Unlike some graphics programs that work with pixels to create images, vector-drawing programs such as Xara X build up images as collections of mathematical formulae representing lines and shapes.

Although this might sound complicated, most of the complexity is taken out by the toolbar interface. On opening the software you're presented with a blank page and a set of buttons along the left of the window.

These are the basic tools that allow you to build up lines and curves as well as more complex shapes. These can then be joined together and filled in quite easily using the same set of tools.

The advantage of drawing with vectors rather than painting with pixels, as in a paint program, is that you can easily enlarge or rotate the drawing, or move parts of it around, without losing any quality.

This makes it very useful for technical drawing but, if you mainly want to edit existing pictures, a paint or photo-editing program would be more worthwhile.

That said, it does have some image-editing features, and you can import pictures to be used as objects in the drawing, although these can't be manipulated in the same way as the lines and shapes. But if you want to draw on the computer, this is a good place to begin.

Contact: Xara 01442 350000
www.xara.com