Missing Filters

I've just noticed that the 64-bit version has not got all the filters (AV Bros., Redfield, Sharpen, etc) in the Fx (previously the plugin area). I've went to the bother of installing the 32-bit version and see they are there, but was hoping not to have to juggle 2 version!! I know the simple answer is these are all 32-bit filters and so not on the 64-bit version, but is there an easy way to point the 64-bit version to these filters in the Program files (86) area? i.e. while it is cool that running up the 32-bit version keeps your current open files list it is a pain to have to keep switching over.


Turan

No, 32bit filters won't run in a 64bit host environment.
The way I deal with it is to set my bitmap editor in Options to one which supports filters (I have an old copy of PaintShopPro 6).

Thanks for the fast reply - disappointing, but that's life, maybe by XaraPro10 they'll have recompiled them.

Turan

Xara devs have no control over third part plugin filters (AV Bros., Redfield, Sharpen, etc).

The current Fx available in the 64bit version of Designer Pro X are however their own (MAGIX)

Yes - I appreciate that they can't control 3rd party apps, but (and I'd need to try this out) I'm sure there is a way to pass the image to be altered to a background shell command window running in 32-bit, apply the effect and exit. It's obviously not that easy or they would have done it. Having been here since CorelXara, I'll hang in.

Turan

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Turan Mirza

I'm sure there is a way to pass the image to be altered to a background shell command window running in 32-bit, apply the effect and exit.

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Just as easy to assign a bitmap editor that supports 32bit plugins isn't it?

Not necessarily. Xara has the ability to apply filters to vector objects as well as bitmaps so in that case your bitmap editor won't work. So if you wanted to apply an effect to some text you would need to use the 32 bit version of DP9 or WD9p for that.

Well, you can try to find things wrong with useful work-arounds as much as you like, I'm sure there's plenty of negatives when you look for them. Point is it is a workable solution for the time being, vector or not.

Simply select the vector object, press CTRL+SHIFT+C and create a bitmap copy, double click twice to send the object to the bitmap editor, apply the filter and save. Done. :)

All I'm saying is that there are times when the workarounds aren't enough. The bitmap copy does work, except that you lose the editability of your vector objects or text. I'm hoping that we will see some sort of improvements on this in the next version.

Quote:

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except that you lose the editability of your vector objects or text

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The single most important thing here is that CTRL+SHIFT+C creates a bitmap COPY - you have lost nothing and can freely edit the vector original as often as you wish.

What's nice is that if I have a document being edited I can swap to the 32bit version and it opens the document - so no need to cut and paste to other tools.

Turan

But I am not speaking about cutting and pasting...
Assigning a preferred a bitmap editor is nothing new. It's simply a way to replace the XPE (Xara Picture Editor) which was included way back when for the same reason, plugin filters.

I've decided to move this thread to the graphics chat area.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sledger

The single most important thing here is that CTRL+SHIFT+C creates a bitmap COPY - you have lost nothing and can freely edit the vector original as often as you wish.

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Sledger not be so pessimistic.
We are trying to improve xara.
You turn off everything good idea.
Sledger, you can do so but I do not like.
Best: Angelice, The idea is very good.
There are ways to improve xara.
have to listen and try to find the best paths.

Angelize is right on this gosh darn it!

Thanks oscarlosan and richinri. To be fair Sledger's workaround does work fine with bitmaps and bitmap copies, and it does give another option. I have found for most documents the 32 bit version of DP9 works fine and gives me access to all my plugins and if I'm working on a large document and I feel I need the 64 bit version then I have two choices for workarounds. However I do still hope that Xara devs are working on a solution to bring more plug ins to the 64 bit version.