Xara Xtreme Map-Making

[Gamerprinter]

Maybe you're right about CC3 - I have the program and I am definitely still a newbie, I am certainly a fan of Profantasy, though.

I've just run into that "can't go back and fix my mountain" problem on more than one occasion. Perhaps there's an easy fix, that I don't know about. It isn't obvious though, I've looked.

Yes, CC3 is a CAD program and vector based, but the mountains I'm referring too are PNG graphic files placed in the mountains layer of CC3 not CC2.

Because I'm a member of the CC2 Yahoo Group, I get this constant flood of endless tiny problems, operating system issues for the software. I've never seen graphics software with so many bugs before. The idea of CC3 is great, the masters using it are masterful. But the newbies trying it out, will like me run back to software I am familiar with.

If you got a fix for CC3 objects placement issue - tell me. And I'll stand corrected.

[RPMiller]

Maybe you're right about CC3

Yup I am. Trust me.

I've just run into that "can't go back and fix my mountain" problem on more than one occasion. Perhaps there's an easy fix, that I don't know about. It isn't obvious though, I've looked.

Yes, CC3 is a CAD program and vector based, but the mountains I'm referring too are PNG graphic files placed in the mountains layer of CC3 not CC2.

That absolutely doesn't matter. The symbol itself is still a vector based object. You can select it just like any other entity in the map.

Because I'm a member of the CC2 Yahoo Group, I get this constant flood of endless tiny problems, operating system issues for the software. I've never seen graphics software with so many bugs before. The idea of CC3 is great, the masters using it are masterful. But the newbies trying it out, will like me run back to software I am familiar with.

If you got a fix for CC3 objects placement issue - tell me. And I'll stand corrected.

CC3 is in its infancy so there are going to be bugs, not to mention they are trying to do something that CAD just wasn't made to do, and yet are achieving success with each passing month. I'm on their beta team so I can attest to the fact that it is much improved before it gets to its release stage.

As for the fix, you really haven't stated what your exact problem is. Once you do that I can probably help you. If you are talking about simply repositioning a single symbol:

1) Click the Move button
2) Click the edge of the symbol
3) Click where you want to place it
4) Right click-->Do It.

Of course there are the shortcut keys to command line to do the above as well.

[Robbie]

I bet more than anythign his mountain problem is related to entity order...and isn't there a reordering tool specificaly for reordering mountains from top left to bottom right or something?

I'm still a CC3 user, though a lot of the amazing work I've seen done in graphics apps here is turning me otherwise. I don't believe in touting one program over another really though because its all a matter of what you're comfortable with. I spend a lot of time over at the CGTalk forums, and I've learned that software choice is NOT a factor in artist capability.

[RPMiller]

Yes, there sure is. Unfortunately the command is escaping me right now. I think it is symorder?? I'm at work so can't check to be sure.

I don't ever use it as I tend to always place symbols in the correct order to begin with.

[Gamerprinter]

I've already said it, but "The best software, is whichever you are most comfortable with."

I met a pro designer once in 1996, he used a Mac, though not a power mac, he only had 16 MB RAM, and used a 3 year old version of PS. This guy was creating professional covers for People Magazine and others.

Its not what you've got, its what you can do with it, that counts.

Masterful artwork is created by masterful artists, not software. Software is just a tool - your brain and imagination is what makes for wonderful maps!

True some software is easier, more powerful or more feature rich - tools help artists work, but in the end only the artist matters.

[Gamerprinter]

I guess this thread has turned into a discussion on comparative mapping software.

In the begginning, I was just trying to show you what I use, and what I create.

So what do you think of the terrain maps in my link? True they are not exciting places like dungeons and castles, rather its just generic natural terrain - a GMs aid, more than a feature map, but...

Any comments on the work?

[Robbie]

I guess this thread has turned into a discussion on comparative mapping software.

In the begginning, I was just trying to show you what I use, and what I create.

So what do you think of the terrain maps in my link? True they are not exciting places like dungeons and castles, rather its just generic natural terrain - a GMs aid, more than a feature map, but...

Any comments on the work?

Ahh...good point, lets get back on topic...here ends the software discussion in this thread...

Your maps...I like the concept, and they look good, and I bet they look even better printed largely...My only complaint is they seem to be lacking some depth...I think that comes from the lack of or inconsistency of shadowing from vegetation. Its mainly the vegetation thats unsettling to me at first glance.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not declaring the maps as failures or even as unsuccessful, quite the contrary, they're great! I hope I'm not coming off as seeing the maps negatively.

As for your concept, reuseable tileable printed game board pieces...awesome, thats good stuff, and with the rise in miniature battles and miniature gaming, they certainly have a place!

[Robbie]

I've already said it, but "The best software, is whichever you are most comfortable with."

I met a pro designer once in 1996, he used a Mac, though not a power mac, he only had 16 MB RAM, and used a 3 year old version of PS. This guy was creating professional covers for People Magazine and others.

Its not what you've got, its what you can do with it, that counts.

Masterful artwork is created by masterful artists, not software. Software is just a tool - your brain and imagination is what makes for wonderful maps!

True some software is easier, more powerful or more feature rich - tools help artists work, but in the end only the artist matters.

Winning post right here.

[keithcurtis]

I've already said it, but "The best software, is whichever you are most comfortable with."
…snip…

Excellent post. My work experience is pretty similar to yours. Graphic design since 81, Digital pre-press and composition since '86. Although I am an Adobe and Macintosh man through and through, I support just about anyone's choice of work method. Results count more than anything else.