On the margin between bitmap photo editing and vector drawing/illustration, there is a new world of image composition that combines vector+bitmap in new and innovative ways. A lot of vendors have dabbled in this arena including Deneba(now ACDSee) Canvas, Adobe Fireworks and Xara Xtreme Pro – even hints of it in Adobe Photoshop with its styles and path manipulations.
But with Xara Xtreme Pro 4 with its non destructive editing of vector+bitmap image compositions, Xara moves way ahead of the pack in the arena of image compositions. This is where images are combined together in collage fashion. The big advantages
that Xara brings to the table is the ability a)to handle huge bitmap and vector files with speed, b)to do many operations interactively with drag and drop ease; and c)now to edit both vector and bitmap objects simultaneously and non-destructively. In the screenshot above note that the vector container in the lower image has been edited with the same effect applied to the inner bitmap. In contrast, the chip-off arrow at the upper right stays in its vector container with no changes. Let me suggest the creative opportunities are not to be missed. See the full review back here at thePhotoFinishes.com.