ACD Systems says its updated tool lets users import, edit and enhance illustrations, images and legacy project data within one document.
ACD Systems of America, a developer and marketer of digital imaging software, this week released Canvas X, a graphics tool that it says will optimize the workflow process as it works with technical illustrations and graphics.
With support for more than 100 import options for Windows and Mac platforms, including DXF and DWG, Canvas X allows users to import, edit and enhance illustrations, images and legacy project data into one document.
"This product is excellent for graphic designers," said Curtis Christensen, public relations manager for the Canvas product line at ACD. "It's excellent at handling illustrations and designs and works with Photoshop, Illustrator, Corel and even AutoCAD."
Canvas X, Christensen said, includes advanced annotation, markup and redlining tools for improved workgroup collaboration that let users make and share comments all within the same document. Canvas X also lets users create encrypted PDFs with password protection that controls whether documents can be viewed, edited or printed.
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Longtime user Richard Urbantas, a senior applications scientist at Eka Chemicals who began with Canvas 1 on a Mac Classic some 20 years ago, said it's the standard for use in his company. "I like it. This has more capabilities with many more file formats to save in, and I can use Canvas X for working in 3-D CAD programs."
Workflow optimizations for Canvas X include:
Enhanced DXF/DWG support, ensuring that the highest degree of fidelity is retained during import for AutoCAD files, even when 3-D drawings are projected into Canvas X's 2-D design space.
Markup and redlining tools, documenting the iterative design process through the application of comments and unique colors to facilitate collaboration among team members.
Canvas Print Driver for Windows, furthering the ability to edit and enhance content using Canvas' image editing and drawing tools by printing complex illustrations, photos or files from any software application into a Canvas document.
ActiveX control support for Windows, enabling users to embed ActiveX controls directly within Canvas X documents, thereby expanding workflow processes designed to monitor and increase productivity through centralized data management.
"We're about creating, enhancing and sharing within one application," Christensen said. "We've listened long and hard to customers and professionals, and this is the end result of all that input."
For users such as Urbantas, it's not just a work tool. "I use it to do things and visualize things I want to do on my home. My daughter is learning to use it because she wants to be a graphic designer."
Christensen said the improvements will let professionals communicate and collaborate inside their critical products in a whole new way.
ACD is a subsidiary of ACD Systems International Inc., based in Saanichton, British Columbia.
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