Intro: When I first went to the dragonfly website and did some research on the software, I found some intriguing documentation on the capabilities of the program, and decided to download the trial version. The version was the standard edition. After completing the installation,which went well, I opened the program and got to work on my first design. By the way The Dragonfly Site was a pleasure to browse, very helpful and it gently guided me through the features of the programs.

Most of this article is based in part on the Professional Version of Glass Eye 2000 software.

Glass Eye 2000

Abstract 01 With Glass Eye 2000 Professional

• Capabilities
• Design Tools
• Import Export Features
• Glass Palette
• Piece Numbering & Material List
• Cost of program

Capabilities

Upon opening the program (Standard Edition) I first skimmed through the upper pull down menu and the toolbar buttons. Though the download version had only a fraction of the the glass samples that the Professional Version offered, it was adequate and satisfied my needs to gain an overall familiarity with the software. The software claimed to accomplish the following:

• Design stained glass windows, create designs, panels, in full scale using actual glass samples.
• Enhance and augment the overall artistic process by stunning effects of glass, bevels and complimentary onboard pattern library.
• Allow a visual picture of your newly created design, and to tweak the image in various ways.
• Create a bridge between the artistic elements and the world of the PC.

Design Tools

The software comes powered by several highly sophisticated and intuitive routines from within the programming. Aside from the basic design and editing tools such as line, squares, circles, and arcs, we are treated to "Reflect" which is similar to the mirror command, and the selective scaling which enlarges in a correct proportional aspect. Another feature that grabbed my attention was the ability to remove and replace all color elements, quite useful when writing out to create a black line drawing for easy downloading. Zooming in and out was fairly easy as was panning through the use of my wheel mouse. Hitting the enter key will set the design to center page and show the entire view. The knot and yank tools were helpful when connecting lines at intersections. I found that after a knot was added and it joined the lines together I could easily move the intersection in any direction, through the use of the pick tool or filled arrow button. By selecting the show knots button I was able to remove or replace the the little points or knots, and visually inspect my design for overall consistencies. One feature all artists must have is dominance over the design and that includes the ability to choose the line weights or thickness of the lead to be incorporated during the fabrication process, Glass Eye 2000 gracefully bowed down to my needs.

Text can be easily added and controlled to a precision. The properties section impressed me as I investigated it's possibilities. As a daily user of AutoCAD 2000 I can relate to tracking and the cost estimation of an individual project. The user is offered variations of cost estimation by allowing several controls as described below.

• Square foot pricing,
• Number of pieces
• Inches of lead or foil used

All this is broken down in much needed calculations, such as Subtotal, Profit, and bottom line total. Additionally the calc's are written out to handy notepad.txt file easily printed through your PC. I liked this very much (why) because it saved my time spent doing boring administrative tasks rather then designing.

Import Export Features

Glass Palette

I think this is probably my favorite area, like most glass artists color is what brought us all together in this exciting medium. Glass Eye 2000 Professional version offers an impressive 1800 various glass samples to use at will. How impressed can a client or potential commission get when they're design is not only rendered in color but can be changed in seconds as the mind changes. It's what artists live for, excitement in the eyes of others. The pallet can be set for the artists favorites and can include a double row of glass buttons which allows many samples on display. Of course if your searching for colors you can first select or mix a combination of shades through the Textured Color button and then pick from the vast library of glass with the top most selections in the closest color to your initial selection. One really great feature is the solid swatch which lists the color by name, something I don't believe I have seen before. Your given the choice of narrowing your search to an even greater depth by selecting the texture type. Once your color has been chosen a list box shows the factory given name and description of the glass sample. Allowing even more artistic freedom you can click on the "Zoom" button to rotate the sample in the direction you need. As if that weren't enough you can set the width of the sample so it appears in a non distorted view, in other words the glass looks true to life. If you are fond of this particular sample you have the option to add it to your favorites and show them while in your design area.

For me to have my favorite Youghiogheny glass in the mixer is everything. An excellent onboard glass library will inspire artists to use this program more frequently.

Piece Numbering & Material List

Cost of program

All in all I am pleased to have purchased the software and I am continuing my efforts to learn the tips and tricks and subtle offerings that lie ahead.

Describing the program in a nutshell:

• Intuitive and made for Art GLass Creations
• Easy and fun for beginners
• Challenging and helpful for the advanced
• Packed full of well planed out and useful tools and routines
• Plenty of glass
• Lots of color
• And you create the action,

An excellent program in this price range. Students will have a blast and designers will only get impassioned and serious. As for Dragonfly, well I am keeping my eye on their future versions because they will only get better.