Xara Xtreme 4

Without features such as paragraph styles, Xara Xtreme 4.0 still can't claim to be a dedicated DTP application, but its improved text handling within an illustration framework proves handy, especially when working on web graphics and web designs. The fact that Xara Xtreme 4.0 now makes it simple to output complete pages to HTML/CSS makes it even more useful.

Perhaps the most welcome addition of all for Xara Xtreme 4.0 users is the new support for multiple pages, a capability essential not just for producing multiple page publications and web layouts, but also for exploring design ideas. Previously this feature was restricted to Xtreme's high-end brother Xtreme Pro (US$249) but now it's trickled down to this more affordable package.

Despite its many new features, Xara Xtreme 4.0 can't claim to be a dedicated bitmap editor, 3D modeller, web designer or DTP application. However it does manage to bring together many of these applications' separate strengths within its own vector-based illustration environment, and thanks to its blistering speed, it makes accessing all this power child's play, encouraging hands-on creative exploration. For the price, it's nothing short of extraordinary value for money.

Author: Tom Arah