EVEN GRAPHICS PROFESSIONALS can spend a lot of time creating certain effects -- such as 3-D extrusions, embosses, and warps -- in Adobe Illustrator and Macromedia FreeHand. But now you can replace hours of trial and error by using KPT Vector Effects, a powerful set of 13 filters for these leading Macintosh draw programs, from the makers of Kai's Power Tools and KPT Convolver. Once you have given KPT Vector Effects a spin, you may find yourself wondering how you ever got along without many of the filters it provides. For instance, the 3D Transforms filter extrudes your drawing's outlines along a three-dimensional plane. You can then add lighting effects, apply a metallic surface, rotate the object in 3-D space, and adjust beveling -- all with impressive speed and results.
Unbound Experimentation. KPT Vector Effects lets you emboss, make shadows, warp objects, and create a slew of other effects easily. Before you commit any changes to your artwork, you can experiment to your heart's content in the preview window.
For those times when you're not quite sure of the particular look you're after, most of the Vector Effects filters have several presets you can rely on, and you can create and save your own. Vector Effects also has several terrific special-effects filters that produce Photoshop-like results.
The KPT Vector Distort filter enables you to apply a myriad of warping effects to objects, allowing you to create a fish-eye-lens effect similar to that produced by Photoshop's Spherize filter, for example, as well as a variety of other wild-looking distortions. We were also partial to the KPT ShatterBox filter, which "breaks" an object apart to create anywhere from a few to hundreds and hundreds of pieces.
For anyone who would like to add flair to an illustration, KPT Vector Effects not only saves time but also delivers truly stunning results.
KPT Vector Effects 1.0 (4.5 out of 5 mice) Very Good/Outstanding / Price: $199 (list). Company: HSC Software, Carpinteria, CA; 805-566-6200. Reader Service: Circle #412.
