Xara Webstyle 3
August 5, 2002
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Back in the good ol' days when we did a review each week,
looking at product updates was easy to work in the
schedule. Doing only one review a month, such updates have to be
exceptional to get my attention. Thus: (Drum roll, please)
Presenting Xara Webstyle 3.
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The basic operation of Webstyle has not changed, but what the Xara
folks have done in Version 3 is beef up the program with a greater
assortment of functions and options that make this a product worthy of
being in any web designer's toolbox.
As you can see in this graphic, the six options that came with
version 2 have grown considerably, but more important than the
number of
options is what some of those new options are, particularly photo
processing, dynamic menus, complete graphic themes, and backgrounds.
This is a template-based program, with users being able to easily
customize each template. Translated, that means users can create
unique graphics without having to have an art degree.
Not all improvements in the program show up on the start screen. The
"saving" features for graphics has been expanded to enable users
to create even better graphics more easily, using either simple
or advanced save options.
For example, when users save Navigation Bars and Menus, the program
automatically exports HTML coding and Javascript coding. It also
enables users to save their "project" so that it can be re-edited
later.
Another new feature is the program seamless integration with Macromedia
Dreamweaver and Microsoft FrontPage. That means items created in
Webstyle 3 can be used by simply using the "Insert" menu of those
programs.
For those who wish to use photos in the graphics they create,
the new photo processing option is a very nice option. It is not
to be confused with Photoshop, but it isn't intended to be. It
does, however, offer much more than similar elements in other
graphic programs.
First, it imports only three formats: .jpg; .gif; and .png. That's all
most web designers need. Users can then enhance photos using sliders,
improving such items as brightness, saturation, transparency, contrast,
blur, sharpen, and tint. Color and texture can also be altered as needed,
the program has a nice cropping feature, photos can be rotated, flipped,
and mirrored, and it allows users to create auto expanding thumbnails.
In all, the program offers more than 1,000 editable templates. In
addition to those for navigation bars, and DHTML menus, there are animated
banner ads, 2D headings, 3D headings, buttons, bullets, dividers, logos,
backgrounds, and complete theme sets.
Within these templates users can add their own text, change text
attributes, change colors, textures, bevels, shadows and sizes. Start
customizing one of the templates and users can easily finish with
something that does not even resemble the original, but they will have
done so in a flash without that afore-mentioned art degree.
Xara continues to produce top grade products, and Webstyle3 is no
exception. Because of its versatility and price, it is a
no-brainer when it comes time to consider buying.
| What is it called again? Xara Webstyle3 |
| Where can I get it? http://www.xara.com/ |
| How big is the download? 7.09 MB |
| How much does it cost? $79 boxed; $69 on CD without manual;
$10-$40 discounts for previous owners of Xara products. |
| Do I recommend it? Definitely. |
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