Please help :)

[TheFreespirit]

Hi again

I am a new user testing Xara P&GD7, so far absolutely loving it and working through some tutorials.

However, I have a couple of queries I wonder if anyone can help with?

1. I worked through a tutorial to put some of my own images in a folder to use as fills and clipart, going through the index process etc worked fine. I couldn't see any way to save them so I hoped it would be an automatic save for such things. Unfortunately they have now disappeared. Is there a way to save my own folders so that I can use them in any document?
   
2. I normally work in 8" x 8" square pages, but each time I need to go back to Options and select Units: Inches and page size: Custom and type in the size. Is there a way to save Options?

Thank you so much.

Freespirit xx

[Rik]

Hi Freespirit.

1. I'm sure someone with more experience on this will soon come and let you know.

2. You seem to be using the same logic as me. I too would have expected to go to Options and set my requirements and then for that be the 'norm'.
But...
This is not how it's done in Xara. I had a big discussion about this some time back but I was in the minority with my opinions.

So, what you do is to set your page size and units etc. requirements and then go to the 'File' menu and then click on 'Save Template...'
Give the file a name and ensure that you put a tick in the box that says 'Use as default template'.
Click on the 'Save' button.

Now, whenever you start Xara, this is what the new page will be.

So, like me, you will have to leave your logic behind and accept what the Xperts say is right!

[TheFreespirit]

Hi Rik

Thank you so much, you are most kind! I was working my way through the help menu and trying to find out where I had gone wrong.

I'm certain I shall be in with more schoolgirl errors before my test run is over!

Thanks again - FS x

[angelize]

Hello Freespirit, Welcome to Talkgraphics

I'm using Designer Pro but I would assume that P&GD should be the same. To add your own folders to the designs or clipart gallery open the gallery and at the top click disk designs, browse to the folder you wish to add and click the add button. You will be asked if want to create an index click yes. and that's it your folder should appear in the gallery. If you add files to the folder use the same process to update the folder, but click update instead of add. Once your folder is installed in the gallery you will be able to drag and drop files from it into your current document or double click any file to open and edit it.

We look forward to any more questions you may have and hope you will continue using the software and Talkgraphics

[TheFreespirit]

Thanks Angelize, I get it now. I made a fill folder and managed to keep it! Result. Absolutely loving the program and I've been promised that Santa will be dropping one off at my house this year!

Meanwhile I have been following the excellent tutorials in the Outsider and have just finished a cutout of a leopard reclining on a rock which I have placed on another photo of a field, using a couple of stock photos and which was an absolute doddle to create and so fast! I'm really impressed with that as I often want to do cutouts for scrapping and for making embellishments for my digital designs and this is the fastest, easiest method I've tried.

Happy days.

FS xx

[angelize]

Oh yea! another scrapper! I've done some digital scrapping, or digiscrapping as I like to call it with Xara. I use Designer Pro but P&GD is a great choice too. I wish there were more scrappers here. I've recently started a monthly offering called "Freebie Friday" on the first Friday of each month and I'll be offering some scrapbooking stuff from time to time. I also once at another site did some scrapbooking tutorials for Xara maybe I'll post some of them here. Any questions you have don't hesitate to ask!

[TheFreespirit]

Cool! Love talking to other scrappers! I do digi scrapping but I also print my designs and make traditional albums too, I call it hybrid scrapping.

I have been using Serif DrawPlusX4 for creating artwork and PSE5 for layering to create paper backgrounds, but I was looking for another program as I'm not satisfied with Serif (a conversation for elsewhere I think).

I happen to know a copy of XP&GD was just delivered and I'm pretty confident it will be under my Yuletide tree in 7 weeks or so.

Until then, I will continue my trial and keep trying to learn the tricks of the trade.

I won't be in next week as in hospital without wifi, so don't think I have abandoned Xara, I will be back and asking questions and hopefully learning.

When I'm back at home, will be spending hours recuperating so plan to get my own website current again. I also do Freebie Friday so hopefully I shall soon have some work created on XP&GD to share.

Not trying to go off topic BTW, just really impressed with Xara and this forum is wonderfully welcoming and a lot more friendly than the Serif boards.

I'd like to say thank you to Gary and all the folk who produce the brilliant tutorials, thanks so much!

FS xx

[wizard509]

Welcome to TalkGraphics TheFreespirit sounds like you have gotten the help you need so I'll "butt out" hope your hospital visit goes well. Do you have a suite reserved in the penthouse?

[mwenz]

Welcome and take care of yourself, Freespirit--btw, I recognize the moniker from the Serif forums. Welcome over here!

Personally, I think there are pluses and minus to both DPX5 compared to what I mainly use, XDP7. Sometimes I work with both apps just like I sometimes use both PhotoShop and PhotoLine, PagePlus and good ol' PageMaker or Ventura.

But...XDP can run circles around most all other vector illustration apps. It does make my work so much quicker.

Take care, Mike

[TheFreespirit]

Hi Wizard, thanks but I'll more likely be in the broom cupboard! Thanks for the good wishes, anyway. The op is all pretty routine but I'll be glad when its over. Going in on Tuesday - I've told the other half that I plan to be home on Friday, so have wine opened and waiting.

My husband is just taking a look at MAGIX Movie Edit Pro MX Plus - he's pretty excited so we could soon be a Xara family.

Well everyone has been very helpful and I can't wait to get my hands on my new full product.

FS xx