Aurora is a .NET 3.0 (formerly WinFX) based graphics authoring tool that generates instant XAML documents for software applications or web development. With its easy-to-use visual design environment, users can craft 2D vector-based graphics, 3D content, animation and distinctive user interfaces. The latest Beta version of Aurora runs stand-alone, integrates with Visual Studio 2005 or embeds into .NET applications.Aurora: • Uses XAML as its native format and allows for viewing/manual editing of XAML source • Has a full Object Model, for the addition of custom tabs, icons and interaction with the design process • Features a plugin architecture • Can embed its autoring engine, a WPF DockPanel, into third-party .NET or WinForms applications • Imports and edits XAML documents from Visual Studio 2005 (Aurora can also open and edit loose XAML files) or embeds directly into Visual Studio • Visually authors resolution-independent 2D vector-based graphics and animation • Visually authors 3D content and limited 3D animation • Designs common and custom controls, and allows for the visual creation and modification of simple styles and control temples (and samples) • Assists in the creation of pages for Windows applications in Internet Explorer (.xbap) • Is ink-enabled for freehand drawing with a stylus • Develops flow documents with resolution-independent text • Customizes the workspace - AuroraТ‘s panel system can be changed to accommodate an individualТ‘s workflow preference and allows for multiple open XAML documents • Data binds any property of an object to that of another element in a XAML document or to an external data source • Searches for, and visually locates, individual objects in large XAML documents • Pans, Internet Explorer-style, multi-directionally through large documents • Utilizes a magnifying tool for up to 20x enlargement • Designs and saves custom brushes • Stores clipart galleries of XAML documents for reuse or alteration • Exports to raster and imports DirectX