New Features?

**MyX'ra** · 22 March 2018, 04:36 PM

I am considering upgrading my Xara Photo & Graphics Designer program from last years version 12, to this years version. However, when I look at what they claim are new features, most of them I am able to do now.

For example:
1. I already have all the social media templates they reference in the "new feature" video.
2. I already have all the Smart shapes they featured in the "new features" video and can do precisely what the video of the "new" product can do.
3. I have no way of confirming if my current program is already 64-bit and multi-core processing capable - not that it matters because saving a photo doesn't take much time anyway.
4. I have NO way of knowing how many stock photos I already have available to me - so is over 1 million actually an increase or not? Furthermore, do they not only have one stock photo archive from which to draw...so that if they increase the photos, don't I automatically have access to all the new photos regardless of my version of the product?
5. I already have access to CMYK & RGB in Color Editor.
6. I already have .gif, .png, .jpg, .psd, .pdf, .ai formats
...etc.

I mean I do not mind the small price tag they require for upgrading, but at least in regard to those thing I can verify, it doesn't look like it is actually upgrading anything at all.

Can someone help me confirm what is actually "new" in this latest upgrade for Photo & Graphics Designer?

**iamtheblues** · 22 March 2018, 04:43 PM

It's all window-dressing as far as I can see. Nothing that is enough to encourage panic buying. (Nice avatar, btw)

**MyX'ra** · 22 March 2018, 05:05 PM

Thank you, I was afraid that was the case. I do make heavy use of the Stock Photos and would easily pay that amount for access to more, but unless they limit access based upon versions...it seems to me that access is access. If they add photos to their repository it would be immediately available to everyone who has access to the stock photos regardless of what version you are running. Do you know if this is true?

**iamtheblues** · 22 March 2018, 07:18 PM

Sorry, I have never used the online content and probably never will. I expect someone who knows will be along soon enough.
Bob.

**Acorn** · 23 March 2018, 08:11 AM

Originally Posted by MyX'ra

Thank you, I was afraid that was the case. I do make heavy use of the Stock Photos and would easily pay that amount for access to more, but unless they limit access based upon versions...it seems to me that access is access. If they add photos to their repository it would be immediately available to everyone who has access to the stock photos regardless of what version you are running. Do you know if this is true?

Xara have different repositories for different versions so they can be shut down at any time and Xara will probably do that when they consider v11 or v12 are no longer supported. For Pixabay, Xara, at TGers request, enabled SafeSearch to block adult content.

It is better to access Pixabay directly, create an account and work from there. You then have the opportunity to "Discover over 1.3 million images and videos shared by our generous community" without Xara control or interference; you get to select your download resolution.

The more interesting aspect, for me, is the free access to builder tools, Pixabay use or endorse: https://goodies.pixabay.com/. Here is a free Easter one: https://pagewizz.com/static/pixabay/...wallpapers.zip (94MB). Here is a JavaScript (Plain JS) library of plugins: https://plainjs.com/javascript/plugins/.

The hype around v15 was not for those with v12, it was to get people off v11 and into a cycle of annual re-subscription. v11 on-line access is "forever", which is why Xara does not include a Search, did not add in the business templates or update any of the widgets.

Don't let Xara constrain you.

Acorn

**Boy** · 23 March 2018, 09:06 AM

Thanks for the link, Acorn. Very useful.

**MyX'ra** · 23 March 2018, 09:01 PM

I just went to Pixabay and created my account and have already found several images and 1 video that were useful. You Rock, Acorn, thank you for the reply and the advice.