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JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
Always last but never least - Designer Pro X365 has arrived! As usual you can find an overview of what’s new on our website @ http://www.xara.com/designer-pro/whats-new/ and detailed information in the Release Notes @ http://releasenotes.xara.hosting/pro365/ and you won’t want to miss Gary Priester’s First Look @ http://xaraxone.xara.hosting/pro365/
Some of you will have followed the Web Designer and Photo & Graphic Designer releases and will know what to expect, but for everyone else here are some of the highlights:
Web Features
• Enhanced sticky objects (scroll and then stick to top)
• 40 new on reveal animation types
• 30 ‘scrolling animations’ including parallax effects
• Editing enhancements for Xara Online Designer
• New content including all 166 business themes!
You can see examples of the new features and content on our demo sites @ http://previews.xara.hosting/charity and http://previews.xara.hosting/fresh and http://previews.xara.hosting/able
Photo & Graphic Features
• Paint on photo effects with the new Photo Effect painter
• 25+ photo filter pre-sets in the Online Content Catalog
• Magnetic Lasso for quick and easy cut-outs
• New X Process option in the photo enhance tool
• New color dodge & burn transparency blend modes
• Google Material Design icons added to the symbol library
• New SmartShapes such as charts, text panels, photo grids and a new spiral
• Enhanced Content Catalog with search and an integrated stock photo & illustration library
• Improved Word, PDF, RTF and PSD support
Like Web Designer and Photo & Graphic Designer it benefits from the Update Service, you can find out more about that on http://www.xara.com/update-service/
We hope you enjoy the new version!
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Re: New Version of Xara Designer Pro X
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Re: New Version of Xara Designer Pro X
Wow! I almost missed this announcement. Kate I need to change the subject in this announcement to Designer Pro X365 if that is OK.
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Re: New Version of Xara Designer Pro X
Quote:
Originally Posted by
gwpriester
Wow! I almost missed this announcement. Kate I need to change the subject in this announcement to Designer Pro X365 if that is OK.
Can't remember exactly what the subject line was, but the change is fine with me!
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Re: New Version of Xara Designer Pro X
Same subject line you used in the Announcements forum.
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1 Attachment(s)
Re: New Version of Xara Designer Pro X
hummed and harred at the p&g365 stage, but the brush engine seems smoother and better behaved than in ver 11, new transparencies useful, psd imporvements very welcome and the naming of objects in the gallery a clincher, so I've upgraded...
edit: the attached file created in ver 12 crashes ver 11 [both 64bit] - it's random pressure strokes made with sketch mode on - hangs at the 'adding colours to document stage'
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
Hi,
xara might be doing something about their servers
It was a drag to get the upgrade purchased and now it won't register my activation key
Says no internet connection and i cannot get in the program.
Seems I have an internet connection or it wouldn't be possible to post this.
Hans
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
Hi,
Just went over to upgrade...hung up ...on all sites...BUSY...BUSY
JIm
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
HD:
Quote:
the attached file created in ver 12 crashes ver 11 [both 64bit] - it's random pressure strokes made with sketch mode on - hangs at the 'adding colours to document stage'
It took an eternity to load in 11, but did eventually after 4 or so minutes! I've had issues loading 12 files into 11 since d/l'ing today too.
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
thanks egg - I'll bear that in mind and avoid ver 11 for the time being...
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
Seems the servers are working again,registered my key this morning without any hick-ups :-)
So it's time to play
Hans
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
Hmmm... check for updates does not show this. I guess an entirely new product/system? Will one be able to run both XDPX11 and 365 concurrently?
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Panchdara
Hmmm... check for updates does not show this. I guess an entirely new product/system? Will one be able to run both XDPX11 and 365 concurrently?
Okay.. update notification working now.
Best
:-O
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
I do not see fascinate reviews. :)
As for me:
1. Improved vector tools - zero.
2. Improved typography tools - laugh.
3. Smart shapes - never used.
4. Photo editing tools:
a) New blending modes - why only two? Now every editor has a full set of transparency modes. Why Xara not?
b) New PSD features - I'm not sure that it's necessary for me.
c) Cheap plugins and stock database - this is no improvement of program core, but small additions.
By the way, serious customers never take pictures from free databases. Copyright risk is too great. I do not need.
Conclusion:
The lack of serious improvements in color management, typography, compatibility of standard graphic file formats makes
Xara not more modern and professional.
Xara remains very comfortable graphic software with ordinary functionality.
I'm taking a break and invest somewhere else. Very sorry.
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
Is there anything new that only Designer Pro has?
As far as I can tell it's only the new features of Web Designer and P&G combined
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
Panchdara - Yes, you can have both versions installed.
Digitalphaser - Many of us were hoping for more features in the typography area. Dodge and Burn the two new transparency blend modes join the modes added in the previous version, Overlay, Hard Light and Soft Light, plus Color and an updated Luminosity. Normal, Multiply and Screen round out the list. My favorite Brightness was dropped which means I will keep DPX 11 on my computer for when I need it to add shape to an object.
Dutchim - I don't think there are any new features exclusive to DPX365. But this is consistent with the previous versions. DPX365 just gives you all the tools and features.
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
I am confused then I am old and that is par for the cause.
I downloaded the new version and it states designerprox365-64.exe then running it installs XDP X
The title when run states XD Pro X and the help about states Xara Designer Pro X 12.2.0.45774 DL x64 Jul 1 2016
I have just run my old version and that title is Xara Designer Pro X11 and the about reports Xara Designer Pro X 11.2.5.42127 DL x64 Dec 9 2015
In Apps on my windows 10 it states the XDP X is new but lists XDP X11, there is no mention of 365
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
I agree Peter. Magix seem to really excel at having (and changing) long software titles. I assume the name will be Xara Designer Pro X (why the X I don't know)
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
I don't want to stir up a hornet's nest, especially as I hardly post here anymore, but I remember reading the new 365 subscription model caused a huge and heated debate on here.
Now bearing that mind I will upgrade as it only costs £75 which in this day and age really is a bargain - there are definitely features I would use during the course of the small amounts of work I do - but I will probably be getting a new laptop in the near future [it's my birthday soon and my wife is great] but there seemed to be some huge controversy with transferring the licence over should you change computers or one breaks down.....
I've probably got the wrong end of the stick, as usual, but can anyone confirm this wrinkle has been ironed out, or if indeed it ever was a wrinkle?
If so I'll be credit-carding my way to debt - again!
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
Yes! Yes! Yes! Just tried out XDPX365 with Magix Video Pro X and Movie Edit Pro 2016 and finally, finally, they got the two to work together for the animation (broken since X9). The video from VPX advances in Xara animation. I created a simple animation of a named star, moved it, resized it, made fill transparent, change colour, and it all worked back into VPX as an animation. Wow! They've got my money. If anyone wants to see how to do this, let me know.
@David Strover,
You have mixed up the Activation process with the quasi-subscription (365).
1. Activation - you can activate for a device, de-activate, install on a second device and activate it, de-activate it, and re-activate the first device. I just installed W10 and de-activated first, had to re-install Xara, then re-activated Xara, no problems.
2. Controversial 365 subscription method - read what Gary P. has to say about this in the First Looks link. Basically you are purchasing the latest version and getting an advance on any new features up to the anniversary date. If you don't re-subscribe, no problem - you keep everything including any interim upgraded features - unless you have to re-install, in which case you drop back to the features that you had when you last subscribed. Look at it this way, nothing changed, you get the latest version of features as is normal for a new version plus an advance on the next version features which you get to keep if you re-subscribe (just like getting a new version). The only other thing is that there will be no more version numbers, only upgrade additions. Thus there is no more requirement to install a new version every year.
John
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
Thanks browj2 that's cleared that up. Me getting mixed up? Nothing new there!
I was thinking of trying my hand at some simple animation to see if I have an aptitude for it or not, do you have any recommendations as to a particular software - I have to be honest I find very few 'designery-type' software intuitive apart from Xara which I just seemed to pick up. ;)
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
@David Strover,
You can start right away with Xara DPX. File, New, Animation (Shift+Ctrl+N), read the instructions. You have to name any objects that you want to animate. Check the manual for more details. It is quite simple really. You can add in a background image.
Enjoy!
John
Quote:
Originally Posted by
David Strover
Thanks browj2 that's cleared that up. Me getting mixed up? Nothing new there!
I was thinking of trying my hand at some simple animation to see if I have an aptitude for it or not, do you have any recommendations as to a particular software - I have to be honest I find very few 'designery-type' software intuitive apart from Xara which I just seemed to pick up. ;)
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
file opening issue in ver 11 appears to have gone away - wonder if it was a 'waiting for xara server' issue? :rolleyes:
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
I think for some of what I do, the unmentioned new capability to have larger page sizes is great. I make a few booth banners every year and being able to use XDP instead of CorelDraw is a plus.
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
Another year and another 'No New Proper Glyph Support for OpenType Fonts' ... absolutely unforgivable in this day and age for a graphics application.
So I'll stick with x9 thank you very much. Xara will not be getting any money from me until they sort this one out.
The can 'Fi' right off as far as I'm concerned (proper designers will get this little joke).
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
Quote:
Originally Posted by
gwpriester
Digitalphaser - Many of us were hoping for more features in the typography area. Dodge and Burn the two new transparency blend modes join the modes added in the previous version, Overlay, Hard Light and Soft Light, plus Color and an updated Luminosity. Normal, Multiply and Screen round out the list. My favorite Brightness was dropped which means I will keep DPX 11 on my computer for when I need it to add shape to an object.
Yeah, I know. I just expressed my surprise. Tansparency types are not some secret or know-how for programmers.
Xara adds each last years only two new transparency modes. I suspect that small additions will be sold as serious innovations.
Today, even web designers have the ability via simple programming languages(CSS,JS,SWG/XML) to use up to 15 transparency types. Why Xara not?
What prevents to equip a program with simple standard tools? I do not ask for the impossible. These are quite basic things.
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
Just tried to buy the upgrade at £75 including VAT as offered. When I get to the check out it converts it to dollars and it magically becomes $118.18 (approx. £91). I know that the pound is falling, but that much? I would have throught that if the offer price is £75 then that's what I should be paying.
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
Three Questions -
1. Is "ver 12" that's being mentioned same as Xara Designer Pro X365?
2. Is X365 a self-contained, stand alone version? as were X10, X11, et all?
3. Any idea if upon upgrade to X365 if there will be a need to install additional standalone versions down the road? or will it merely be "patches/updates" that upgrade the program without a need to retain individual versions - as has been the case in the past?
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
1. yes, the same
2. yes pretty much as before
3. Not sure, the new 365 thing is a bit confusing to be sure
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
Quote:
Originally Posted by
CQDX
1. Is "ver 12" that's being mentioned same as Xara Designer Pro X365?
Yes. Wonderfully consistent naming they have going on, eh?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
CQDX
2. Is X365 a self-contained, stand alone version? as were X10, X11, et all?
Yes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
CQDX
3. Any idea if upon upgrade to X365 if there will be a need to install additional standalone versions down the road? or will it merely be "patches/updates" that upgrade the program without a need to retain individual versions - as has been the case in the past?
In theory, from here on out there will only be patches and upgrades to this release, but they will supposedly install in the folder this version is installed to. I don't know if this is accurate nor able to be changed during installation.
But do read the threads concerning what happens under certain circumstances, such as if and when your 365 expires and if you reinstall. It will revert to the capabilities of the first install and one will not have access to the on-line content. Neato. This means, for instance, that any new capabilities added throughout your 365 days will no longer be there. If one never needs to add hardware to the installed-on computer, then those new capabilities will still be there, but the on-line content would be missing (in the above circumstance of not renewing/upgrading at/after the 365 days expires). A new license purchase anytime after the expiration would re-enable all the above and provide access to the on-line content.
If all this sounds confusing, it more or less is.
Mike
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
I really don't think the 365 in the name has been decided yet. Not the best way to introduce a new product. :-O
I like 365 or Designer Pro X365. It has a nice ring to it.
Joke Artist (I can't even remember your real name, and no it has not been too long :-) ) I totally agree. Many of us have been trying to convince Xara of the absolute imperative of OpenType Glyph support and master pages, and a few other typographic necessities. Maybe someday.
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
Quote:
Originally Posted by
JokeArtist
Another year and another 'No New Proper Glyph Support for OpenType Fonts' ... absolutely unforgivable in this day and age for a graphics application.
So I'll stick with x9 thank you very much. Xara will not be getting any money from me until they sort this one out.
The can 'Fi' right off as far as I'm concerned (proper designers will get this little joke).
I agree with everything you say as regards OT Features. It was my line in the sand twice...but for various reasons I upgraded from X9 to XDP11 and now XDP12 (or XDP365, or whatever it is really going to be named...). I did skip version 10.
But yes, come on Xara/Magix. There really is no excuse to stretch out these OT Features as if adding one thing at a time is some sort of carrot to entice people to upgrade. For 14 years these features have been available in many applications. 14 years! Y'all do know how long that is in "computer application years" don't you?
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2 Attachment(s)
Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
I upgraded to the new Designer Pro no question about it, I love also to use Xara as hub and this graphic program I know most.
However that is tricky a bit, that if someone bought Xara Designer Pro X in 2012:
Attachment 113245
that has the same Xara Designer Pro X text as the name of the program (also quite misleading in Windows):
Attachment 113246
Could you please someone look into this 'bug'? Currently only the color of the icon is the different
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mwenz
Yes. Wonderfully consistent naming they have going on, eh?
Yes.
In theory, from here on out there will only be patches and upgrades to this release, but they will supposedly install in the folder this version is installed to. I don't know if this is accurate nor able to be changed during installation.
But do read the threads concerning what happens under certain circumstances, such as if and when your 365 expires and if you reinstall. It will revert to the capabilities of the first install and one will not have access to the on-line content. Neato. This means, for instance, that any new capabilities added throughout your 365 days will no longer be there. If one never needs to add hardware to the installed-on computer, then those new capabilities will still be there, but the on-line content would be missing (in the above circumstance of not renewing/upgrading at/after the 365 days expires). A new license purchase anytime after the expiration would re-enable all the above and provide access to the on-line content.
If all this sounds confusing, it more or less is.
Mike
Thanks to those who answered. IMO, I do prefer this new release to be a stand alone release and then I'd much prefer follow on updates get patched. Given the subscription model plus updates arriving as patches, I'd prefer the name to be X365. To me the name of the product is therefore static, with patches updating the release number assigned to the product (e.g. its name).
As for subscription, I'm comfortable with that as long as it follows the Microsoft model. But HEY XARA - LISTEN TO ME AND OTHERS -
As long as I have paid you for a purchase, then how the heck can you take that away from me? I'm willing to meet you half way - -
I upgrade now and I'm paying you for the product as it currently exists as of July 6, 2016. What is ONLY FAIR XARA, is if I receive updates from July 6, 2016 to July 6, 2017 then I get to keep all updates in perpetuity as of July 6, 2016 AND in perpetuity on July 6, 2017 should I choose to pay you another subscription fee. If I do make this payment on July 6, 2017 then EVERYTHING I have received up until July 6, 2017 is in perpetuity AND YOU CANNOT TAKE THIS AWAY. The clock again resets and on we go.
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
I'd appreciate an answer to my post earlier regarding the purchase price. I'm told I can upgrade for £75. So I'd like it to be made possible to actually do that please and not the £91 ($118) that I'm subsequently asked to pay when I attempt to check out.
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
Jimi. You should be able to change the $ to £ in the dropdown box at the top (although I don't know about the invoice) ... That may correct the problem. It shouldn't be giving you $ in any case. Check you're on the EN not US site.
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
it may default to the us site if your computer is set to US or you have your location 'hidden' in your browser/computer in which case I'd do as keith suggests
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
I'm on the UK site all the way through to the very final click. Then it loses the "en" in the URL and tries to charge me dollars. I've gone through the "switch to UK" routine twice now and it always ends up the same way.
Update: Tried it with Chrome and it finally worked. It doesn't work on Firefox.
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
If you do not renew, after a year you get to keep your original purchase and its bug fixes in perpetuity.
If you stay on the original machine or deactivate and reactivate on a new machine (to a total of 2) within the year, you get to keep the year's previews.
If you deactivate and reactive or are forced to re-install out of the 365-day Update Guarantee period, then you will revert to your original purchase and its bug fixes.
If you choose to use the new features of the previews and do not renew then if you revert to your pre-preview state, you have the problem that on opening a design file with the preview features and probably just because it was at a later version, the application will list all the things it does not recognise or can no longer handle and so your design may no longer work.
I would call this ransomware, but that is my opinion that I will find hard to justify as I have yet to get to that position.
Outside of the guarantee, you then lose all access to the on-line content.
You can download all the templates and design resources to your local machine but you need to then back it all up. This is over 2GB of data.
To compound this sorry state, Xara has removed the Find... button from the Local Designs gallery for no stated reason.
I would call this crippleware if I have to guess the folder and location of some 5,000 items.
Despite asking about the status of earlier versions that use the On-line Content Catalogue and the Xara hosting service (free and in beta) being maintained, Xara have not responded.
I would call this unaware.
I this the product and its direction are great (for web design) but the purchase model ("this is not a subscription") is flaky.
Xara suggested it addressed the drop in new purchases before a major launch, affecting revenue. Revenue for the rump who update will still be in the Summer. Marketing to get new purchasers throughout the year will have to be phenomenal.
I just hope the expected quarterly releases have better DTP, font and vector handling.
Perhaps we can rename the seasons: Font, Web, DTP, Vector?
As to the name of the application. Today, I have mine displaying Xara Designer Pro 360 as a countdown to renewal or bail day.
Acorn
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Re: JUST RELEASED! Xara Designer Pro X365
This version seems to offer too little innovation for me to upgrade.
What will they name the next version though? Xara Designer Pro X365 2? :think: :-O :eek: :rolleyes:
I hope they won't go the same way that MS went with their Office 365 product and add subscriptions