Photo and Graphics Designer - Can I really only use 12 percent of my memory?

Is there any way around the 32bit memory limit of P&G Designer?

It is always saying it's getting low on memory and crashing sometimes even though it's only using about 1.5gb and I have 16gb of memory.
Yesterday I lost lots of work because I didn't save for about 45 minutes and had a crash.

I have already optimised images.

I specifically bought the amount of memory I have so I wouldn't have these issues.

Is the only way to use my 16gb of memory to chuck p&G designer and rebuy the much more expensive designer pro with lots of features I would never use?

It's really quite dissapointing, I'm thinking about going back to Inkscape (since they fixed the problem that made me leave) of course I'll have to spend a few days redesigning everything in there.

There is a utility that lets your application use up to 4GB of RAM. http://www.ntcore.com/4gb_patch.php

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Originally Posted by Forumarian

Is there any way around the 32bit memory limit of P&G Designer?

It is always saying it's getting low on memory and crashing sometimes even though it's only using about 1.5gb and I have 16gb of memory.
Yesterday I lost lots of work because I didn't save for about 45 minutes and had a crash.

I have already optimised images.

I specifically bought the amount of memory I have so I wouldn't have these issues.

Is the only way to use my 16gb of memory to chuck p&G designer and rebuy the much more expensive designer pro with lots of features I would never use?

It's really quite dissapointing, I'm thinking about going back to Inkscape (since they fixed the problem that made me leave) of course I'll have to spend a few days redesigning everything in there.

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P&GD is a 32bit application. Like all 32bit applications, it cannot access 16Gb of memory. Unless 32bit software is Large Address Aware the default amount is 2Gb.
Designer Pro X 10 64bit version might have been a better choice for you?

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► https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa366778.aspx

The utility I linked to allows 32 bit apps to access 4GB of RAM. I used it with my stereogram software which is 32 bit and which would not let me create 300dpi poster-sized images because of the memory issues.

The utility solved that issue.

Gary, the OP expected 16Gb to be used with his 32bit application.
That [useful] patch makes some 32bit software processes large address aware [LAA] allowing access to 4Gb on 64bit systems.

I agree with Forumarian. Even Photoshop Elements has a 64bit version now. I believe his post is wondering why P&D has to remain at 32bit. It seems that since the technology is there for the Pro edition, would it really be that difficult to apply it to P&D?

The Pro edition of Photo&Graphic Designer 10 (formerly Xara Xtreme) is Designer Pro X10 (formerly Xara Xtreme Pro)
This is similar to the two versions of Web Designer.

Perhaps the answer is not to have some many versions of essentially identical software and lower the price of the Pro and Premium applications, they'd sell more licenses and would make up any shortfall.

Thanks for all the replies.

I will look into the 4gb memory patch because it will be a good temporary transitional measure to keep it going for a bit longer until I can redesign everything in Inkscape.
There is a bug in inkscape with ghosting in large real world size pages that I have submitted a bug request about, so hopefully it might be fixed by the time I run out of 4gb in P&G. So I appreciate the suggestion, I hope the 4gb patch doesn't cause a problem with P&G designer (ie. it thinks it's a crack or something and won't register or invalidate my license).

Yes I am very dissapointed if the technology is there for 64bit P&G designer but they are not offering it only to try and make people buy a much more expensive version with lots of things most people don't need.

I didn't really research in great details before buying P&G Designer, but because even old computers from 10 years ago were 64 bit (such as one I am about to throw away because it's too slow by todays standards), it didn't really occur to me that a modern application would be 32bit only.

I chose Xara over other programs because I read it was fast, but it kind of negates being fast if it can only use 2gb of memory, and I assume 1 cpu core?

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Originally Posted by Forumarian

Thanks for all the replies.

I will look into the 4gb memory patch because it will be a good temporary transitional measure to keep it going for a bit longer until I can redesign everything in Inkscape.
There is a bug in inkscape with ghosting in large real world size pages that I have submitted a bug request about, so hopefully it might be fixed by the time I run out of 4gb in P&G. So I appreciate the suggestion, I hope the 4gb patch doesn't cause a problem with P&G designer (ie. it thinks its a crack or something and won't register).

Yes I am very dissapointed if the technology is there for 64bit P&G designer but they are not offering it only to try and make people buy a much more expensive version with lots of things most people don't need.

I didn't really research in great details before buying P&G Designer, but because even old computers from 10 years ago were 64 bit (such as one I am about to throw away because it's too slow by todays standards), it didn't really occur to me that a modern application would be 32bit only.

I chose Xara over other programs because I read it was fast, but it kind of negates being fast if it can only use 2gb of memory, and I assume 1 cpu core?

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It is there, but that makes it the Pro version.
Do you expect them to offer Pro features for the standard versions?

As mentioned, my preference would be for fewer versions but at lower pricing.
It sure would make for simpler support as well :)

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it didn't really occur to me that a modern application would be 32bit only.

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There are thousands of 32bit applications that don't need to go 64bit and probably never will.
For the most part, you will rarely encounter a memory shortage with P&GD.

► http://www.howtogeek.com/194119/why-...on-of-windows/

Hello,

I would be happy to pay up to 50% extra to upgrade my P&G Designer to a pro version with 64bit.

But there is no pro version, the only pro version is like rebuying P&G designer + buying all the other Xara products that I don't need and would not use.

If anyone works for Xara and is reading this please suggest that there is an upgrade available for P&G Designer.
So I paid about $115 aud + extra fees for paying with paypal for P&G Designer 2013, I would just like to pay the extra to upgrade to a 64bit version. ie. say an extra $50~ would be ok.

Can anyone recommend another similar 2d vector software product that is 64bit capable? Incase Inkscape can't fix the ghosting issue.
It would be nice if it had relative image linking as well as embedding and I would like to be able to set large pages of eg. 50m x 50m (or scaling if that isn't possible).
Also has to be good with batch importing ie. dragging in 30+ images at once without any dialog boxes for each one.

The upgrade to P&G Designer is Designer Pro X 10.
As a P&GD10 license holder, you get a $100 (US) discount if you upgrade to DPX10 (64bit).
(That equals full refund on the purchase price of P&GD + a $10 thank you bonus :) )

One question: What are you drawing if you need such a huge page size? Even when working with CAD programs you would just adjust drawing scale to get everything fit into reasonable paper size.

I am arranging hundreds of products and combinations of products into categories on backdrops to export as images.

One question: What are you drawing if you need such a huge page size?

I am arranging hundreds of products and combinations of products into categories on backdrops to export as images.

I have a feeling that the real issue is that you are using the software as a lazy way to organise, when in reality a bit of organisation would allow you to work with smaller documents and you wouldn't have any problem using the 32bit software.

I could subdivide objects into groups, one file per group; however I still have to move them around in-between groups.

So I would have to open multiple .xar documents instead of just one, since I can't run multiple instances of P&G Designer I would have the same memory problem.

Also my files usually get larger with time so it could work for a while but eventually I would have to look at something else.

Also objects from all the groups I'm arranging can go together in different combinations with objects from all the other groups. So there would be a lot of loading time to open one file, copy an object from one to another, close that file, open another one copy an object from there, open another one, then open the first one again, etc.

I considered all this and that's why I have 16gb of ram, so it's really a shame I can't use most of it.

But I have a feeling Xara are leaving out the 64bit processing from P&G Designer as a lazy way to make two tier products. ;)

I can't run multiple instances of P&G Designer

Why not?

Also my files usually get larger with time so it could work for a while but eventually I would have to look at something else.

I think it's not a question of looking at something else but really looking for a better workflow and organisation.

I have no idea what on earth you are doing, but there has to be a better way than creating a single graphics document and continually adding images to it.

I know it's not relevant to your issue, but given you are entirely dependent on this file, make sure you have backups and copies not just on the hard drive, but also on separate media.

Yes I have backups of course.

I'm not entirely dependent on it in the sense that I have all the original images and sizing data. So even if I lost all my backups or have to move to a new program I would have to remake some layouts but I could do it in a few days if I had to.

I just feel that I've got 16gb of ram so if I could only use it I wouldn't have to think of convoluted workflow systems that are just a way to organise things so I never used more than 12% of the ram I have for no real reason.

Also I have already compromised a lot with optimising images, originally I had hoped to use higher resolution images (fully compressed pngs) for use with web and print (or higher resolution web).

Yes I have backups of course.
There are so many posts on TG by people who lose everything.

I just feel that I've got 16gb of ram so if I could only use it I wouldn't have to think of convoluted workflow systems that are just a way to organise things so I never used more than 12% of the ram I have for no real reason.

Well, I take your point. You have made an investement in hardware, so now rather than bemoan the 32-bit nature of the software you might as well make that further investment in software to get the 64bit capability. Steve has already mentioned that your current investment in the software isn't wasted.

Ok I might consider it. I'm waiting for now because Inkscape has fixed many of the issues why I left before but there is one more thing that I have submitted a bug report about and if it could be fixed I might go to Inkscape.

And I also have to look at other software products available that could have 64bit capability.

But my point was for anyone from Xara who could be reading this, is that I really wish they didn't force you to buy lots of extra software I don't need just to get 64bit that should be fairly standard today.

I would never use Page and layout designer, or web designer premium.
I would be happy to upgrade to a higher version of Photo and graphic designer, but I really don't want to have to buy two other products that I won't ever use just to get the one that I want (P&G Designer 64 bit).

Most likely there are other potential customers who would think the same thing.

I'd say your usage of the software isn't typical and Xara/magix have to differentiate their products and price-points.

It's entirely true that the product lines look more and more like a complicated mish-mash every day and it's ripe for simplification.

Could you suggest different vector software that would suit my usage more?
Xara Designer Pro could be one of the options...

I've only ever used Xara P&G, Inkscape and the old Sodipodi so I dont have experience with all the different offerings out there.

I need easy batch importing, large file size handling or linked images option instead of embedding and 64 bit capability.


Also can I ask, how long is a Xara product usually still current / usable supported etc.

I originally bought P&G Designer 7 from Xara at the full price but by the time the cd actually arrived it had been replaced by P&G 2013, so I emailed and said it was already obsolete before I opened the box! lol
So they sent the new version which was very good of them.

But my question is, if I did buy the top Designer pro just to get 64 bit processing, if it had all the features I needed already, how long would it be usable into the future without rebuying a newer versions? ie. as an investment as you say. This is probably relevant to all software.

I'll leave the suggestions to others. I mostly buy Mac software these days.

It would be helpful if you explained exactly what it is that you are doing.

For example, on the Mac I tend to use some vector software that has no page size limit. In many respects this software out performs Xara, but it cannot do many of the things that Xara can, so for many Xara users it would not suit their purpose.

So, in some ways that software would suit you entirely - no page limit, but it might not suit you in others. It's all about how you use the software.

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Originally Posted by Forumarian

Ok I might consider it. I'm waiting for now because Inkscape has fixed many of the issues why I left before but there is one more thing that I have submitted a bug report about and if it could be fixed I might go to Inkscape.

And I also have to look at other software products available that could have 64bit capability.

But my point was for anyone from Xara who could be reading this, is that I really wish they didn't force you to buy lots of extra software I don't need just to get 64bit that should be fairly standard today.

I would never use Page and layout designer, or web designer premium.
I would be happy to upgrade to a higher version of Photo and graphic designer, but I really don't want to have to buy two other products that I won't ever use just to get the one that I want (P&G Designer 64 bit).

Most likely there are other potential customers who would think the same thing.

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They are not forcing you to buy anything, you made the choice I think?
That's like saying you're being forced into buying Windows 7 Professional 64bit instead of Home Premium 64bit just so you can use more than 16Gb of RAM.

As I keep telling you, Designer Pro X 10 IS the higher version (as you put it) of Photo&Graphic Designer, that's why it's called 'Pro'.
In any case, 64bit support is only a recent development for the software.
Honestly, you're not buying two other programs, you're buying one Pro version. Web Designer is a subset of Designer Pro X while Photo & Graphic Designer is the standard version of Designer Pro X (lacks the Pro features). Page & Layout designer isn't even worth mentioning, it's basically the page & text handing features of the Pro version which were copied out to make another app in the Designer series. I think it's been a flop for Xara anyway.

I'll not return to this thread as I think we've provided all the information you need to make the right choice.
Good luck

So does anyone know if I use the NTcore patcher program will this cause any problems with licensing issues with P&G Designer?

Steve Ledger says the patch works in 64-bit versions of Windows so I am not sure if it will work with a 32-bit version of Windows.

You could ask on the NTcore website.

I have used Designer Pro X10 and it's various versions starting in 1996 when it was CorelXara and it is a very excellent application. It is the high end Xara product that can do everything the other lighter versions can do and more.

I am not sure if it will work with a 32-bit version of Windows.

The OP has 64 bit Windows I believe, otherwise he's wasting 12GB of memory entirely.

Just download and install the trial of XDP and see if it meets your work.

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Originally Posted by mwenz

Just download and install the trial of XDP and see if it meets your work.

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Now why didn't I think of that..

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Now why didn't I think of that

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Because it's Friday the 13th? ;)

It's a goofy work-flow that will be bound to failure no matter the application, regardless of page-size and installed memory and/or application limitations. I can always make a file too big for a system to handle. If not sooner than later.

Linked images, if it were an option in XDP would help. XDP has a page limitation that should go away. I make large signage in CorelDraw for this reason. Even so, I choose to work at scale and link images. Having image proxies on-screen is far "lighter" on the system. But in the end, at the output stage, one still needs the computer resources to handle the export requirements. And I can bring CD to its knees. Same with ID, AI, PP, and the list goes on.

I was working with 1 gig PSD files in the latter 1990s for large format signage. In order to keep me busy while something as "simple" as saving, I had and used 3 computers. I still use two everyday.

Knowing and working within limitations no matter the application is part of where we are in computer history. It all starts with having the computer needed to handle the requirements of the work, and having software that meets the computer's spec. One without the other is a fool's game.

Mike

Lol yes of course I have 64bit windows, I may have overlooked the lack of 64bit in P&G Designer but I'm not silly enough to overlook it for the OS.

I was just wondering if I used the patcher the patch the 32bit exe to enable it to use 4gb whether I might find that I cannot use Xara P&G because some sort of anti piracy measure thinks incorrectly that it's a crack since the original exe has changed, could this be an issue? I don't want to be stuck unable to access my files. Has anyone used the 4gb memory patcher succcessfully?

I might find 4gb is enough for at least a few months more.

Just create a backup copy of the PhotoGraphicDesigner.exe before you patch it. If all goes pear shaped you can delete it and use the backup.
(The patcher will create a backup also and name it PhotoGraphicDesigner.exe.Backup)

Ok it seems to have worked, I opened a few files and got the ram usage up to 2.7gb

So thanks to gwpriester for the idea.

Now I'll be able to take my time and decide what to do in a few months.
It's a shame XDP doesn't have image linking as well as embedding because I'd still have long save times even if I upgraded to it.