When it comes to vector graphics in Windows applications XAML is the most advanced format to choose from. XAML is great because developer/designer has full control over the graphics. Hidden reference lines, or garbage shapes, or objects can be relatively easily detected and removed from the code as compared to those formats that entirely rely on GUI editor.
A XAML document can be created with plain Notepad but there are great apps like Visual Studio, Expression Blend and Kaxaml that simplify editing. What is missing in those apps is lack of XAML exporting support, like saving .xaml to .png file. Luckily there are plugins to do just that.
xbprint is printing plugin for Expression Blend 3 hosted on CodePlex. Installation of the utility must be perfomed manually by extracting files to the Addins folder in Expression Blend directory. But once the plugin is installed it is easy to use. Set margins, alignment, paper size and click Print.
xbraster is xaml to raster image converting plugin, a close relative to xbprint. Installation and use is similar. xbraster can convert XAML to PNG, JPEG, TIFF, GIF or bitmap.
xbsprite is a sprite image generating plugin. Input xaml files are rasterized and combined in one image with optional CSS and HTML output for use on a web page.
For advanced and professional use of XAML xbprint, xbraster and xbsprite are must-have plugins.
EDIT: xbprint, xbraster and xbsprite can run directly from desktop – no need to have
Expression Blend installed.
