Pro X9 user needs advice on current versions

[Acorn]

If you are not using Xara for DTP or Web, then use Xara Web Designer Premium, version 16.2 currently (XWD(P)v16.2).

You mention "presentations"; XWD(P)v16 has the ability to generate web pages in a PowerPoint style.

You don't need the power of Xara Designer Pro if you are recommending features for illustration.
In your specific case, stick with v9.

Acorn

[Contours]

Thanks for your response. I have two questions:

If you are not using Xara for DTP or Web, then use Xara Web Designer Premium

If I'm not using Xara for Web, then use Web Designer Premium? Can you elaborate on that?

Also, "stick with v9". I'm certainly going to do that, myself. But what do I recommend for others?

[Contours]

I want to clarify my request for a recommendation. I've been to the Magix web site and much to my chagrin, I can't find any comparisons that make any sense about the current offerings.

I've viewed the Web Designer Premium feature comparison with the "standard version" and agree the Premium is far better. But is it equivalent to Designer Pro X9 in features? If so, why isn't it pitched as good ol' illustration software? (For reference, I always start a new graphic with a custom full-screen template, as I think most illustrators would. Web page layouts and all those bells and whistles are just unneeded complications ... although multi-page graphics are important in developing designs. Having each illustration in a separate file would be a real negative.)

Overall, it looks to me that Magix has broken up the software and tried to label the same foundation for different purposes. But is it the same foundation? It's hard for me to tell.

So my question comes down to: What current software do I recommend to a designer as the "best value" package for getting the same level of illustration tools that are in Pro X9?

BTW, if I can't figure this out, how does any first-time buyer ever get the right software? It looks like the offerings are a minefield of "gotchas".

[Egg Bramhill]

Xara Designer Pro X is the all singing all dancing complete program, all the other offerings are the base software with some features turned off depending on the 'model' you buy.

Try this Contours:

https://www.xara.com/eu/designer-pro/compare/

[Acorn]

Thanks for your response. I have two questions:
If I'm not using Xara for Web, then use Web Designer Premium? Can you elaborate on that?
Also, "stick with v9". I'm certainly going to do that, myself. But what do I recommend for others?

Web Designer Premium to both questions. XDPX does more but is too powerful for what you have asked. Premium is very close and far cheaper and has enough "web" capability to not disappoint if you change your mind. Avoid Web design, non-Premium version; it is woeful. I suggested XWD(P) mainly for Online Presentations.

Also avoid Page & Layout Designer 11; Xara have stopped it at 32-bit and any updates whatsoever.

Photo & Graphics Designer has advanced photo features that shouldn't be of much use for illustrating. It does have a Bitmap Tracer but all pan it and there are far better free ones available.
Only you can then assess if it has all the Illustration features necessary for others' work; I couldn't even guess.

Best value for illustrations would be £60 for P&GD; XDPX is £200!. XWDP is £70.

Acorn