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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
I guess vector brushes would be nice - but the complex ones would require so much resource to [screen]redraw that I think it would be impractical for most - the simple ones are not too difficult to trace if they are monochrome
photoshop brushes do not respond the same way, and they are not in an object oriented workspace
the complex brushes are bitmap in both creature house and microsoft expression, and drawplus as well
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
Quote:
Originally Posted by
digitalphaser
But it does not help me. I rarely work with mixed documents. Alternatively, the vector or bitmap.
For raster I have thousands of Photoshop brushes. In Xara, I would like to see the vector brushes.
A huge disappointment.
99% of what I do is print.
I could care less whether the output is vector or bitmap--it all will be eventually rasterized at the RIP. My one concern is the resolution. It needs to be "automatically" controllable. Like effects resolution are able to be set at the application level, even better at a document resolution level. 192 dpi is good enough for "lower-end" digital print (including via DFEs on commercial digital presses) but it isn't good enough for higher-end printing. Especially if there is any enlargement.
One can make a bitmap copy of any brush work and set the resolution during the bitmap copy process for final output in a copy of the file. That holds up just fine through PDF to higher-quality digital presses and Lino print work. It would be better if this step was not necessary.
In regards to the above, I am not disappointed in the current state of how one moves to print with the new brushes. I do urge Xara to move forward with making the process less involved to go from drawing to high-quality print.
Mike
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
Yep, agree Mike. For print we need control over the resolution.
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
Quote:
Originally Posted by
handrawn
the complex brushes are bitmap in both creature house and microsoft expression, and drawplus as well
You're right. Photoshop brushes have a different purpose, and they do their job very well. But Xara is vector based program and I expect that I will get back vector. There are many programs that are able to draw with paint brushes. Many of the program's free or cost less than Xara.
Serif is a bad example to follow. Although DrawPlus+PagePlus are now in many ways superior to Xara. When Serif implements a full export, I think that many programs were missing their users. While Serif programs are not proud title PRO.
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mwenz
99% of what I do is print.
I could care less whether the output is vector or bitmap--it all will be eventually rasterized at the RIP. My one concern is the resolution. It needs to be "automatically" controllable. Like effects resolution are able to be set at the application level, even better at a document resolution level. 192 dpi is good enough for "lower-end" digital print (including via DFEs on commercial digital presses) but it isn't good enough for higher-end printing. Especially if there is any enlargement.
Yes, Mike. But it holds for disposable products.
The fact that many customers wish to use the purchased CMYK AI(EPS) file in the future. That is, change the color, shapes, texts etc...
What the user sees when open my vector file in AI or CD or DP or Insc or......?
In such cases, I use 100% vector without complex gradients, no transparency, no effects and other rubbish. I do not work for myself. I'm doing for someone.
It is the critical moment, why I believe that it is unethical to sell a web site made in Xara. Only the Xara's user can modify it.
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
Don't know what "But it holds for disposable products" means for certain.
However, I cannot use AI brushes in XDP, PP, ID, QXP, PS, etc. Unlike PS brushes that can be utilized by applications other than PS, the same does not hold true of AI brushes. Why should I expect XDP brushes to work in AI?
It is true that I can convert AI vector brushes that have been applied to art into vector shapes, but that also leaves the brushes unusable as is. I can manipulate these vector brushes outside of AI as vector objects, that is true. But as a brush, they are useless outside of AI.
When I know I need to turn over drawings in AI format, I will do as much as I can in XDP but finish off in AI. Brushes would be one of those things I would finish off in AI. 99% of everything I do begins in XDP whether it will eventually be ported to AI or something else. Most times the assets I am making only need to end up in PDF or EPS format. In that case, it is wholly done in XDP.
Source files that make up the assets--which I would include brushes, JavaScripts in the case of both AI and ID, etc., I have never turned over to a client. Everything gets converted to "flat" objects. So I personally don't care whether XDP brushes are vector or bitmap if they end up in an AI file I turn over. Heck, often enough there will be a flattened PS file in the AI file. I don't give them the original PSD along with brushes either.
So like I mentioned, I care mainly about the resolution of the bitmaps in an exchange format or PDF.
Mike
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mwenz
Don't know what "But it holds for disposable products" means for certain...
Under the disposable product I understand any file that will be printed once. In that case, I'll PDF(rarely EPS) file that is optimized for certain print.
Of course, before I export my document, I convert all the lines to shapes. Always. Especially when I do not know how to use my file.
Therefore, if I create a vector file and use a vector brush, I want to convert it into a vector shape. For me it's important.
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
I understand that you desire to keep vector vector. I do too whenever possible and especially if the asset is going to be further processed outside of XDP. But for a PDF? I could care less. Like I said, the RIP or other output device will at some point in the output process convert it to a bitmap. Whether it happens for the print PDF or downstream at the RIP, I don't care.
Unfortunately, Xara products have a max resolution of the brushes set at 192 dpi. However, if you use the "Make bitmap copy" and set the resolution to whatever you need, that will indeed hit the PDF at that resolution or be limited in resolution to the PDF profile setting used. For instance, make a bitmap copy of a brush and set it to 600 dpi. Make sure the PDF profile will allow 600 dpi. Now check the PDF in Acrobat (if you have it). Alternately, open the PDF in XDP and check the resolution. It will be truly 600 dpi. It's a work-around in a sense. But it isn't onerous nor does it affect the final printed piece even on high-res output to film.
Mike
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mwenz
I understand that you desire to keep vector vector. I do too whenever possible and especially if the asset is going to be further processed outside of XDP. But for a PDF? I could care less. Like I said, the RIP or other output device will at some point in the output process convert it to a bitmap. Whether it happens for the print PDF or downstream at the RIP, I don't care.
Unfortunately, Xara products have a max resolution of the brushes set at 192 dpi. However, if you use the "Make bitmap copy" and set the resolution to whatever you need, that will indeed hit the PDF at that resolution or be limited in resolution to the PDF profile setting used. For instance, make a bitmap copy of a brush and set it to 600 dpi. Make sure the PDF profile will allow 600 dpi. Now check the PDF in Acrobat (if you have it). Alternately, open the PDF in XDP and check the resolution. It will be truly 600 dpi. It's a work-around in a sense. But it isn't onerous nor does it affect the final printed piece even on high-res output to film.
Mike
No, I'm not talking about the print work. I'm talking about the exchange of files.
A simple example. My client had a vector EPS file of map. He needed some changes. In addition the map was 20x20cm size. He wanted to print it a 2x2m. When I opened this a "vector" EPS, I saw a clipped bitmap. These are the brushes. I opened a file in AI, PS, XDP with the same result. Client initially was very upset when he learned that he will have to pay another 300€ for a new map.
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
Not certain what your example has to do with XDP.
Other than the brushes and what are obviously bitmap effects, my XDP vector work hits a PDF (and EPS) as vector.
If the map had been created with the idea it would be scaled and made properly, then there would not have been an issue. The same goes with any bitmap effects and the brushes in XDP.
Exchange of files between applications is always problematic. I don't know where the map in your example came from. But if it was suppose to be scalable as vector, the client got ripped off and should attempt to get original files from whomever made it.
Mike
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
A feature only found in Designer Pro 11 and not in Photo & Graphic Designer 11 is the Nip Size Toggle (Fixed or Zoomed) in the Shape Painter Tool.
The Warp Effect is a welcome addition to this tool as well.
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
you are so right whooooot! I am one happy bunny; they may take my money [actually they already have :D]
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
Xara have added the ability to manage your own product activations on their support website, but looks like everyone is limited to a maximum of 2 activations. The EULA now says:
Quote:
"You will be issued with a unique serial number. An internet connection is required to activate the serial number and to complete the necessary one-time registration. The Software can only be activated on two computers concurrently, but activations that are no longer required can be cancelled so that you can install and activate the software on a new computer."
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
Quote:
Originally Posted by
iamtheblues
Is it me, or does the new v.11 seem a bit like chicken feed? What I mean is, if you are a user of Photo & Graphic Designer, you get lots of nice shiny new features, and a few weeks later along comes the flagship program and, OK, it has all the new P&GD features, plus...auto hyphenation. Anyone else underwhelmed by this fact? :rolleyes:
Bob.
Edit: I don't want to sound churlish, but there seems to be no good reason (apart from auto hyphenation of course) to upgrade, if you already have v.10 you can buy the latest P&GD for far less and suffer the loss of the auto hyphenation feature.
Sadly, I have to totally agree with you.
As much as I would like to try the new Art Brushes, there is actually zero incentive for me to upgrade from 10 Pro.
Once again lots of things I don't need at all, like everything web- and photo-related.
NO new drawing tools, NO tables.
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Wolfgang
NO new drawing tools
-Art brushes
-Warp tools
I may be wrong but those definitely looks like drawing tools to me.
Deformation along a path is something I've always wished for.
Marc
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
Quote:
Originally Posted by
MarcT
-Art brushes
-Warp tools
I may be wrong but those definitely looks like drawing tools to me.
Deformation along a path is something I've always wished for.
Marc
I already mentioned the Art Brush, Warp Tools are useless to me.
B-Splines for instance would count toward new drawing tools. Like the free Inkscape had for ages.
Or gradient meshes and a variable linewith-tool like Illustrator also had for a long time. I *really*
would dig those!
I remember when Xara set the innovations and was copied by others.
Now it seems they don't even give a damn and try to be a web- and photoeditor.
No 100 bucks from me here ...
Also please mind that I was commenting my personal opinion.
Your's might be different.
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
Quote:
Originally Posted by
planetsquid
Xara have added the ability to manage your own product activations on their support website, but looks like everyone is limited to a maximum of 2 activations. The EULA now says....
how I understand it: you can deactivate/reactivate as many times as you like for as many computers as you want, but only ever have two active activations/computers at any one time
on that basis it's another great bonus for me as I won't have to worry about running out of activation count due to rebuilds/repartitioning/...etc
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
Quote:
Originally Posted by
handrawn
how I understand it: you can deactivate/reactivate as many times as you like for as many computers as you want, but only ever have two active activations/computers at any one time
on that basis it's another great bonus for me as I won't have to worry about running out of activation count due to rebuilds/repartitioning/...etc
Yes, and just a quick note with the upcoming windows 10 release please remember to deactivate V11 Xara before upgrading and then re-active once you have installed Win10!
If your using a version prior to V11 you'll need to contact support if you reach your activation limit.
Thanks
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
thanks Rob
what's the position regarding dead computers - can we deactivate these or do we need to contact support ?
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
Quote:
Originally Posted by
handrawn
thanks Rob
what's the position regarding dead computers - can we deactivate these or do we need to contact support ?
You can unlock them from your account online at xara.com, but only after 30 days from initially activating. If your PC dies within 30 days of unlocking then you'll need to contact support and we can do this for you.
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
thanks again Rob, always good to know these things :)
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
It could have been a little more tablet friendly.
I do not have a keyboard with it and so Shift, Alt and Control are impossible to use.
Unfortunately those keys are used extensively in Designer.
Perhaps some Control Bar toggles I can place anywhere would be greatly appreciated.
I was able to map a key to the button on my stylus... But not everyone is this fortunate and it's far from ideal.
Thanks, Richard
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Rob-Xar
You can unlock them from your account online at xara.com, but only after 30 days from initially activating. If your PC dies within 30 days of unlocking then you'll need to contact support and we can do this for you.
Hi Rob. Thanks for the info.
Is the process to deactivaite the programs self evident when I log into my account? Caution: You're speaking to a moron.
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
Rob may have gone home :)
If you log on to your account [service center] on the xara site, and go to my products there is a link next to your registration entry for the version 11 product 'show activated devices' - click on this and you get to make the changes - looks straight forward, but I haven't had to do it for real so far...
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
Quote:
Originally Posted by
handrawn
Rob may have gone home :)
If you log on to your account [service center] on the xara site, and go to my products there is a link next to your registration entry for the version 11 product 'show activated devices' - click on this and you get to make the changes - looks straight forward, but I haven't had to do it for real so far...
Thank you Steve!
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
if you're about to try it, let me know if it works :D
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
Sorry yes went home! Food, beer, bath and bed beacons!
Yea as handrawn says it's pretty self explaining on the service center, and in case anything does go wrong we can fix it at support so don't worry about activation.
I should note that while you can only deactivate 30 days after activating, in the Help menu > Deactivate product you can do at anytime. And if all else fails your PC dies and support is kidnapped, your activation will unlock after 30 days anyway (the installation checks every 30 days as to whether it's still valid. If it can't do this, the license gets unlocked and you can reuse it).
Thanks
Rob
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
Great to know about the activation options
@Dutchim for tablet,use a Bluetooth keyboard
Hans
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
Well yes... I could plug in a USB keyboard as well to solve my dilemma. But I shouldn't have to.
Thanks Hans
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
I'm trying to share a file with a partner and he is not able to access to it, when he tries to log onto cloud.xara.com using his gmail account the page says he has to buy xara to be able to see the file.
I'm assuming he doesn't need to buy it cause xara says this service can be used to share files with my customers.
I think I'm doing something wrong.
I really appreciate your help.
Thanks in advance.
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Rob-Xar
Sorry yes went home! Food, beer, bath and bed beacons!
Yea as handrawn says it's pretty self explaining on the service center, and in case anything does go wrong we can fix it at support so don't worry about activation.
I should note that while you can only deactivate 30 days after activating, in the Help menu > Deactivate product you can do at anytime. And if all else fails your PC dies and support is kidnapped, your activation will unlock after 30 days anyway (the installation checks every 30 days as to whether it's still valid. If it can't do this, the license gets unlocked and you can reuse it).
Thanks
Rob
Thanks Rob!
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Rob-Xar
Sorry yes went home! Food, beer, bath and bed beacons!
Yea as handrawn says it's pretty self explaining on the service center, and in case anything does go wrong we can fix it at support so don't worry about activation.
I should note that while you can only deactivate 30 days after activating, in the Help menu > Deactivate product you can do at anytime. And if all else fails your PC dies and support is kidnapped, your activation will unlock after 30 days anyway (the installation checks every 30 days as to whether it's still valid. If it can't do this, the license gets unlocked and you can reuse it).
Thanks
Rob
so.. are you saying if I activate an installation, then I need to have that computer connected to the internet or it will deactivate itself after 30 days?
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
I say the same every year it seems like. No b-spline or easy curve tool, no dimension tool, and no twain support, I bit on V10 that I will keep for web use. I think I will save my upgrade money this year.
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
Upgraded yesterday after skipping X10. So far it seems like a worthy upgrade to me. Hat's off to the developers who seem to have improved user experience with what feels like faster, and more refined/detailed workflow. Very nice. And I'm digging the brushes. Nice addition.
I am a bit bummed to see no expansion of dash pattern capability (user defined), as well as more arrowhead options.
When I was downloading X11, I saw a link to the manual (download), but now I'm unable to find it. Anyone know where to find this?
Thanks.
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
Quote:
Originally Posted by
edm3
When I was downloading X11, I saw a link to the manual (download), but now I'm unable to find it. Anyone know where to find this?
Check the email from Xara. The link is near the beginning.
John
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
Inserting image from camera results in my front facing camera to turn on.
Since my tablet has a better and more convenient rear facing camera... How would I get Designer to use that camera instead?
Thanks!
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Rob-Xar
bed beacons!
You Xara boys know how to live.
Beacons on the bed indeed!
(forgive me, I couldn't resist. You will never forget the proper spelling of beckon, or we will never forget bed beacons!)
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
I wouldn't know Ron.
Beacons on the bed?
A beacon is an intentionally conspicuous device designed to attract attention to a specific location.
Just think "flashing light".
Don't take this too seriously Ron.
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Re: Just Release: Xara Designer Pro X11
In other words, all he could think about at that point was getting some much needed sleep.