CompactDraw 1.02

No, it doesn't cost you thousands (it's $45 US), but the company that makes CompactDraw -- Canada-based Media Chance -- does have to come up with the cash to pay Unisys for the license to include in the program LZW compression, the algorithm used to create GIF files.

Otherwise, CompactDraw is one of the more impressive graphics-for-the-web programs we've seen because it turns graphics tasks that usually take several steps -- and often several programs -- into simple jobs.

Consider:

• Bitmap effects can be applied with ease, and there are several to choose from including sharpen, saturation, boost, and about 25 more effects. These are applied with one click, though they are further adjustable.

• Vector effects include drop shadows, sun shadows, glow, a multitude of bevels, cutouts and more. These, too, are applied with one click and can be adjusted with several options available.

• Paths are easily created and then edited, including opening and closing.

• Text is easily edited and altered, including paths and envelopes and many other effects.

There is a style library which allows you to click on an object in it and have those attributes applied to a selected object in the work area, saving numerous steps.

Additionally, if you do apply several steps to an object and like what you get, you can then add that combination of effects to the style library.

There is also an object library which offers several "template" like objects, and to which you can add what you like. If you need a basketball in the object library because you use it a lot, simply import it and add it the library. Next time you need it, you simply drag and drop into the work area.

But the joy of this program isn't that these things exist. Several programs offer the same things, but few programs offer the variety AND make those things as easy and logical to apply as CompactDraw.

In other words, you can import a photo, add a bevel, apply type to the photo, add a shadow to the type, apply a color screen to the entire production, use an envelope to twist it, and then save it or export it. And, there are no plugins -- it's all part of the basic program. I did say that it costs $45, didn't I?

The program offers a full set of drawing tools, allowing you to work with beziers, polynomes, envelopes, color shifting, cropping, masking, and more.

Another feature is the program's screen capture ability, enabling you to hide the capture utility before grabbing an area or the screen.

Graphics can be saved in the program's native format and later be edited. Further, graphics can be exported in an e-jpg format and also be editable later. PNG and BMP are other available export formats.

CompactDraw also allows for the antialiased rotation of bitmaps, nested grouping, and the rotation of fill textures.

All that makes the program perfect for web art, multimedia interfaces, logos, rendered-like surfaces, digital art, and illustrations.

Again, the program's biggest downfall is its inability to export GIF files, making it necessary to have a second program to produce transparent graphics. However, the company does say on its website that it will soon conquer that problem.

Apart from its GIF-less existence, the program's only other shortcoming is that you cannot copy a drawing in CompactDraw and paste it into another graphics application and vice versa. You have to save it in the first program, then open it in the second program.

The bottom line is that considering what it has to offer -- and even with those two noticeable hang-ups -- the program is a great bargain (I did say $45, didn't I?).