Expression Graphic Designer is one of three new products in Microsoft’s Expression line. Expression Interactive Designer and Expression Web Designer are the other two offerings.

Unique Features

Along with the standard toolset that is expected in a graphic design or illustration program, Windows Expression Graphic Designer offers some unique features that set it apart from the competition.

Dynamic Special Effects

Non-destructive, editable effects can be applied to objects and layers with Graphic Designer. The effects are dynamic, so the original artwork is not altered.

Variations - The variations palette lets you quickly draw multiple shapes with variable attributes that are randomized within constraints you specify.

Fluid Work Environment

One of the most exciting parts of Expression Graphic Designer is it’s ability to handle both vector and bitmap layers within the SAME document. This hybrid design allows you to take advantage of the sharp, clean lines of vector imaging, while not sacrificing the richness of textures and photorealism of bitmapped graphics.

Other features, like Rotate Canvas, allows you to rotate the entire document to allow for more natural drawing and illustrating, while Variable width stroking gives you precise control over the width of your strokes. Layer styles let you apply pre-set effects and filters to multiple objects quickly and easily.

Seamless Workflow Integration

Because WEGD is based on the Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) and exports to XAML format, you can easily integrate your designs into the other Expression products like the Microsoft Office suite (including Word, PowerPoint, etc). Copy + paste has full alpha support which makes integrating complex graphics into presentations extremely simple.

Innovative Vector Painting

In addition to the standard set of vector illustration tools such as freehand and bezier drawing tools, a B-spline tool allows for more flexible and intuitive vector design. You can then stroke your paths and objects using artistic bitmap or vector elements.

Flexible Bitmap Painting and Editing

WEGD has a full suite of bitmap painting tools and filters. The SmartSelect tool allows for quick and accurate area and pixel selection. PhotoMontage stitches together multiple images to create seamless panoramas.

Supported file formats:

Can import the following formats: .tif, .psd, .jpg, .bmp, .png, .gif

Can export the following formats: .tif, .psd, .jpg, .bmp, .png, .gif, .ai, .eps, .pdf, .xaml