ACD Systems Canvas 15

Overview

Canvas is a drawing program designed for creating and editing technical illustrations and other graphics. It is primarily used to edit vector-based images, but also supports raster images. The program supports over 100 input file formats, including several image, CAD, and page layout file types. It also includes tools for enhancing images and visualizing scientific data formats.

User Interface

Canvas provides a customizable workspace that includes menus, toolbars, and editing palettes. Illustrations are created on the drawing canvas, which includes a grid that can be used to align and evenly distribute vector graphics. The editing palettes can be rearranged automatically in several different views. The interface includes a docking pane for efficiently managing the workspace area.

Capabilities

Canvas can import industry-standard file formats, such as AutoCAD (.DWG and .DXF), Photoshop (.PSD and .PDD), Illustrator (.AI), Portable Document Format (.PDF), CorelDRAW (.CDR), PowerPoint (.PPT), DICOM (.DCM), RAW images, and other raster image files, such as .PNG, .JPG, and .GIF files. Drawings can be saved in Canvas' proprietary format (.CVX) or may be exported to one of several different file types.

The software includes several image editing and image enhancement tools. For example, the Auto Trace tool allows users to convert bitmaps into precise vector objects. Smart vector fills and joins allow editors to quickly modify vector objects. Canvas’ proprietary SpriteLayers technology can apply transparency effects to images. SpriteEffects can be used to add editing filters, such as blur, hue, and saturation to graphics.

Canvas can also create specialized visualizations for medical and geological applications. The program records numerical data from medical research images and provides imaging tools to display the data within the viewing environment. Its proprietary CGM (Computer Graphic Metafile) engine is compliant with both the Aviation Transportation Authority (ATA) and Petroleum Industry Protocol (PIP) standards. Additionally, the software includes a Seismic Traces palette for studying seismic data visualizations.

User Community

The Canvas user community is primarily comprised of technical illustration professionals. These users benefit from the program’s support for a wide variety of industry file formats, as well as Canvas' professional editing tools. The program’s support for scientific visualization also makes it a useful tool for geological and medical research professionals.

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