Microsoft Expression Design 8.0.31217.1

Microsoft Expression Design is a vector graphics editor developed by Microsoft. It is part of the Expression Studio suite of software tools that also includes Expression Web, Expression Blend, and Expression Encoder. Design was intended to be a companion product to Blend, allowing designers to create vector-based graphical elements that could be imported into Blend.

Some of the key features of Microsoft Expression Design include support for vector graphics, the ability to create multi-page documents, compatibility with Adobe Illustrator files, extensive color management and output controls, and support for a wide range of export formats. It also provides a range of creative effects and filters to enhance and manipulate images, as well as offering advanced typography capabilities.

Microsoft Expression Design is a Windows-only application that runs on Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 and 10 systems. While it can import files from other platforms such as Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape, it can only output files in standard Windows image formats such as BMP, GIF, JPEG, PNG and TIFF.

No, support for Microsoft Expression Design ended in 2017. The latest version available at the time was Expression Design 4.0 SP2 which was released in 2013. The software can still be downloaded from the Microsoft website but it should be noted that there will be no further updates or bug fixes.

While it is primarily a vector graphics editor, Microsoft Expression Design does have some useful tools and features for designing graphics and user interfaces for websites. It can export graphics as web-friendly formats such as SVG, PNG and JPEG, and has support for CSS alignment and style properties. However, it is not optimized or specifically designed for web development, so its usefulness in this area is limited compared to other dedicated web design tools such as Adobe Dreamweaver.

Yes, Microsoft Expression Design is a great tool for creating logos. Since it creates vector graphics, logos created in Design can be easily scaled up or down without losing quality. It also has a range of design tools such as the pen tool, shape tools, and type tools to help create complex and professional designs. However, it is important to note that logo design is a specialized field that requires expertise in branding and marketing as well as design skills.

No, Microsoft Expression Design is not free. However, a free trial of the software was available before it was discontinued. The trial version lasts for 60 days after which users are required to purchase a license to continue using the software.

Yes, Microsoft Expression Design can still be downloaded from the official Microsoft website. However, it should be noted that there will be no further updates or bug fixes since support for the software ended in 2017.

While both are vector graphics editors, there are some differences between Microsoft Expression Design and Adobe Illustrator. One of the key differences is that Adobe Illustrator has a more extensive set of design tools and features than Design, making it better suited for advanced design work. Illustrator has better integration with other Adobe software such as Photoshop and InDesign, and is generally considered to be the industry standard for vector graphics. However, Design is a more affordable alternative that may be more suitable for smaller design projects or for users who are just starting out in graphic design.

There is no official word on the future of Microsoft Expression Design. Microsoft has not released any updates or new releases for the software since it was discontinued in 2017, and it is unclear if there are any plans to revive the product in the future. Users who still use Design may need to look for alternative vector graphics editors or upgrade to other tools in the Expression Studio suite such as Blend or Web.