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Just a "Heads Up"...
For US$25 (or more if you're feeling generous) you can get the keys for eight Magix titles including Xara Designer Pro X with "one year's free access to the Online Content Catalog". Offer expires in 13 days as at 12th Sept 2018.
The "Downside"... Be aware that the software may not be the latest versions and expect to get frequent "upgrade" email offers from Magix.
Thank you!
Hello, I am new here. I know about this offer and I was searching for some information about offered software, because there is something I don't really get here.
https://www.magix.com/int/photo-grap...ct-comparison/
That's the Xara products comparison from Magix. It compares 3 softwares:
- Xara Photo & Graphic Designer
- Xara Web Designer Premium
- Xara Designer Pro X
First two are available for $7, last one for $25. Can anyone tell me why should I go for the Designer Pro X over the other two? By looking at the comparison, there is very little exclusive content and the other two seem to be able to do similar/same stuff that ProX can. Can anyone tell me what are the actual differences in usage of 2 vs 1? Or simply, what are the benefits of having Pro X.
Edit:
All mentioned software is sold at version 15.
I used the last Humble Bundle Magix deal (as my XWD Premium and P&GD were due to expire). Even though they only offered a few months of content catalogue updates I was very satisfied as I actually received the latest version of the Xara products in the bundle and all the (limited) updates.Quote:
Originally Posted by jaydear
I've now taken out the latest Humble Bundle Deal. XWD Premium is not included, but Pro is. From a quick glance it looks like the latest version but can anyone please confirm if there are differences? Will we get updates in the software as well as the content catalogue? And do we have the same facility to install on 2 machines?
As the Humble Bundle folks are comparing their (tiny) price to the full price, I would think that they legally need to point out any differences in functionality between the full priced software and what they are offering.
Thanks
Yaffa
Like I wrote, mentioned software is in version 15, while current is 15.1 (probably free update, but I am not sure). It's true that with HB (Humble Bundle) you should always check what they are offering, especially with IT books, as those are usually (always?) very old (5+ years in terms of IT means old, or VERY old).
As for this software bundle, you can check most important info here: https://support.humblebundle.com/hc/...s/360008810014
For the 2 machines license - yes, I've checked that on Magix webpage. Single user, up to two machines at a time (movable licenses).
Still, anyone can help with telling the difference between 2 cheaper options and the Designer Pro X?
The comparison page, https://www.magix.com/int/photo-grap...ct-comparison/, is showing Premium, which is not on offer. Xara web designer is very limited. The two cheap ones are 32-bit.Quote:
Originally Posted by Soul Reaver
Only Xara designer Pro X offers all the business print themes as a bundle (on-line) and Pantone. Basically, you would chug along at ~30% production rate if you tried to do things in one of the products, copy across to the other and back again. Far too tedious. Assume Magix (and xara) have split these to make such efforts a real chore. Now if Xara Web Designer Premium were on offer, you might get up to 70%. I would recommend Xara Designer Pro X.
Personally, I would just invest $1 in Xara 3D Maker 7 to see what limitations Humble Bum brings to the table as it is cheap and fun to use.
Acorn
Yes, normal Xara software allows 2 installations, but this software via Humble Bundle advised deactivating in order to install on another machine and I was wondering if this meant that this version is in some way restricted. Kate Moir had also mentioned in another thread that Xara software on offer via a different channel had some restrictions, so I was wondering what applied to this bundle.Quote:
Originally Posted by Soul Reaver
Obviously it's great to know that I can use Pro for a year, and the version I downloaded via Humble Bundle (15.1.1.54376) seems to be the latest. But if the much-needed bug fixes aren't going to be included it will be a real problem. Ditto if I can't use it on an additional machine. As it is I have XWD V 12 and two instances of 15 Premium both installed (my original and the Humble Bundle version), juggling between them and P&G for different workarounds - not to mention an installation of the incredible Webstyle which won't let me upgrade from Windows 7).
Yaffa
This is the best that I took for 25 bucks :).
Just installed ProX. The serial didn't work with the software downloaded from the Xara site, but the download from the Humble site worked and installed version 15.1.1.54376.
Edit: Checked the magix.com product registration page. There is no mention of the update service. While for WDP (also purchased via humble bundle) it is mentioned to expire in a few days and DPX (V12) purchased via Xara website mentions as expired.
Bought it earlier today. Observations:
1. The Serial seems to be for a specific build for Humble Bundle. They dont' give a link to any installation files in your account. Back-Up Everything (Program, Content, and PanoramaStudio installers) just in case you get a situation where you cannot re-download from Humble Bundle.
2. You can access everything in the Content Library, but no indication of how long this will be in your MAGIX account. Download everything and Back-Up the Cache Directory to another drive... Just in case.
3. You can install on two machines. I have done so.
4. Seems to be the latest version. Later build than Photo & Graphics Designer from the VEGAS Pro 14 Humble Bundle a few months back (Aug 2018 vs. May 2018). Probably because it's a specific Humble Bundle Build.
5. No word on Updates. Humble Bundle site stated that you get 1 year update services. If it's not including, that would be an oversight on their part (in terms of misleading buyers).
Got it mostly to do Social Media graphics stuff. It has some nice templates.
Is there a way to "install" the Local Designs Gallery; so that it is permanent, and doesn't get wiped out if you mistakenly clear the Font or Fill cache? :-P
Most of what you need is described in https://www.talkgraphics.com/showthr...186#post592186. It is applicable to any Desktop application and version if you change the pathing.Quote:
Originally Posted by iRate
Acorn
Yea, I used search and found that.
I have found a better trick, though...
Do a full Content Download, and then move the Content Cache Directory to C:\ and remove write permissions for your user account from the new content directory (Turn off Permission Inheritance for the Directory, and Remove Write Permissions).
Create a hard link called Cache in the same folder you copied the content from (as it was named cache) to the new Content Directory (i.e. C:\Xara Designer Pro X Content).
Now, the Xara Designer Pro X application cannot delete the Offline Cache. It's permanent, and even the "delete Cache" button in settings will fail with a permission error, as the actual content is in a directory that your user account does not have permission to write to (write covers deletions).
Still don't understand why they didn't put a confirmation on those buttons... They just nuke everything away, even if the cat walked across your trackpad, and they are misleading as clearing the font or fills cache will also nuke the entire Local Design Library away!
altering write permissions is not a backup though, still need that backup of course just in case
it may also be that doing this interferes with the program operation - I don't know on that score, maybe acorn does...
Yes, I have two local backups. But I'd rather not have to copy all of those files back... Preventing a situation where that is needed is optimal. You can literally write a script to toggle the permissions on that directory, if you want :-P
It should not interfere with program operation, as the only time the application writes there is when you download new designs. The Cache Directory is the Local Design Library. It's implemented as a Cache in DPX, and not as legitimate local content (i.e. like Music Maker Sound Pools). That means if you clear the fills cache, the font cash, or clear the internet cache in settings; it will literally nuke everything away.
If your subscription has lapsed, problems will not occur, as you do not have access to the Online Content Library ;-) What are you going to be downloading to there? People with a subscription can always just redownload the entire Local Design Cache; problems with deletion only matter to those without a subscription. This solution is for people who don't plan to continue the subscription, who may want to safeguard the Library as it stands when their subscription has lapsed. In that case, it's a great way to make sure that the application itself does not nuke away your Content Library; eliminating the need to have to use your backup to restore it.
You still need a backup in case you get a new PC, Have to Wipe or Reset your system (if you only have one drive), etc.
----
For those who don't want to do the permissions trick, here is a safer alternative:
Move the Cache Directory to your OneDrive Folder, and then make the link point there.
If you mistakenly delete your cache, log into OneDrive.com and it has a Restore Feature that can bring it all back in a few clicks if you have Office 365. If you don't, it'll still be restorable from your Recycle Bin.
Set the Local Folder to Always Available Offline, and voila :-P
----
Lastly, the link is a great solution for people with multiple drives and their OS installed to a smaller SSD. The Content Cache is over 3GB. Getting that off of my 250GB NVMe Drive and onto my 1TB SATA3 SSD drive is always good. Application, otherwise, does not give you a choice on where to put the Cache Directory (though I'll have to check the registry to se if there is a setting there... this is the case for many other applications, like PaintShop Pro's "DefaultWrite" key that tells it where to create all user Content Directories).
ok - I just didn't see the need to change the write permissions [and still don't] - the link option is preferable to me
don't wish to appear difficult, but I have Office 365, but I don't use OneDrive; and no-one should ever assume they can restore from the recycle bin unless they hardly ever fill it up ;)Quote:
If you mistakenly delete your cache, log into OneDrive.com and it has a Restore Feature that can bring it all back in a few clicks if you have Office 365. If you don't, it'll still be restorable from your Recycle Bin.
Xara creates a catindex.old from the catindex.txt file and thereafter writes current to old (update) and updates new - no deletes. However, Xara drops files - you no longer have any calendar.xar template files because it was such a chore to write new ones for each year. So deletes are definitely possibly. Never locked my folders but do use backups, especially before updating.Quote:
Originally Posted by handrawn
If Xara has 100,000 Desktop application Customers, what we have is 100,000 scrabbling around spending time and computer storage.
@Xara - what a waste of time, space, energy and entropy. Make the designs available for all your Customers and allow storage space for personal designs and sharing so your Community can enrich itself and your reputation.
Acorn
thanks for that acorn...
... and thanks OP for the heads up.. ;)
I am using Xara Designer Pro X11. When I open it up, it tells me that there is a new upgrade to Xara Designer Pro X for $99 only until September 27th.
This naming convention has me confused. Is this an upgrade or an older version of what I have?
Then I ran across this HumbleBundle Deal (https://www.humblebundle.com/softwar...n=tile_index_4)
Is this the full blown Xara Designer Pro X? Again does Pro X precede Pro X11? Which is actually the latest version?
The offer will elevate your v11 to v15 (v16, which is out soonish). The HumbleBundle is for v15.1. Some have had prblems with registration and access to the Online Content catalogue. This should be taken up with Magix who should honour the HB deal.Quote:
Originally Posted by LisaA
My gut would not go for the HB deal and rather make Magix earn its $99. For a hobbyist, $25 for a year is probably worth it. For someone who is selling designs, go for the Magix offer.
There is no knowing, at present, about the upgrade path for version and after a year of use.
If you can afford to try the HB deal for $25 with the possibility of a loss of $25 then the breakpoint is a risk of 25% (1 in 4) of the HB deal being no good.
The Magix oferf will be extended beyond 27 September, based on its past record, so you have no real pressure.
Acorn
For anyone who's still 'on the fence' - the Humble Bundle deal expires in just over 2 hours. For me so far it's been great. I have installed it successfully on two machines and had no problems registering or using the Content Catalogue. It's nice to use the new tools and to have everything in one programme - and to have a useful PDF manual. I'm hoping that by comparing their product price-wise to the regular Pro, Humble Bundle cannot refuse to honour the year of upgrades, which are included in the regular Pro, but we'll see.... BTW for anyone getting this or other Humble Bundles, you have the option of dividing your payment as you wish between the creator (Magix), Humble Bundle and different charities.
@yjs
Thanks for the reminder, I almost forgot. Just downloaded everything. I only wanted Xara 3D Maker 7 and PhotoStory, so I have a bunch of other software that I can give away to deserving people. I already have Xara Designer Pro X, renewed in July.
I'm pretty sure it is exactly the same program you'd get off the Xara site or Magix site. Well I hope so anyway, after much sitting on the fence I finally upgraded to 15.1 with it.
Same program. The downloaded installer from HumbleBundle seems to be special to HumbleBundle, but when you execute it, it downloads the trial version from Magix. Depending on the program, sometimes Magix bundles third party software (plugins) with them. You don't get these. I just installed 3D Maker 7 and PhotoStory Premium VR. Everything is there.Quote:
Originally Posted by xtom
Usually, Xara DPX comes with Panorama Studio 3. It is not currently offered on the Magix website, and I presume that it did not come with the HumbleBundle Xara.
Did you get 1 year free M hosting (2 GB, top level domain) with HumbleBundle Xara?
No idea. Probably not but I'm really only interested in the core program and 1yr of updates (hoping that the next year brings some decent features or improvements).Quote:
Originally Posted by browj2
my humblebundle designer pro 15.1 has the option to install Panarama studio 3
no idea about the hosting never used that
I asked the Humble Bundle support folks about updates and was told: "As far as patches and maintenance goes you will receive all of those updates, however as far as newer versions of the software that is not included." I have asked for further clarification about the distinction.
Not wishing to rain on any parade but Xara has stated that there will not be a v15.2 update; it is going direct to a new version, v16.0.
Typically in the past, all major versions, for most software purchases, reset the clock for support and renewals. I don't know how Magix's model works.
Perhaps this was Magix's intent by releasing the HB offer now ahead of v16.0 but I suspect your licence number should be good for a major version change as faced by all the regular renewers.
Acorn
M hosting would require a Coupon Code, to be used when activated. Nothing like that was in the HumbleBundle.
I'm surprised and pleased that Panorama Studio 3 came with it.
I would expect that there is really no difference between what happens with the update service for regular purchases vs Humble Bundle. Once you're in, you're in. I think that those with the HumbleBundle version will likely see v16 show up. At the end of the 1 year, the same conditions apply if you don't renew. If you have to reinstall, it would revert back to 15.1 plus patches, nothing new.
Whaaaaat? What happened to the 365 subscription model where you get all updates for the next year from time of purchase? Man that would suck even more, I hope you're wrong.Quote:
Originally Posted by browj2
That statement was down to me, not browj2. I was referring to other applications, not Xara. Again, I don't know how HB operates or Magix thinks but it appears we will be getting a major version every year and I am yet to see how this will operate seamlessly.Quote:
Originally Posted by xtom
Somehow you have it shown as though I posted that message. I did not; it was Acorn.Quote:
Originally Posted by xtom
The quote was "Typically in the past..." which, I believe was referring to the past method with payment each time a new version came out, if one wanted to purchase it. The present method is, if a new version comes out and you are within the 365 days update service, you get it. Your interpretation is incorrect. I leave it to Acorn to reply.
Oops, just saw Acorn's reply.
I must have done a copy and paste on the line then hit the quote button on wrong post, sorry about that.
I asked the Humble Bundle Support folks: 'So do I understand correctly that with my Humble Bundle Purchase I will have exactly the same online updater functions as purchasers of the regular software for a year, and will my updates occur at the same time? ' I was told that this is correct :)
I'm very impressed with the speed of their replies (and of course with their answer).
good to know :)
the only differences I have noticed so far are on the face of it cosmetic - eg the registry HKEY_CURRENT_USER software xara path is XtremeProHB x64 and therefore not in the same folder as my xara bought 11 and 12 [XtremePro x64]
Hi, anyone tried activating the XDP16 demo with a HB licence key?
Regards.
Hi Kc853
See this thread.
https://www.talkgraphics.com/showthr...PRO-16-!/page2
Others are asking the same question.
Peter
Thanks for the advice. Too bad that the upgrade is not possible.Quote:
Originally Posted by Deltapete