MEP-MX with Xara 'Photo and Graphic Design 7'

artsmith wrote on 1/27/2012, 5:42 PM

I am a user of MEP17Pro and an earlier version of VXP; however last year (2011), I responded to a 'two-for-the-price-of-one' deal and purchased and downloaded the newer version 'MX' and Xara 'Photo and Graphic Designer 7'. What particularly appealed to me about this deal, was that it would allow me to integrate the 'Xara' programme into my various graphics devices (mixed animation with live action, on a minor scale), and so-on. The blurb, pre-purchase, sold me on the advantages of being able to proceed from MEP17 into 'Photo and Graphic design 7', carry out whatever I wanted to do, then simply 'carry' the outcomes back with me onto the timeline. However, I have combed the 'manual' for instructions as to how to set this up, and so far, not a 'flicker'. Currently, I am able to use both programmes in stand-alone mode, but when I look for some means of integrating them........nothing. The most recent instance, was last evening, when I wished to introduce custom elements into a set of menu titles I was working on. I followed the procedure to-the-letter, but when the time came for me to proceed to 'Xara', the only alternative was another 'Xara' photo-related programme, (eg not 'Photo and Graphic designer 7' ) which I do not use, nor have access to.

 Has anyone had this, or a closely related problem with integration, who is able to put me onto the right track, or even point me in the right direction? I would be most appreciative of any help, or suggestions.

Ian Smith

Dunedin, New Zealand.   

Comments

johnebaker wrote on 1/28/2012, 4:48 AM

Hi

Open the program settings dialog (Y key) and check the external image editor option, as shown in the image below, is pointing to the Xara program file - note mine points to Photo Designer 7 so your path should be different.

To edit an image in the external editor - right click the image on the MEP timeline and select Edit in external editor as shown below

When you click save and close the editor you will be returned to MEP and the image will be updated- note I always load a copy of the original before editing so you keep the original for future use

John

Last changed by johnebaker on 1/28/2012, 4:48 AM, changed a total of 2 times.

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artsmith wrote on 1/29/2012, 2:23 PM

 Thanks 'johnebaker' for the info. I didn't think I would be stumped by the 'bleedin-obvious', but even so thank you for the information. Incidentally, the reason for my use of 'Xara Photo and Graphic Designer 7', is that I use a 'device' for showing my progress across the landscape, consisting of a line animated onto either a 'live' background or stills photograph. The reason, which I didn't explain previously, is that Ii much prefer my own 'custom' graohics over 'bought' solutions, since by 'rolling-my-own' it is far less costly, and my videos can claim to have a 'point-of-difference'; hence the need to be able to bring 'Photo and Graphic Designer' into the 'mix'.

 Again, thanks.

 Ian Smith

 Dunedin, New Zealand.

terrypin wrote on 1/9/2013, 7:42 AM

Hi Ian,

I'm about  a year late in seeing this thread, but maybe you're still around...

Can you advise what method you use for your 'animated line' please? I've tried several over the years, but never found a really satisfactory one. The closest I got was using my image editor, PaintSho Pro 8, to 'reveal' a pre-drawn line over the map background, and capturing that to a video.

I usually opt for the easier approach, using KFs on an object, but sometimes a gradually growing line would be more attractive.

Composed Wednesday 9 January 2013, 13:42 UK time

--
Terry, East Grinstead, UK

Last changed by terrypin on 1/9/2013, 7:42 AM, changed a total of 1 times.

Terry, East Grinstead, UK. PC: i7 6700K, 4.0 GHz, 32GB with Win 10 pro. Used many earlier versions of MEPP, currently mainly MEPP 2016 & 2017 (Using scores of macro scripts to add functionality, tailored to these versions.)