading.  Under the proverbial hood the program has been powered up with some positive evolutionary improvements. 

An unexpected plus with Xara is that it can offer some basic editing of Bitmapped images. Although basically a Vector based program in some respects it recalls Deneba Canvas and Corel Draw in the fluidity of its functions. 

As a user friendly powerful intuitive tool, there are professional designers who rely on the program because of its more intuitive approach to design. 

Summation 

With the exception of professionals who are dependent on confirming to industry standards, there is a great deal to Xara X 1 that makes it a very compelling offering for the graphic novice or the serious enthusiast. Price point friendly to a fault and feature rich, Xara can meet the expectations of all but the most demanding pro. Plus, check out the Xara web site for extras, and other user friendly applications.