ACD Systems Canvas

Software Overview

Canvas is a drawing program designed for creating and editing technical illustrations and specialized visualizations. It is primarily used to edit vector-based images, but also supports raster images.

The Canvas user interface appears similar to an actual drawing canvas for editing drawings. It contains many different tool palettes that can be displayed and arranged to customize the workspace. A canvas grid feature helps align and evenly distribute vector graphics for precision. The program supports over 100 input 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.

Canvas is used for a wide variety of technical drawings and can be used for creating specialized visualizations. For example, for medical and geological applications, the program can record numerical data from medical research images and provide 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. The program’s support for scientific visualization also makes it a useful tool for geological and medical research professionals. Canvas includes a Seismic Traces palette, which helps you study seismic data visualizations. The application also includes tools for enhancing images and visualizing scientific data formats.

For technical illustration professionals, Canvas is an impressive drawing program. Canvas’ support of a wide variety of industry file formats, as well its professional editing tools makes it a valuable tool. For the performance you will get from the application, the price is worth it.

▶ Primary file extension

▶ Other file extensions used by ACD Systems Canvas X 2017

Updated: April 12, 2017