Artline, Version 2.0
                         Copyright 1991 David Batterson

     There have been major changes in Artline 2.0 since we reviewed the older
version called GEM Artline.  For one, Artline is now a DOS application, rather
than a GEM application.
     Artline can run under Windows 3.0, and includes a Program Information File
(PIF) for that purpose.  It can produce Windows metafiles, using the Hijaak
file conversion utility now included.
     It's not a Windows application like Corel Draw (probably its closest
competitor).  So it runs quite well on a 286.  In fact, that's what I reviewed
it on: a 286, 16 MHz, with 1 MB RAM, and standard (640 x 480) VGA monitor.
     Artline has the CUA (Common User Access) friendly menu system, with icons,
dialog boxes, and so forth we've come to expect in all new software.  You'll
find the learning curve faster as a result.
     The program comes with 35 fonts that can be rotated and reshaped.  Artline
supports Adobe Type 1 and 3 fonts too.  When I sent in the registration card, I
received ten more Artline fonts, plus a utility to convert Bitstream Fontware
fonts to Artline's AF4 format.
     There's an excellent collection of high-resolution 200 clip art images, in
both GEM and EPS (Adobe Illustrator PostScript) formats.  Remember, you can
resize such images with no loss in resolution.
     GEM is the native file format for Artline.  This makes it perfect for use
with Ventura Publisher too.  There are specific instructions for use with
Ventura, to achieve best results.
     Artline allows you to create some outstanding special effects in color.
You may edit directly in color, or use wire-frame mode for faster screen
rewrites.  It supports the industry standard, Pantone, for professional color
output, as well as CMY, RGB and HSB color models.
     Many users will choose to stick with b&w output, for use in DTP programs.
You can do some great blends and text effects, so no worries mate!  You can
save files in regular PostScript and EPS (viewable or not) formats, for
Linotronic output.  There are pro features like registration and crop marks,
screen types, screen frequencies and angles.
     Other features include masking, multiple layers, placement of text along a
path, blending, merging and rotating elements, skewing text and drawings, image
scaling and mirror effects.  Its easy to create fountain fills and text
shadowing too.
     I've spent many hours using Artline and I still haven't tackled all the
features the sophisticated computer artist can use.  One is Custom Toolbox.  It
lets you customize tools to your own needs, including macros.
     Artline's interactive autotracing is unmatched by its competitors.  This
feature lets you stop the tracing of an object, change the preciseness, and
continue.  This saves you from having to delete and start over.
     Artline can import .PCX, .IMG and .TIF graphics files for tracing.  After
using the various options, you save the traced image as a vector file.
     Requirements for Artline 2.0 are 640K RAM, EGA or better monitor/card,
hard disk, mouse or graphic sketchpad, DOS 3.1 or higher, and 512K minimum EMS
or EEMS for image tracing.  You'll need 3.5 megs of disk space to install
Artline.  To include all the clip art, it takes about 7.5 MB of free space.
     Artline supports all popular printers and output devices.  If your printer
isn't listed, Digital will provide a printer driver at no charge.
     The company also provides lifetime free tech support via phone, FAX, mail
or CompuServe.  Artline's manual is extensive and well-written, though.
     Suggested price is $595.  For more information, contact Digital Research
Inc., Box DRI, Monterey, CA 93942; 800-443-4200, 408-649-3896, FAX: 408-646-
6248.
                                       #
     David Batterson reviews graphics and other PC applications.  Contact him
via MCI Mail: 273-7218.