xScope
xScope
xScope
14 Nov 2003 —
Iconfactory has done it again. Not only are they de facto standard for freeware icons (which we all know), they are quickly distinguishing themselves as a primo software developer for the Mac OS.
Today Iconfactory released xScope v1.0, a sweet suite (cute, I know) of design tools perfect for those who create "on-screen" or web graphics. xScope is comprised of six tools: Rulers, Screens, Loupe, Guides, Frames, and Crosshair.
Rulers allows you to quickly obtain pixel measurements (and angles) of anything on screen. Loupe will magnify your cursor location up to 800 percent while giving you RGB and HEX values of that location (see image above). Screens places a transparent "window" of sorts on your monitor in order to simulate the screen real-estate of operating systems, browsers, and common screen sizes. This can also be customized with your own content settings.
Guides, Frames, and Crosshair are all familar designer tools allowing you to mark and measure precise locations on your screen. The greatness lies in that you can use these tools on top of any application. Imagine measuring the dimensions of a live webpage from within Safari. Boo-yeah.
xScope is exceptionally wonderful in that all six tools may be accessed from menubar buttons. Simply click them on and off when you need them. Remember, these tools will run on top of any other appication you want them too. Great stuff.
This is a killer app for designers, and at $14.95 it's a steal for the functionality it provides. You can download a free demo version as well in order to kick the tires. We've been playing with it for a few weeks now, and aside from the general fun and "gee wow" factor xScope brings to our Mac, it's quickly becoming a much used tool around the office. Do yourself a favor and give xScope a try today.
All tha said, we're just thrilled at all the great software Iconfactory is cranking these days. From the recently updated IconBuilder 4.1 and iPulse to the ultracool CandyBar and Pixadex combo-platter, Iconfactory (props to Craig Hockenberry) along with their cohorts, Panic and ARTIS, is creating cut-above software for Mac OS X.
Update: Yes, the desktop pattern sneaking through the screenshot above is one of Dave Brasgalla's Matrix Revolutions jobbies. You need it too.
