Microsoft Expression Design is a graphic application that can be used to create vector graphics that can then be combined with Adobe Photoshop images including full layer support. Final graphics can be transferred to Expression Blend via XAML or sliced for Expression Web websites. Bezier, B-Spline and polyline vector drawing tools include full curve control. Non-destructive Live Effects can be applied to vector or imported bitmapped images and the effect settings changed. Apply hard-edged and organic strokes while maintaining the flexibility of vector paths. Create and export artwork for use with Silverlight applications: DropShadow or Guassian Blur effects are exported as Microsoft Windows Presentation Foundation and Silverlight-compatible effects.

Highlights

• Create Graphics - Create sophisticated vector graphics and easily combine these with your Adobe Photoshop assets via the powerful new importer with full layer support, seamlessly transferring your final graphics to Expression Blend^® or Web.
• Powerful Tools - Intuitive and flexible vector drawing tools including Bezier, B-Spline, and polyline—with full curve control.
• Editable Live Effects - Apply non-destructive Live Effects to any object and change the effect settings for a completely different look and feel.

Top Features

Expand Your Portfolio

Use All Your Graphic and Vector Assets

Incorporate graphics from other applications using standard file formats such as JPEG, PNG, and GIF, or open vector-based artwork from other popular graphic tools. The powerful new Adobe Photoshop File Format Importer (PSD) enables you to import Photoshop files with full layer support providing you a streamlined workflow with your traditional design tools. Export is provided in a variety of standard formats such as PSD, PDF, and XAML.

Precise Edits

Work with advanced and flexible vector manipulation tools, path operators, and shape transformation/morph capabilities.

Pixel-perfect

Place and align your graphic elements precisely with snap-to, grids, points, guides and pixels.

Designed for Creativity

Powerful Tools

Intuitive and flexible shape drawing tools including Bezier, B-Spline, and polyline—with full curve control. The Paintbrush tool gives you precision drawing control, while tablet support lets you draw with greater expressive freedom.

Editable Live Effects

Apply non-destructive Live Effects to any object or image. Then re-order the effects, toggle them on and off, or change the effect settings for a completely different look and feel.

Expansive Options

Enhance your vector paths with a wide array of preset fills, strokes, and gradients, or create your own to build a unique appearance or texture.

Your Vision, Uncompromised

Connect with Expression Studio

Powerful new export and image slicing tools seamlessly bring your artwork to Expression Web and Expression Blend^®. Target individual slices as separate formats, including Silverlight canvas, WPF canvas, WPF resource dictionary, HTML comp, PSD and PDF. Maximize re-use of your image assets. Graphics can be overlaid by multiple and overlapping slices, so you can simultaneously export multiple formats in one simple action.

Build Assets

Create image assets such as buttons or backgrounds that you can use in any authoring tool, such as Expression Web or Visual Studio.

Expression Design 4 System Requirements

To use Microsoft Expression Design 4, you need:

• Microsoft^® Windows^® XP with Service Pack 3,Windows Vista™, Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 operating system
• PC with 1 GHz or faster processor
• 1 GB of RAM or more
• 2 GB or more of available hard-disk space
• .NET Framework 4.0
• Silverlight 4.0
• Support for Microsoft DirectX^® 9.0 graphics with Windows Vista Display Driver Model (WDDM) Driver, 128 MB of graphics RAM or more, Pixel Shader 3.0 in hardware, 32-bits per pixel
• DVD compatible drive
• 1024 x 768 or higher resolution monitor with 24-bit color
• Internet functionality requires Internet access (additional fees may apply)
• Actual requirements and product functionality may vary based on your system configuration and operating system.
• Some product features require FireFox 3 or later, and Internet Explorer 8