Canvas X Draw Reviews

Pros

I like it a lot because it makes it easier for me to organize my projects at work, the tools are very good and advanced

Cons

that sometimes it stops, only that hangs but only on occasions

Pros

The drawing/drafting portion is very good, and has gotten much better through all the iterations from Canvas X onward. It mostly all just works, drawing, importing, exporting. It is pretty intuitive, especially if you have used other drawing apps. It is now at a place i wish it had been several years ago. The team seems to finally thrown their support behind this version for the Mac and I hope it continues. I don't use the page layout part very much, but it seems to be ok.

Cons

The photo editing part is terrible, not much changed over the years. It is usable for very simple tasks. Not anywhere close to Photoshop, which I usually fall back to if I need to do anything involved. It could use a lot of work to improve it.

Alternatives Considered

Affinity Designer

Reasons for Switching to Canvas X Draw

I have been using Canvas for years and have tons of drawings that I needed to be able to convert. Staying with Draw was the logical choice, if it had been any good.

Pros

I have been using Canvas for over 30 years. Over time, it has become more complex with a more cluttered interface. But it remains at its core, a wonderful tool for producing technical illustrations. And it remains my go to tool for creating maps and geologic sections.

Cons

Currently there is a limit on the size of files that you can open in Canvas Draw. You cannot open files that are 2 Gb or larger. The problem is that you can build and save a document in Canvas Draw that exceeds this limit. If you save it as a 1.9 Gb file you can open that, but once it gets larger than 2 Gb, it no longer opens. Most users will never encounter this, but I did.

Pros

It is very helpful for me, using a mixed bag of design elements, to stay within one package for graphic design elements, text, and images with a full suite of effects and capabilities. The results look professional and well-executed by the software, with a good selection of tools for my projects.

Cons

The Mac version has lagged a bit over the years, but is improving now that its base has been re-established. Minor software bugs appear, but the updates are reasonably spaced to keep it working well.

Pros

The best thing is that it has a lot of capabilities but is still simple to use. We were able to create our own designs instead of paying someone else to do it.
Learning tools are offered and are very helpful if you're beginner to intermediate level.
The vector is strong and allows for precision which is vital.
We actually used this software to make our logo and it turned out great.

Cons

The only con is that there are some malfunctions. The toolbox jumps all over the screen and sometimes I can't use it at all.
Sometimes when trying to import a PDF it fails or takes a long time.

Alternatives Considered

Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW

Reasons for Switching to Canvas X Draw

The prices were affordable with Canvas and we loved the demo

Pros

I like that the software allows the user to change fine details in figures and images.

Cons

There is no software that is compatible with both Mac and PC, so I had to purchase two copies, one for work and one for home/laptop. Also, one of the best features is the functionality, but it also comes across as a little confusing in accessing some "hidden" features.

Alternatives Considered

Adobe Illustrator

Reasons for Switching to Canvas X Draw

Because it is used by my boss and co-workers.

Pros

I use CXD for making scientific/optical drawings for books that I write and for classes that I teach. It does exactly what I want in that it's easy to use, precise, and has the features that I need for my technical drawings. I've tried the other drawing packages, and CXD is by far the easiest. It is intuitive, unlike all others that I've tried. I've used versions of Canvas on my Mac for decades, and I am extremely happy with it, even after all these years.

Cons

I have a difficult time coming up with something that I don't like about it. If anything I'd like custom Arrows to be easier to make.

Pros

Intuitive interface, vector graphics, ease of use, ability to combine bit mapped images with vector graphics. An intuitive interface makes it easy to create scale-diagrams, where you specify precise size of each object. For example, furniture/equipment layout in a room or shop, design of furniture, landscaping layout, etc. Wide variety of file output options.

Cons

Previous version of the program had some stability issues. So far, X Draw seems stable.

Alternatives Considered

Adobe Illustrator

Reasons for Switching to Canvas X Draw

I find Illustrator to not be as intuitive as Canvas. Also is not as easy to create scale diagrams.

Pros

the massive template library to help you get started

Cons

the dullness of the interface is a little overwhelming. a nice reskin would be super usefull on the eyes.

Alternatives Considered

CorelDRAW

Reasons for Switching to Canvas X Draw

It seemed to have alot more features that i could use more easily then the alternative.

Pros

Actually I am for success in my job and what allowed me to be there is this canvasSince I've known it I'm always on topI've never been in love with a work tool but this one has put it in my hands and I'm madly in love with canvas which is currently my strength

Cons

True that it gives me joy in my work but the problem is based on the cost

Pros

It is easy to use, I have a good performance using it.

Cons

I didn't find any difficulty, on the contrary I love to use it whenever I can.

Pros

Tua product is very easy and a can do everything I need.

Cons

Could be more simple to work in the mobile.

Pros

The most impactful resource is certainly the editing tools, very easy to use and handle the site

Cons

The hardest feature is editing filter editing

Pros

The upgrade to 7.02 was available almost as soon as macOS 11.1 (Big Sur) was issued. This dealt with the problem that I observed opening new or previously-created files under Canvas Draw X 7.01

Cons

I think there are two improvements that would help me, personally, out. First, I miss the object info tool (command-i) that tells you the kind of object (group, rectangle), dimensions, area, etc. This hasn’t been available since probably Canvas 7 or so. Second, I’m now trying to design a house, and a tool that would make walls (and allow wall joins and insert windows, doors, etc.) would be great, although I realize that it’s a complicated tool, and may cause some issues in pricing and marketing.

Pros

I have been using Canvas for MAC since 1993 version 3.5. With the latest update Canvas X Draw ( Version: 7.0.2 Build: 7069 ) runs smoothly and has many powerful features. I think i have purchased every possible version of canvas for Mac since 1993.

Cons

The thing that most upsets me is it appears i can no longer have a copy on my work computer and one on my home computer. I get this message at home: This computer has been deactivated from your membership. This is a problem because at home is where i am able to play with Canvas and figure out how it works. Occasionally drawing project car parts or just learning.
At work i can go months without opening Canvas. When i need to use it I shouldn't be messing around trying to figure out how to update a machine drawing or an electrical schematic. Often with someone hovering behind me waiting for me to produce a drawing.

A feature i used often in the past appears to now be completely gone "Duplicate to a line" It was great in Version 3.5. Later versions didn't allow as many duplications and now it appears to be gone completely.

It is difficult for me to TILE print a large 1 to 1 scale drawing. I would print it on separate pages and then tape the pages together to create a full scale template. I used to do this occasionally to make templates to be used by the welders when constructing a machine. I know the feature is still in there but it is hard for me to find it every year or two when i need it.

By the way I keep a 15 year old Mac running OS 9 in my office to access all of my old Legacy early Canvas drawings that the newer versions of Canvas can't open.

Pros

This software allows us to open any image, PDF, schematic, drawing or any other image to incorporate in our technical documentation. We rely on this software everyday to design communication systems while keeping the scale of the original document. We could not prosper as a business without this software.

Cons

This software has all the features and more than we can possibly use.

Pros

Handles lots of file types, although sadly can’t export cvx. Mixes images and vector objects really well. Struggles with character position when opening pdfs.
Lots of new features that have helped with 2D design.

Cons

Still crashes occasionally. Still some bugs that have been around for decades.
Imported files don’t use the default units.
Can no longer set up the keys for particular operations. Can be done through the OS but it’s not as slick.
Could do with zoom on mouse wheel.

Pros

Since I have been using the Canvas design product for over twenty-five years, (at least) after converting from Claris CAD, I have enjoyed the flexibility between the vector design aspects and the pixel modification (paint type) aspects of the program. For me it is very versatile.

Cons

I have no cons since I am not into computer generated CAD.

Pros

I have been using Canvas for Mac since it first appeared some 30 years ago, The ease of use, appropriate tools made the program unique in creating overlays of other maps, aerial photographs and satellite images. Canvas GIS was a great innovation which unfortunately not yet (???) returned to Mac. It.is a drawback for my current project on the coast of Kenya.

Cons

I miss the the GIS compatibility that exist on the PC version, particularly to import shape files as base maps or geocoded satellite data. Hopefully you will fix it for us! We are many geographers, like me, who has been addicted to maps with coordinates.

Pros

It helps me to make my own posts and visual boards

Cons

I would love to have more design templates

Pros

Overall this works very well for me. The ease of use & MacOS platform are my favorite reasons for purchasing & using it. I can open .DXF files that are created with my CAD program & then make very nice manufacturing drawings.

Cons

The only negative comment I have is that the app occasionally crashes. It's easy to re-launch, but a bit of a nuisance.

Pros

I love the flexibility of the tools I use as well as how detailed the work can be, when needed. Being able to export my drawings as images is also a big plus for me.

Cons

Occasional crashes, interface not always obvious (I look for tools too often, because I'm not a pro user, I guess, but still...). License too restrictive for my needs. I have the subscription, but I am an "occasionally on the road" kind of worker, but I can not install the program on more than one machine. (At once, I mean, not simultaneously. If that was needed, I would buy two licenses.)

Pros

My one stop shop for design, layout and working from scratch.

Cons

The handling/selecting of fonts could use a little help. It also occasionally fails at laying out page sizes and handling PDF or AI/EPS formats.

There are occasional license issues and the support can be awkward because of the smaller team, but it always gets straightened out.

I seem to work with tables a lot, and this is not the best software for that. I can get the job done with some effort.

Pros

My graphics needs vary a lot, not concentrated in one area, and this program covers them all. Sometimes I am making mechanical drawings, other times editing bitmaps, creating .svg files for my CNC, designing a birthday card, drawing a flowsheet. The positional accuracy of the software appeals to a person like me who has a mathematical mind.

Cons

The infrequent crash, not so common anymore; I save my work fairly often, but also so I can back out of a creative avenue that isn't productive.

Pros

I've used Canvas for upwards of 25 years - seriously. I love the combo of vector drawing and bitmap editing, on one canvas. Layout and scaling is so nice. Like a lot of tools, it is how familiar one is with the options (and Canvas has a lot) that matters. It just works when I need to make a graphic for personal or professional use.

Cons

Functionally, Canvas hasn't really changed over last 5+ years. I wish the licensing hadn't moved to annual subscription (though I understand). I tend to upgrade mainly for OS compatibility, and now extend my license for same purpose.