Xara 3d - best 3d graphics package?

[Brett_Tabke]

I love Xara 3d. Best all around 3d-text creation software there is available. You can make things like this [webmasterworld.com] (60k) in 12 minutes. (it would have been faster, but took me 5 to decide on the save format;)

Is there anything even close to Xara out there?

[oilman]

There's always Ulead Cool 3D. I've never used Xara so I can't compare them but Cool 3D could make that same graphic in about 30 seconds ;)

[GWJ]

<pun intended>Cool 3D is cool</pun intended> I enjoyed playing with it.

I also have tried one that is put out by Electric Rain called FontFX [erain.com] . It is pretty slick also and the price was right. When I purchased the program they even pointed me to a sub url to get 8 more "material packs" (read: background images).

Brian

[WebSpinner]

Have you folks ever used MS Image Composer 1.5?? It's bundled with FP98/2k

The amount of effects you can create is endless.. IMHO it's one of the better graphics s/w out there. $$$ considered!

Need any tips, I'll be glad to help!

Spinner

[scott]

I use MSIC occasionally to overlay text. I don't like creating a graphic with it because it usually insists on saving a transparent gif in a 216 color pallette, which usually messes the graphic up. I'll only use it to overlay text when I can save it with the pallete that came with the picture. The button maker has proven to be handy, too. I think it's a little more intuitive than the PSP.

Although, I have found many of the effects available in PSP (or an available PSP plug-in).

[mivox]

I generally try to keep my web graphics fairly "flat" looking... easier to keep file sizes small, and my personal art style has always leaned towards flat & cartoony.

For 3D type text (& small dingbat/button/graphics) effects, I used BladePro (PS Plug-in), which can do great metallic & embossed glass effects, as well as slightly more subtle surfaces.

I think BladePro works with PaintShopPro too, but I'm not sure.

Edited by: mivox

[oilman]

Blade Pro also plugs into PhotoImpact as do most PS plugins.

I'm also a very 2d graphics developer - so much simpler some days. ;)

[Brett_Tabke]

Spinner, which software package is that part of? FrontPage 98? No kidding. Can you install just that part of it? Or does frontpage have to come along for the ride?

At your promoting Oil, I dl'd ulead cool 3d. Very interesting. Will let you know after I figure out how to operate it a bit more proficently.

[WebSpinner]

Brett, it's on both FP98 & 2K. And YES, you can just load that prog.

Let me know if I can help out!

-Spinner