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Cost estimated $399.00; competitive upgrade $250.00; www.deneba.com
Creating even a basic design for either the web or print typically involves the use of several applications. While this offers incredible flexibility, the down side is that one has to learn programs that possess considerable learning curves. Compounding the difficulties with the complex nature of graphics software are the considerable costs involved in purchasing them. For small scale companies and individuals this can be seriously prohibitive.
Taking a radically different approach to design, Deneba’s Canvas 8 is literally an All-In-One solution. Unlike the heavy weights of design, namely Adobe and Macromedia, where programs are devoted to specialized functions, Canvas is an integrated program that brings together web design, page layout and photo manipulation in one environment. Rather than breaking these elements down into plug-ins, or as separate applications with a unified interface, Canvas mixes everything into one unified front. It is in this arena that Canvas stands alone. Although CorelDraw 10 comes close to taking the unified application approach to design, Canvas takes the concept one considerable step further.
It is to be expected that any integration of so many disparate functions has a down side. In this case that translates into a menu that is literally a cornucopia of options that for newbies and novices is overwhelming. On the surface the interface is simple enough, but in order to get things done, one has to be well acquainted with the Deneba structure, which is not all that intuitive. In addition, it can be difficult figuring out just where things are and how they all fit together. This is not necessarily the result of weak design. Instead, it is an expected result of having so many features and options in one place. If anything Canvas 8 recalls some of the difficulties associated with Corel’s Painter 7, mainly tasks demanding complex procedures unique to the program itself.
Even with these issues, Deneba’s Canvas is not without its considerable virtues, principle being that it can do so much. One of the outstanding features of Canvas is its prowess as a vector drawing application. Long considered a favorite among some designers and technical illustrators, Canvas offers up several effects that make it more than an amateur application. Because of both its flexibility and numerous options, Deneba in many ways proves that layout can be more than a choice between Quark Express and Adobe’s Indesign.
With regards to the essentials in both page layout and vector design, Deneba has its strengths. Another virtue that makes the application more appealing is its ease in creating Adobe Acrobat files. Supporting nearly every file imaginable, Deneba just by virtue of its file sharing, is worth the price of admission. Forget simply having programs that preview obscure or difficult to find programs, Canvas allows you the ability to open and edit without complications.
The only downside I see for serious designers is finding support for the Canvas format. One of the chief reasons Quark Express retains such a loyal following stems from its long established user base. Even the mighty Adobe has had difficulty unseating this undisputed leader in print design. If one can work around those concerns, Canvas has much to make it a formidable contender, even if only as a niche player.
For Windows users and Mac users, Canvas runs native in both Windows XP and OS X. From experiences I have had with Canvas, it is surprisingly fast under XP, and seems to be without fatal flaws. Scanning from Canvas is a breeze, and it seems rock steady. Supplementing Canvas’ support, Deneba’s web site is filled with ways to network with other users and learn user tips.
While I seriously doubt that Canvas can replace dedicated programs like Illustrator, Photoshop, Flash, or Dreamweaver, it does serve as an excellent “Jack of All Trades.” For users on a budget, or those just getting their feet wet, Canvas offers enough power to make it more than a novice program. In many ways Canvas deserves its title as the “Swiss Army Knife” of computer design. I can also envision uses where Canvas could be indispensable. While it may be more than most users of such lighter fare as Publisher may need, Canvas is just the sort of application that those seeking to work on the Web or in print for the first time need the most. Although not as comprehensive as the dedicated applications it is designed to replace, it is by no means light weight. Again, if file compatibility, flexibility, cost effectiveness and making Acrobat files is what you seek, Canvas is well worth investigating.
Talk to Kurt in Graphics Unleashed Forums
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