Xara Xtreme Pro 3.2 Review
Jacob Van Ness

August, 2007

Xara Xtreme Pro 3.2 is a vector graphics software for the Windows platform with some exceptional features for print and web designers alike. In a market with some big companies like Adobe and Corel, Xara has done a nice job of standing out on their own. With superior processing speed and highly competitive pricing, it's no wonder many designers have turned to Xara Xtreme Pro 3.2.

Initially thought of as a vector based program, Xara Xtreme Pro turned out to be so much more, with some pretty nice features geared towards print and prepress. It was nice to see that you have the ability to set up multi-page documents and even set up spreads. Bleeds are also possible, even though it's one size sets all sides equally. It was a little strange not having the ability to open a document at a custom size but rather open one and then adjust it in the File menu under Page Options. This is also where you would set your bleed measurement. Another nice prepress function is the ability to export as a PDF, which so many DTP systems work with today. The settings are a bit simplified but there is still the ability to customize. The quality of the PDF's were excellent and separation capabilities were all there. It was easy to get a vector logo in multiple spot colors to separate correctly. This will surely save you and your printer a lot of headaches. The color gallery menu was a bit time consuming and clumsy to use due to the lack of number recognition when trying to type a specific color number. This was definitely an area that could use some improvement but the inclusion of Pantone colors was a great feature to have available.

It was really nice to see such a well organized workspace and lack of clutter. For someone with a single, smaller monitor it will make working on your graphics a very pleasant experience. The control bars are a quality feature and the ability to control their size makes that much more workspace available. Finding what features or settings I wanted was pretty straight forward. The control bars are a very nice alternative to the pallets you normally see in graphics software.

Probably the most impressive part about Xara Xtreme Pro is it's speed. It's ability to render effects at a fraction of the time is awesome. This will increase production with saved time. It was also impressive to see how much smaller Xara files are as compared to Adobe Illustrator files of the same artwork.

Xara Xtreme Pro out does it's competitors in some impressive ways. This was more than just a vector illustration program and it was impressive just as that. Xara has definitely stepped it up once again with this newest version of their Xtreme Pro software. At a price of 249 dollars it truly is an unbeatable deal.


Pricing: $249.00

Company Website or URL: www.xara.com

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