MicrostockGroup

Microstock Photography Forum - General => Software => Software - General => Topic started by: madelaide on May 09, 2010, 22:25

Title: Xara 3D and other 3D-text software
Post by: madelaide on May 09, 2010, 22:25

For years I had been a user of Xara 3D - I got a working copy when I was a subscriber of PC Plus.  I made my website's logo with it in fact:
(http://www.mariaadelaidesilva.net/adelaide/imagem/adelogo1.gif)

I wanted to install it in my current PC, but I can't find the old CD where I got it from, so I went to Xara website to see it.  It's just US$29.

Before I buy it, I would like to know if anyone has any experience with other similar software.  Xara 3D was very easy to use, and watching a demo it still is, but I remember that in some cases the result had a few glitches, like some stray pixels.  That was ages ago and possibly they have solved this, but it's always good to hear a second opinion.

Title: Re: Xara 3D and other 3D-text software
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on May 10, 2010, 11:17

Have you looked online?  There are a few online free 3d text makers for simple things...

Title: Re: Xara 3D and other 3D-text software
Post by: madelaide on May 10, 2010, 12:06

I didn't find anything that seems to do even the most basic features in Xara 3D.  Do you know any?  There are tons of software when you perform a search, most aren't exactly "3D text" and many are not really freeware.

Title: Re: Xara 3D and other 3D-text software
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on May 10, 2010, 12:09

I dunno.  I just remember a few years back needing a simple extrude and finding something online to do it.

Title: Re: Xara 3D and other 3D-text software
Post by: dnavarrojr on May 10, 2010, 13:13

Ulead used to sell a program called "Cool 3D" that was much better than Xara, but for some reason when they got bought out, the new company killed it.  For "cheap and easy" there is nothing better available than Xara 3D.  If you need to do more complex stuff there are a number of better programs, but they are more difficult to use.

BTW, PhotoShop now does a really good job of 3D.

Title: Re: Xara 3D and other 3D-text software
Post by: madelaide on May 10, 2010, 17:04

Curiously, Cool 3D is still found in Corel website through a search:
http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite/us/en/Product/1177441134065 (http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite/us/en/Product/1177441134065)
but you can not buy it.

The only free stuff I found were front view 3D effects, which are ok, but don't allow the same effects that Xara does.  Here is a nice one: http://cooltext.com/ (http://cooltext.com/)

I tried 3D extrusion in AI CS2 yesterday, but it didn't work well, like in the example attached.

Title: Re: Xara 3D and other 3D-text software
Post by: dnavarrojr on May 10, 2010, 19:55

This is mostly designed for video, but it will export stills as well:

http://www.outerspace-software.com/blufftitler.html (http://www.outerspace-software.com/blufftitler.html)

Title: Re: Xara 3D and other 3D-text software
Post by: madelaide on May 10, 2010, 20:38

That's really cool, DN!  But it seems that pricewise Xara is still the best option for me.  I may try the trial version, though.