Aviary is proud to announce that it has launched its newest product, Crane, the web's first paper-based image editor.
Crane is Aviary's first venture into the newly discovered concept of non-web based applications. The system will work from anywhere and, amazingly, does not require an internet connection.
How Crane works
We've taken on the arduous task of back engineering familiar tools from image editors such as Phoenix and Photoshop, and creating tangible versions of these functions in Crane.
We've remarkably been successful in recreating most the tools in Crane as you are familiar with in your favorite digital drawing software.
And the system is so simple, you should have no problem picking it up in no time.
For example, to draw in Crane, simply place the Pencil Tool between your index finger and thumb (located on your dominant hand). Press the tip of the Pencil Tool down onto your canvas and using controlled strokes, you will be able to simulate the act of digital drawing on your canvas. The Pencil Tool is entirely pressure sensitive meaning the harder you press down on the Pencil, the darker your strokes will appear on the paper, just as if you were using a real Wacom drawing tablet.
Innovative Technology
Developing new technologies in applications is what we do best here at Aviary, and all of our tools in this system take full advantage of the summit of our knowledge. For example, using convex curves in glass, we discovered that we were able to create the Magnifying Tool, which allows us to view close-up looks of our images much akin to the Zoom Tool found in your everyday digital editors.
Advanced Feature Set
Crane also represents the future of tangible photo editing. You can easily manipulate any of your photographs in this system.
First, open your photo album. Locate the photograph you want to use. Then, take your thumb and index finger and select the photograph you want and simply drag and drop the image onto your workspace in Crane.
Because Crane also supports layer based editing, you can work with multiple images to create your compositions, just like in real Photoshop.
Also note, if you have an index finger installed on your hand, you can take advantage of some of the advanced features in Crane such as the Smudge Tool. To use the Smudge Tool, take your index finger, dip it in paint, then simply drag your finger in the direction you desire to simulate using the Smudge Tool in Phoenix/Photoshop.
Saving
Don't worry if all your creations aren't masterpieces. As added incentive, users are allowed to save an unlimited number of Crane creations, as well.
To save your creation, follow these instructions:
Step 1. Do not throw your creation into the garbage can.
Collaboration
Finally, as with the entire Aviary suite, you can collaborate with other artists in creating Crane creations.
To share your creation with another person, take your creation and place it into an envelope. Place the postage on the envelope and write the person's name (what they're called in real life) and address (their real life IP) and drop it off at your nearest mailbox to send them your creation.
Mobile Version
Coming soon, for the artist on the go, we are currently working around the clock to complete Crane Mobile, our mobile version of the image editor.
Don't forget to sign up for an Aviary account at http://aviary.com to beta test Crane and more exciting, paper-based products coming soon from Aviary!
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Posted by Mike on 2009-03-31 16:41:18
Aviary is always on the cutting edge of new technologies. How do you do it?
Posted by Confessions of a Mom on 2009-03-31 16:47:18
I saw the link to this posted on twitter. How cool is this. I own a web design company and have graphic design employees. I will pass this along to them.
Posted by Michael Struwig on 2009-03-31 16:48:55
OMG brilliant... Are there going to be any opensource alternatives for Reality?
Posted by Kevin Thompson on 2009-03-31 17:04:03
What about filters and blend modes? I'd like to be able to create advanced compositions with say a fire filter or a drop shadow. Are such techniques possible with Crane? How would I apply them?
Posted by Louise on 2009-03-31 17:25:39
many thanks - now I know my 1 April joke for my tech/design team
Posted by Mario Klingemann on 2009-03-31 18:10:17
Kevin: for some advanced drop shadow techniques please check the Crane manual appendix B07: http://aviary.com/artists/mario/images/b07
Posted by A. Genour on 2009-03-31 19:49:18
Holy s**t that's awesome. You totally sold me, I want a copy of that suite. Brilliant marketing!
Posted by flavia on 2009-03-31 22:58:40
Haha! Brilliance, love it =) And it isn't a day early, for me anyway.
Posted by Waterboyzoo on 2009-04-01 06:40:34
I'd really like to get a price for an Educational License or maybe a 30 seat Lab License. I've got a load of students who could really use this.
Posted by Raphus cucullatus on 2009-04-01 08:29:16
The Crane Mobile application has great utility for twitchers and other birders. I look forward to its release.
Posted by Brad Choma on 2009-04-01 09:50:34
Does anyone know if they're working on an animation application?
Posted by Mark Schmitt on 2009-04-01 09:53:20
So easy to use, responsive to user input, and lightning fast! I love the fact that I don't have to click a lot of extra buttons to get different line thicknesses, textures, and shading gradients! It is truly wonder with all of the smart people on this planet that it's taken us this long to distill things to the bare essentials in such a compact and accessible format. Well done, Aviary! BTW, if you ever decide to break into the word processing market, I'm certain you could give Microsoft a run for their money....
Posted by copper on 2009-04-01 13:07:04
Hahaha great work guys. :D You can add 3d functionality to Crane using the tool here: http://www.google.com/intl/en/landing/chrome/cadie/
Posted by DeadElvis on 2009-04-01 13:46:55
Will there be version for apples, so I can leave the fruitbowl on my desk?
Posted by Kookaburra on 2009-04-01 13:51:56
I think I will have to wait for the portable version - does anyone know when that is scheduled to be released? This looks to be the next big thing in the technology arena. Congrats!
Posted by Andre Perez on 2009-04-01 13:52:15
Crane will now give your hipster mash-ups the credibility they need to be ffffound.
Posted by Matt on 2009-04-01 13:53:33
Wow it looks so realistic... so the cursor is a 3D model of a hand? ;)
Posted by Mario Klingemann on 2009-04-01 13:55:56
Actually Crane works best with an Apple on your desktop and Windows open at the same time.
Posted by DeadElvis on 2009-04-01 14:17:33
Well I got an apple on my desk, all windows open, and now a pinguin walked in...
Posted by Phillip Taylor on 2009-04-01 20:24:55
I would like to report some bugs in your new technology.
The Eraser tool seems to work only on certain tools, like the pencil tool. The blur tool is very inexact. And it is VERY hard to feather layers. Textures must be applied BEFORE you even start using your pencil/pen tools, and the "copy" feature requires a device called a photocopier that costs many times the price of the original software package.
I have come up with a very neat watermark plugin, you can build it yourself using a glass of water.
Posted by on 2009-04-02 02:24:52
The only con that I can find in this product is that the "undo" option is a little difficult to find.
Posted by James on 2009-04-02 08:45:19
We should team up - yesterday I launched a similar system for Content Management - see www.paper-based.com
Posted by Mike C on 2009-04-03 00:48:42
Great idea for a 3-D rendering application. Start the application by deleting the bedspread, using the 3-D tools, dress yourself, navigate to the door icon, open it and move forward into the application space.
Posted by Diego Dandrea on 2009-04-03 19:48:46
OMG !!! *.*/ Amazing !! i just can't wait to take one !
Posted by Diego Dandrea on 2009-04-03 19:49:04
OMG !!! *.*/ Amazing !! i just can't wait to take one !
Posted by Avril Poisson on 2009-04-04 22:56:30
No clone tool...WTF!!?! I had to shop around for a set of latex rubber-faced stamps and a separate ink source to create the effect. OTOH, I was able to continue work even when my PC froze--platform and computer independent!
Posted by WildWilly on 2009-04-05 12:12:49
It seems to have a little bug... after making successful use of the C2H5OH tool, my lines no longer appeared straight, and the edges appeared blurred.
Posted by Juan on 2009-04-06 00:05:52
Haha, reminds me of this: http://www.flickr.com/photos/18697966@N00/2982281565/sizes/o/in/set-72157608377333404/
Posted by Leeann on 2009-04-14 12:54:19
This has made my day. :D Suck it to those who rely on Painter, etc. too much! :)
Posted by Robin James on 2009-04-15 17:28:02
UUUMMM-- What about those patent infringements???... like that paper stuff, i think the Chinese will call you out on that one. P.S. Has anyone ever invented left handed paper??.. just curious!
Posted by Steaveandrew on 2009-04-16 09:10:13
This product is too good as it does not require an internet connection..
Posted by Sammmas on 2009-04-16 21:34:59
Wow, that's awesome. This also appears to have a built in function, being it cannot be pirated as easily, and to get it for free you have to take someone elses. I do think the next version should include left handed tools, a concave mirror to simulate zoom out. Looking forward to Crane 3D >_<
Posted by Nivram on 2009-04-30 15:07:22
Bingo! About time!
Deserves to be at #1 in "Neccessity Is Mother Of Invention" Category. Gotta have this uber-versatile tool in my BCP (Business Continuity Plan)!
Thanks!
Posted by Peter on 2009-05-27 07:09:51
Hi there - i am sorry, I don't get it! What does Crane do what Phenix does not? Is Crane now a stand alone program? What is a Paper-based application? What I am still missing is support for drawpads and digital drawing-pens, like Bamboo - Once this is being implemented I will dare a look on it, not before... sorry. However, great work, I love the work you do and I am looking forward to using it - whatever miracles it will bring. Pete
Posted by LZ89 on 2009-06-08 17:32:38
raise your hand if you thought this was real for a second! (raises hand)
Posted by Xenobiologista on 2009-06-09 18:06:11
The Flood Fill function is buggy. I picked up the paint can and positioned it over one area but it made my entire document and the surrounding workspace turn green. =(
Posted by DoomHobo on 2009-06-18 01:10:27
people this is a JOKE you can do all this with real paper and pencil!
Posted by zi lang on 2009-06-19 00:19:15
i from china ! verybe delight with come across over here !
Posted by Michelle Marie on 2009-07-26 23:44:16
Hahaha! You people are good! What a way to parody that one!
Posted by Scott on 2009-08-13 02:42:42
This is fake. it's obviously photoshopped. I can tell by the pixels.
Posted by JaDaNeil on 2009-08-13 12:28:25
There do seem to be filters attached. There is the Darken (lightly shade with pencil), the Fade (leave out in thing called sunlight [A beam from a mysterious ball in the sky that casts light on the world outside your bedroom door]), and the Ash (light it on fire).
Posted by auto insurance on 2009-11-04 23:29:22
The only con that I can find in this product is that the "undo" option is a little difficult to find.
Posted by virginia beach web design on 2009-11-17 11:23:06
i know what i'm getting myself come next month! pretty awesome
Posted by virginia beach lawn care on 2009-11-23 16:12:23
this will come in handy and is very useful
Posted by virginia beach lawn care on 2009-11-23 16:12:23
this will come in handy and is very useful
Posted by Screen Printing Machine on 2009-12-07 21:36:01
This also appears to have a built in function, being it cannot be pirated as easily,
Posted by mudmarsh on 2009-12-15 19:25:31
the problem with crane is the same as all other editors the skill of the users XD lol!
Posted by abercrombie and fitch on 2009-12-18 01:27:03
good piece of art.hope great da vinci doesnt experience the complex
Posted by Adam on 2009-12-26 04:16:51
has the mobile version released?i think it would be very useful for me.let us know if its released
Posted by Burr grinders on 2010-01-07 05:57:16
Crane is just Nice, but too steep of a learning curve, and needs more plugins. Copy/paste is also just too slow.
Posted by auto insurance comparison on 2010-01-11 22:16:58
The only con that I can find in this product is that the "undo" option is a little difficult to find.
Posted by bad credit personal loans on 2010-01-23 06:30:22
Good writing...keep posting dear friend
Posted by Full Color Printing on 2010-01-30 01:33:40
Very nice and helpful information has been given in this article. I like the way you explain the things. Keep posting. Thanks.
Posted by car seat toys on 2010-02-02 23:31:58
What I am still missing is support for drawpads and digital drawing-pens, like Bamboo - Once this is being implemented I will dare a look on it, not before... sorry. However, great work, I love the work you do and I am looking forward to using it - whatever miracles it will bring.
Posted by tallahassee implant dentist on 2010-02-03 18:19:25
Crane is such a neat product. This is definitely different then anything that i have seen.
Posted by Arizona Payroll Services on 2010-02-07 11:45:40
Great talent. People like you really deserve to get all the love in the world...
Posted by best hair loss on 2010-02-07 21:41:42
I am behind you.You can count on it.Mind you!Don’t take it to heart.
Posted by interactiveshaq on 2010-02-09 08:31:26
Great idea for a 3-D rendering application. Start the application by deleting the bedspread, using the 3-D tools, dress yourself, navigate to the door icon, open it and move forward into the application space.
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Posted by Joe Rinehart on 2009-03-31 15:56:27
One...day...early :).