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 By
Dale Farris, Secretary
Golden Triangle PC Club
February 2003
General Overview
Canvas X is the latest
version of this extremely powerful program that long ago set the standard
for graphics design. Canvas X is a cross-platform, precision vector
illustration program that also includes robust image editing, page design,
and presentation and web graphics capabilities, all in one program. For a
very reasonable price, Canvas X provides a mix of features not
found in any other program. While you may find other programs focus on
separate features found in Canvas, none combine the power of these features at this super
price point like Canvas X.
Canvas has always been ahead
of its time. Canvas was the first program to integrate drawing, image
editing, document design, and presentation and web graphics design into
one incredibly lucid program. Not to mention the breakthrough sprite
technology which makes it possible to apply unbelievable transparency and
layer effects to any object, bitmap image, or text. Now with new Canvas X
the program soars to even greater heights.
Create complex technical illustrations with one comprehensive tool. Slash
the costs and time involved with using multiple graphics and desktop
tools. Use Canvas X to create graphics, edit images, layout documents and
craft eye-catching presentations.
Creating illustrations and complex graphics doesn't have to involve
multiple tools and thousands of dollars worth of software. Save a
significant amount of time and money by using Canvas X to create technical
illustrations, edit images, layout documents and craft eye-catching
graphics.
Create precision vector graphics with the Canvas X illustration tools.
Whether you want to create simple shapes or complex designs, Canvas X
contains all the advanced tools you'll find in traditional illustration
products.
Need to edit photos? Just double click on your image to enter "edit mode"
and you're in the photo-editing environment. Exposure control, color
adjustment, cloning, sharpening and the other tools you've come to expect
from a professional editing solution are all at your fingertips.
Challenged by the need to combine multiple formats in one coherent
document? Canvas X imports and edits over 80 file formats (including DXF
and DWG) and provides precision layout control. Plus, platform limitations
pose no problems. Canvas X is available on Windows and Macintosh and
generates true cross-platform files.
Collaborate with colleagues by using Canvas X's markup, annotation, and
redlining tools to exchange ideas, comments, and concerns. Share your
finished projects in a variety of formats - from cost-effective PDFs and
HTML, to professional quality printouts and display graphics.
A Ton of Features
Integrated Illustration, Editing, and Publishing Tools
Canvas X gives you pro-level image editing, page layout, web graphics, and
presentation tools in a single creative application for PC and Mac.
Version X includes over 100 new benefits and enhancements, including:
greater drawing precision (double-floating point), intelligent user
interface, expanded image editing, more scripting options, and over 50
standard, proprietary, and scientific file formats.
The Intelligent, Easy Interface Saves You Time
Canvas X presents the right tools for your current activity and
anticipates what you are most likely to need next…saving you time. This
efficient workflow is achieved through the Smart Toolbox and Properties
Bar that track where you are in a project and display the most relevant
options. Tool palettes can also be locked so they are always available.
Compared to non-intuitive competitors, Canvas X is unbelievably easy to
use.
Enhanced Imaging Gives You Editing Freedom
Canvas X provides support for 8 and 16 image pixel depths per channel. It
also comes with central management for all inks (colors, gradients,
hatches, textures, symbols, and patterns), pen styles (plain,
calligraphic, neon, and parallel), dash settings, and arrow styles.
Annotation tools make quick work of drawing callouts. The Red Eye
Reduction tool gives you one-touch freedom or manual precision. The one
step Crop & Scale command lets you adjust image resolution and proportions
in one operation.
Technical Drawing Features that Unleash Your Project
Benefit from fully editable dimensioning lines and image warp commands
that transform images mathematically into complex shapes. Get unlimited
and customizable ruler and scale settings that meet your advanced
engineering, architectural, and scientific illustration needs. Unleash
waveform and 2D math expression plotting tools. Plus, use the Personal and
Symbol Libraries to instantly access dynamic objects or illustrations and
other objects either from within the application or from the Internet.
Precision Trusted by Jet Manufacturers
Double floating point, 64-bit precision vector coordinate system matching
that of the most advanced CAD software and trusted by manufacturers like
Boeing means you don't have to worry. Plus, benefit from document page
size options up to 2,000 miles by 2,000 miles with virtually unlimited
zoom capabilities.
Powerful Page Layout and Presentation Features
Get all the tools you need and more, including multiple master pages;
column guides; text repel; linked column flows; headers and footers; text
on a path and more. Also, count on complete typographical controls such as
character and paragraph styles; precision leading and kerning; word and
letter spacing; custom tabs; interactive spell checker; search and
replace; hyphenation; vertical justification; widow and orphan controls,
and more. Plus, extensive slideshow capabilities include 19 transition
styles, a royalty-free slide show player, PDF slide export, and dual
monitor speakers notes.
Professional Scripting and File Format Support
Read and write image channel data in 1-, 8-, 16-, or 32-bit format. Access
32-bit image channel features like range setting and locking. Access to
the bits-per-channel setting of images. Enjoy improved and expanded
support for over 50 file formats including CGM, DXF, SVG, PDF, AVI, Flash,
HTML, and more. Plus, get an EPS and PDF interpreter for flawless import
of these key file formats.
Professional Drawing Features
Benefit from fully editable dimensioning lines and image warp commands
that transform images mathematically into complex shapes. Get unlimited
and customizable ruler and scale settings that meet your advanced
engineering, architectural, and scientific illustration needs. Unleash
waveform and 2D math expression plotting tools. Plus, use Symbol Libraries
to instantly access dynamic objects or illustrations and other objects
either from within the application or from the Internet.
Advanced CAD Level Precision
A new double floating point, 64-bit coordinate system gives Canvas X a
level of precision normally reserved for dedicated CAD software. Plus, you
get Virtually unlimited zoom to +/- 114,000%. A larger maximum document
size to 2000 by 2000 miles. 2 billion object limit per document. 2 billion
control point limit per polygon or Bézier curve.
New Technical Drawing Features
The classic Smooth Polygon is back. Just like the one found in early
versions of Canvas 3 and MacDraw. We have once again recreated this
old-time favorite with a modern Bézier quality twist.
The Object Path Editor gives full access to the X/Y numeric coordinate
values of every point in a polygon, Bézier curve, or vector object. Values
can be imported and exported via text files or the clipboard.
The Math Expression 2-D Plotting tool can plot complex 2-D equations in
Polar or Cartesian coordinates spaces. The curves created by this tool can
be examined in detail using the Object Path Editor.
The Page Crop tool is like very accurate rectangular knife that surgically
cuts away all vector content found outside a defined trimming area. This
capability is very powerful and invaluable to users who have to regularly
manipulate very large and complex CGM, DXF, and DWG line graphic files. It
simplifies vector drawings and doesn't just clip portions out of view.
The interactive Print Preview includes new centralized controls for an
extensive array of print and page setup settings usually found in multiple
dialogs.
The Dimensioning tools have been rewritten to take advantage of the new
64-bit coordinate system as well as to make them more flexible and easier
to use. Dimensions with metric and English units can now be mixed in a
document. Users can type their own labels and change text colors without
affecting the dimension lines themselves. New tolerance settings have also
been added as well as the option to edit the numeric values of a dimension
line with or without affecting the size of a dimension line itself.
The SmartMouse has been rewritten to take advantage of the new 64-bit
coordinate system and to make it easier to use and understand. Witness
lines have been supplemented with a new snap point indicator that makes it
easier to visualize which constraint the SmartMouse is working on at any
give time.
SmartLines have been rewritten to take advantage of the new 64-bit
coordinate system. A new Connection Point tool gives users control of the
point on an object where SmartLines connect. SmartLines can now have
arrowheads, and new kinked and "dog leg" styles have been added. The
Annotation tools combine the SmartLine and EasyShape features into one.
Just click on an object or location in a drawing that you wish to explain
and start typing!
The Horizontalize command lets users draw a reference line on top of an
image that Canvas then uses to calculate the rotation angle required to
straighten the image. The command works on other object types as well.
The document Rulers have been rewritten to take full advantage of the new
64-bit coordinate system. A Ruler manager controls document units,
predefined or custom document scale settings, number systems, and formats.
An interactive "Set Document Scale" command lets users define scales using
points of reference in the document and then specifying their distance and
units.
Advanced options are now available to join adjacent lines, polygons, and
Bézier segments automatically when importing complex DXF, DWG, and CGM
files. This can dramatically reduce the size and complexity of imported
line documents.
Speaker notes can now be added to presentations and shown using dual
monitors where the second monitor displays the speaker notes.
The Symbol Library palette lets you search for local (CD or DVD) as well
as online clip art using our sharing technology.
The Set Print Area command lets users define the printing area visually
and numerically.
The Paste Attributes command offers an efficient way to transfer a wide
range of attributes between objects. This command supports Pen Ink, Fill
Ink, Stroke attributes, dimensions, transforms (such as rotation and skew
angles), transparency settings, text styles, and even SpriteEffects.
An improved Find command can grab attributes from existing objects and
populate search criteria automatically It can also search within groups
and includes controls to limit the scope of a search to a single page,
layer, or selection.
Enhanced Image Editing
Canvas X provides support for 8 and 16 image pixel depths per channel. It
also comes with central management for all inks (colors, gradients,
hatches, textures, symbols and patterns), pen styles (plain, calligraphic,
neon, and parallel), dash settings, and arrow styles. Annotation tools
make quick work of drawing callouts. The Red-Eye Reduction tool gives you
one-touch freedom or manual precision. And, the combined Crop & Scale
command lets you adjust image resolution and proportions in one operation.
Enhanced Image Editing System
Support for 8 and 16 bit image data per channel/per pixel. FP32 Real
support is part of the Scientific Imaging Edition.
Expanded TIFF support of 8 and 16 bit images (import and export).
The following image filters have been rewritten and now support 8-bit and
16-bit images (FP32 Real support in Scientific Imaging Edition): Gaussian
Blur, Average, Add noise, Median, Dust, Despeckle, Sharpen, Sharpen more,
Sharpen edges, Unsharp mask, Maximum, Minimum, High pass, Hue saturation,
Levels, Curves, Brightness/contrast, Color balance, Invert.
A new one-step Crop & Scale command. Choose from a wide array of standard
photo paper sizes or define your own. Options for hard and soft crops are
available.
New advanced Red Eye Reduction tool removes unwanted red eye effects
automatically, or experts can take advantage of extensive manual options.
Eyedroppers have been added to the Levels image filter.
A new Image Measurement command performs quantitative image analysis and
lets you copy the results to the clipboard. Works on grayscale channels
and gives information on current selection: Standard Deviation, Average,
Histogram, Area, Perimeter, Maximum, Minimum, and more.
A User Friendly, Dynamic Interface
Canvas X presents the right tools for your current activities and
anticipates what you are most likely to need next…saving you time. This
efficient workflow is achieved through the Smart Toolbox and Properties
Bar that track where you are in a project and display the most relevant
options. Tool palettes can also be locked so they are always available.
Compared to non-intuitive competitors, Canvas X is unbelievably easy to
use.
The new Smart Toolbox constantly tracks and displays all tools that are
related to the current tool. Tool palettes can be locked so they are
always available.
The new Properties Bar keeps changes according to selected objects and
tools and displays the most relevant controls at all times. This is a
great time saver for new and experienced users alike.
Users, who like to experiment with new colors and line styles, will
welcome the new Attributes palette. It provides one-stop access to all
inks (colors, gradients, hatches, textures, symbols, and patterns); pen
styles (plain, calligraphic, neon, and parallel); dash settings, and arrow
styles. A new Add Preset button has been added to the Attributes palette
to make it easy to create personalized sets.
Those who like to use predefined colors and line styles will appreciate
the new Presets palette, which is available directly from the Toolbox and
make it easy to access Canvas X's extensive array of predefined and
user-defined inks, pen styles, dashes, and arrow styles. Users can also
load, save, and share their own preset collections.
The bottom left of the drawing window has been redesigned with more
functionality and power than ever before. A new tab interface gives users
instant access to all document layers. Many pages are easier to control
and navigate using a new Page menu. Layers and pages can be renamed by
just clicking and typing on their labels.
The new Attribute History strip on the Presets palette gives users instant
access to the most recently used inks, pen styles, dashes, and arrow
styles. This makes it easier than ever to reapply attributes.
The new Attribute Styles palette manages application-based styles and
replaces the old Favorites and Object styles managers.
The popular Docking bar can now be moved to the left or right of the
drawing window and not just to the top as in earlier versions.
The Configuration Center now handles all program preferences, tool and
command settings from a central location.
Professional Publication Tools and Scripting, and File Format Support
Get all the publishing tools you need, along with complete typographic
controls and extensive slide show features. Plus, enjoy advanced scripting
and file format support, including: read and write image channel data in
1-, 8-, 16-, or 32-bit format; access 32-bit image channel features like
range setting and locking; improved and expanded support for 50+ file
formats including CGM, DXF, SVG, PDF, AVI, Flash, HTML, and an EPS and PDF
interpreter for flawless import of these key file formats.
Professional Publishing Tools
Get all the publishing tools you need and more, including: master pages;
column guides; text repel; linked column flows; headers and footers; text
on a path, and more.
Also, count on complete typographical controls such as character and
paragraph styles; precision leading and kerning; word and letter spacing;
custom tabs; interactive spell checker; search and replace; hyphenation;
vertical justification; widow and orphan controls, and more.
Plus, enjoy extensive slideshow capabilities including: 19 transition
styles; a royalty-free slide show player; PDF slide export; and dual
monitor speaker notes.
Expanded Scripting Support
Read and write image channel data in 1-, 8-, 16-, or 32-bit format.
Access 32-bit image channel features like range setting and locking.
Access to the bits-per-channel setting of images.
Access to new filters such as: Close, Dilate, Erode, Open, Ultimate
points, Outline, Skeletonize, Distance map, Make binary, Arithmetic,
Binary logic, Colorize, Convolve.
Refresh commands are now available via scripting.
Load and save palette settings can make extensive changes to the work
environment by running a script.
Access to system error code and descriptions.
Specify print options.
Trim command is now a recordable sequence.
New and Improved File Format Support
With ACDSee 7 installed in your machine Canvas X will have an option to
browse the current default directory.
New SVG export filter.
New Support for CGM4 format.
Improved import of IGES file format.
New PDF and EPS import filters use advanced PostScript interpreter
technology.
Option to import DXF, DWG, and CGM files without scaling, or scale and
unit settings can be defined at time of import if desired.
Windows version can now export in AVI format. The Macintosh version can
export in Quicktime format.
Canvas X with GIS
CANVAS X with GIS+ is the only GIS data visualization solution that
addresses the need of GIS professionals to effectively communicate the
results of their research analysis - quickly, accurately, and effectively.
An industry first, the Canvas X with GIS+ adds native support for
Geographic Information System (GIS) data to Canvas. You can take
measurements in geographic coordinates, import industry standard SHAPE and
GeoTIFF files into unlimited numbers of automatically aligned overlapping
layers.
Choose from the following options for automatically aligning and
overlapping map layers:
2,104 Coordinate Reference Systems
67 Operation Methods (like Mercator, Albers Conic Equal Area)
1,052 Map Projections
302 Geodetic Datums
21 Angular units
45 Length units
The Canvas X with GIS+ bridges the gap between dedicated GIS analysis
software and generic "DTP" software. For many applications, Canvas X with
GIS+ can now replace programs costing thousands. For the rest, Canvas X
with GIS+ is now the preferred "last mile" publishing companion to
dedicated GIS analysis software.
Far Reaching Applications
The advent of precision GPS and widely available mapping, demographic
information, and satellite imagery is generating explosive interest in GIS
from a wide range of fields including: law enforcement forensics oil, gas
and mineral exploration agriculture building and zoning city planning
public works fire and rescue transportation navigation and many more. The
Canvas X with GIS+ lets you import and overlay multiple SHAPE files in
perfect alignment automatically. You can also overlay aerial photos or
other images imported in GeoTIFF format over shape file data. Canvas will
even re-project GeoTIFF files automatically. Or you can import the images
and Geographically position them yourself using recognizable landmarks
with known coordinates.
Other Key Features
A new GIS positioning palette handles projection settings, indicates
projection errors, and more. Replicate and Position command lets position
symbols in multiple GIS accurate locations automatically using
latitude/longitude coordinates. Lists of coordinates can be imported from
a file or via the clipboard. Direct import of multiple SHAPE (SHP) and DAT
format files. Attached data is imported and can be accessed through the
Object Properties palette or via scripting. Direct import of TIFF files
with GIS data (GeoTIFF).
Image Warp with GIS extensions is the technology that lets you accurate
re-project imported GeoTIFF images automatically as needed.
Bottom Line Recommendation
Canvas X is one of the most remarkable programs now
on the market. The clever folks at ACDSystems have made this latest version of
this superior product even more powerful than it already was, and it
continues to excel in its ability to provide for users a high level of
multi functionality.
Taking a different approach to design,
Canvas X is as close to an "all-in-one" application you will ever work
with. Instead of competing with single function programs, instead Canvas X is an integrated program that brings together web design,
page layout, and photo manipulation in one environment. Rather than
breaking these elements down into plug-ins, or as separate applications
with a unified interface, Canvas mixes everything into one unified front.
This is why Canvas X stands alone atop this specialized
market.
With this focus on such a vast array of features, this does present quite
a challenge for those brand new to this type of programs. Canvas X provides an extensive array of options that can easily
overwhelm novices. Those brand new to Canvas will definitely need to set
aside some time to get acquainted with the program. However, ACDSystems
provides a super
tutorial to help you, and the built in electronic Help files also will
speed up this learning curve.
One of the most important features of
Canvas is its vector drawing capabilities. Long considered a favorite
among designers and technical illustrators, Canvas offers up several
effects that make it more than an amateur application.
Canvas offers superb, powerful features that although these may overwhelm
inexperienced users, do provide for high-end professionals the multiple
functionality they will certainly enjoy. However, for professionals with
need for these super features, Canvas will likely provide all the tools
they need to support their image editing, vector illustration, graphics
design, and presentations planning needs. The price point for this amazing
program is just as amazing, and customers will realize superb value for
this minimal investment in this most powerful program.
Price
$349.99 Canvas X
$549.99 Canvas X with Scientific Imaging
$649.99 Canvas X with GIS
System Configuration Requirements
Windows
Pentium III-class processor
Windows 2000, XP Home, XP Pro
128MB RAM (256MB recommended)
100MB free hard disk space
16-bit color or higher (True color recommended)
1024x768 or higher screen resolution recommended
Mouse and keyboard
Scanner optional for importing and editing graphics
CD-ROM drive
DVD drive or Internet access to access Clipart library
Macintosh
PowerPC (G3 or better)
Mac OS X only (version OS 10.2.6 or above and Panther)
128MB RAM (256MB recommended)
100MB free hard disk space
16-bit color or higher (True color recommended)
1024x768 or higher screen resolution recommended
Mouse and keyboard
Scanner optional for importing and editing graphics
CD-ROM drive
DVD drive or Internet access to access Clipart library
About ACDSystems
ACD Systems is recognized the world over as the leader in image
management and technical illustration software, providing the ACD Family
of products, headed by ACDSee and Canvas.
ACD delivers the leading platforms for image management and technical
illustration, giving consumers and professionals everything they need to
manage, create, edit, share, and publish content for print, presentation
and the Web faster, easier, and more efficiently.
Initially incorporated in 1989, ACD Systems Ltd. changed its name on April
28, 1993 as it evolved into a software developer for the nascent CD-ROM
cataloguing industry. It was realized that a key technological advantage
could be found if ACD developed the fastest software JPEG decoder on the
market. After intensive research and development, ACDSee was born and
quickly evolved into the dominant player in the image viewing and
management market. ACDSee was bundled with and became the defacto JPEG
decoder/viewer for Mosaic, the very first Web browser. As a shareware
program ACDSee quickly dominated the worldwide web and has since built an
impressive global user base estimated to be well over 25 million users.
ACD Systems Ltd. currently experiences close to a million downloads per
month of its software.
ACD Systems diversified its business in 2003 by acquiring 410124 Canada
Inc. (formerly Linmor Technologies Inc.) and technical illustration
software developer Deneba Solutions Inc, (Canvas).
Today many Fortune 500 Companies including Daimler Chrysler, Boeing, and
NASA rely on ACD Systems for asset management and technical illustration
solutions. Additionally, ACD Systems has been honored with numerous awards
and industry recognition from leading business, technology and trade
publications, corporate and photography associations, and shareware sites.
Headquartered in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, ACD Systems employs
approximately 150 people and operates offices in Canada, the United
States, Japan, and Switzerland. At the close of the last fiscal year,
ending March 30, 2004, revenues were $25.4 million.
ACD Systems is traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ASA.
Contact
Head Office
ACD Systems International Inc.
PO Box 36
Saanichton, British Columbia
Canada V8M 2C3
250-544-6700
FAX 250-544-0291
ACD Systems of America
1150 NW 72 Avenue, Suite 180
Miami, Florida 33126
305-596-5644
FAX 305-406-9802
www.acdsystems.com
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Canvas X with GIS