With the release of Xara3D 6, popular features from the previous version are combined with a simpler user interface.Xara is determined to make it simple enough to create static or animated 3D graphic effects that even the most graphically challenged users can add a little 3D pizazz to their headings or logos with just a few quick clicks.
This week, Xara Group Ltd., based in Hertfordshire, England, released its Xara3D 6, directing the company's focus on a total revamp of the user interface and creating clutter-free access to all the main control features.
Charles Moir, CEO of Xara, said, "This version offers a dramatic advance in software usability. The beauty of Xara3D is the direct on-screen manipulation of the 3D object. By dragging on the object you can extrude, rotate and alter the bevels.
"You can drag the 3D lights to shine on the object from any angle and simply double click on a light to alter its color. It has to be the easiest interface for any 3D program."
By updating the interface in this version, the company has improved the user help guide and boosted interactive tool usability.
Building on the popularity of Xara3D 5's automatic button maker, new one-click options have been added.
Among those options are customizable borders, boards for use with headings to give the effect of the image emerging from a solid background, and boards with holes—the reverse of boards—which gives the visual impression of a cut-out image.
The 15-day free trial version can be downloaded from the Xara Web site.
The cost of Xara3D 6 is $44.99; the upgrade cost is $29.99 for existing users of versions 4 and 5.
Graphics Tools 
