PDF import support for ArtWorks - RISC OS News, Software and Information

PDF import support for ArtWorks

Published: 13th Apr 2008, 15:40:52GMT Source: drobe.co.uk
By the Drobe news desk

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ArtWorks 2.8 to gain ability to load PDF documents

The next version of RISC OS graphics package ArtWorks will be able to import PDF documents, developer Martin Wuerthner said this week. ArtWorks 2.8 is expected to be released in May but a pre-release build could be made available in time for the Wakefield 2008 show this month.

In the new version a PDF document can be dropped onto the ArtWorks icon and the software will import the file complete with multiple pages, CMYK colours, spot colours, graduated fills, transparency, clipping paths and CMYK images. Although software already exists for RISC OS to convert PDF documents into native drawfiles, these programs cannot cope with documents with the aforementioned elements, according to Martin.

Martin added: "Since the vast majority of graphics programs on other platforms can export PDF files, being able to import PDFs finally allows you to import graphics from virtually every other application into ArtWorks while retaining advanced features such as CMYK colours, transparency and clipping.

"The full release of ArtWorks 2.8 is expected in May but a pre-release version may be available as soon as at this month's Wakefield show. Upgrade prices and ordering details will be announced in time."

ArtWorks gained the ability to output PDF documents in version 2.5.

No to ports
Martin also said there was no truth in rumours that he was planning to port his ArtWorks software to the Microsoft Windows platform. It was claimed Martin was considering porting his applications to larger platforms for obvious commercial reasons.

However, Martin, who has been doing programming work for graphics software firm Xara, said: "I have never mentioned anything like this to anyone. I am, of course, involved in Windows graphics software simply because I am working part time for Xara Ltd. and I am behind a few of the new features of their brand new Xtreme 4.0 release."

Martin will be demonstrating his software at the Wakefield 2008 show.

• Meanwhile, publisher R-Comp is said to be beavering away to finish two brand new RISC OS applications in time for the Wakefield event aside from the Image Animator and Touch Type packages it took over this month. Pushed for details, R-Comp's Andrew Rawnsley told drobe.co.uk: "I don't like to pre-announce products until they're done - I don't want to disappoint anyone."

VirtualAcorn boss and RISCOS Ltd director Aaron Timbrell also let slip this week that he is involved in two product releases set to be revealed at Wakefield 2008.

Links
MW Software website

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fylfot (+4.0) 13/4/08 5:45PM	I'm really pleased to see this even though, along with other ArtWorks users, I suspected it was coming. The PDF export facility introduced in 2.5 was an incredibly useful advance for those of who send material to commercial printers on a regular basis. For me, this latest development is probably as important as it will solve many problems when collaborating with people on other platforms. It continues to be a fun experience to be an ArtWorks user with ongoing development like this, development that has introduced serious new functionality and not just bells and whistles. And the development is good value for money, too. In terms of the money I've invested into RISC OS projects, ArtWorks has certainly delivered way more than anything else. Thank you Martin.
TonyStill (+2.0) 13/4/08 11:00PM	Yes, this is good news. AW was becoming a 'one-way' package for me as I could create and export but I could never move drawings back into it. This will be a great collaboration tool as Macs, for example, can produce anything they do in PDF; makes it practical to bat files back and forth and generally behave like an equal citizen with other platforms. AW remains a jewel in RO's crown!
stevek (+2.0) 14/4/08 7:29AM	This is a fantastic addition to this super application and will make many people very happy. The importance of being able to collaborate with users on other platforms can't be underestimated. Support of PDF will ensure Artworks users can work with anyone and everyone. Excellent news! Some interesting teasers from RComp and Aaron to look forward too. Sounds like Wakefield is going to be a show not to be missed!
tinopeners (+1.0) 14/4/08 11:52AM	Excellent news and great to see that Artworks continuously is developed as an up-to-date graphics software, including the interaction to other packages on other platforms.
cables (+1.0) 14/4/08 12:15PM	I was delighted when I got the AW newsletter this weekend. Being able to import PDFs will be very useful to me. Unfortunately, I don't think I can make it to Wakefield this year, so I'll have to find out about the other things from the show report.
hzn (+1.0) 14/4/08 3:24PM	Wow, amazing ... kind of says it all.
DaveW (+1.0) 14/4/08 7:38PM	With the continued need to interact with other operating systems, this will be immensely helpful. Thanks Martin.
Tazzat (+1.0) 18/4/08 10:15AM	Martin's involvement with Xara Xtreme Pro 4, was the reason I purchased it for my Vista machine. Artworks 2.8 looks like my next purchase for my venerable RiscPC.
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