Hi, I'm new here and I have C3 on order. I have been playing with the beta. In the spline modeler I see that it can import ai and eps vector files. Are there any low cost or even free editors that can create these files. I feel that getting illustrator would be over kill in the money department. :) I've been having fun with the tutorials. Thanks have fun Neil

In C2 I found that corel draw worked for creating ai files. That's not a cheap solution, but it works.

Corel used to give away free it's 'Corel Graphic suit' in it is the 'Corel Draw 8 LE' software which will surely answer your needs. I'm don't know where is it posted now and I have it for the Mac, not sure about the PC version.

Photoshop full version does paths and exports filename.ai, so maybe Photoshop Elements can also do them. It's sometimes bundled with scanners or printers, and you may already have a copy of it.

Attached Link: Mayura

I do not know anything about this program, but it came up when discussing the import of vector information. And producing it. I looks free from here (but I do not really read, because Illustrator 10 is around, that's why), check it out! If you are not on Mac, that is...

Thank you all for the information. I will check out the software you have mentioned Thanks again have fun Neil

I suppose "low cost" is similar to "art"- the definition lies in the eyes of the beholder. However, I use XaraX and it imports eps files quite nicely into Carrara. XaraX is quite reasonable at $149. You can see more about it here: http://www.xara.com/products/xarax/ You could also check out Real-Draw at http://www.mediachance.com/realdraw/index.html I haven't used this program but it seems to have received enthusiastic reviews. I am not absolutely sure that it exports eps files but perhaps you can find out at the website. I mention this one because it is only $55. Good luck. - Jack

My brief look at the Real-Draw webpage piqued my curiosity so I dl'd the demo. I am happy to report that it can save shapes and lines as eps files which Carrara (at least the ver 3 beta) can import.

Hi ival, Thanks for the links, I will have a look at them. So far I have seen Mavura mentioned above and it has a free version that is very basic but does go into carrara 3. Yep low cost is subjective especially when you have to double the "US" price to get NZ currency Thanks again Cheers Neil

Parkie, After browsing the manual I've got some half formed thoughts on using polylines. I'll play around with the idea some If i come up with anything I'll post; I'm using C2.

Thanks Bikermouse. Hmmm polylines.... I will also have a look in C3 beta and see what it says about them. Often it is knowing what things are called that helps in finding out how to do things. Hopefully my full version of C3 will arrive in a few days or a week depends on how long it take to get down under. Cheers

Parkie, It might work if you can either save a polyline as an ai or otherwise transport/convert it to the spline editor; otherwise it probably won't work as a cross section, but it usually doesn't hurt to experiment from within C; Otherwise it might be just another lame idea of mine. - TJ

Thanks TJ. I will have another hunt through C3 and see how it pans out. Any idea is a good one. It gets me looking at parts I might brush over and you can find all sorts of things in the process. :) Cheers Neil