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[xtom]

Never knew about that right click popup either. Handy to know.

[Acorn]

It is not a case of "handy to know"; Xara has fudged the UI with the Smart Transform hidden on a right-click of an icon (Aspect Ratio).
It is no wonder people don't know of it or are able to discover it by chance as it is the only such control in the whole of the UI.

Yes, you can find it in the Help or PDF Manual if you realised there was a thing called Smart Transform.
The history of all this is in TG Thread on squishy/squashy: https://www.talkgraphics.com/showthr...ing-megathread.
I instinctively use the Alt key when dragging even when I know Smart Transform is off.

Acorn

[gwpriester]

Agree Acorn.

[behzad]

Thank you everyone. I am sure that right click method will be forgotten by myself very soon, not easy to remember.

[ss-kalm]

The handy thing though, is once you've turned Smart transform OFF, it does seem to stay OFF.

[iamtheblues]

Xara used to be renowned for its easy-to-use software. Today, nobody knows for sure what they are buying and how much it will cost because of the convoluted licencing.
But worst of all is that the program itself has become unwieldy to use with semi-hidden arcane 'features' (work-a-rounds) that actually get in the way of productivity.

I could go on, but I am likely to rant if I do so, causing me high blood pressure and the likelihood of sanctions from the forum management.

I asked myself a question a few releases of the product ago, which was; 'Are you looking forward to the next release?' I replied,'Not so much, these days' Given the lack of new vector features over recent years I think it is highly unlikely I will ever upgrade again.

[behzad]

@iamtheblues software companies have their acceleration and then they slow down, that is why you should have other tools in your tool box. Serif is one that may compliment xara. All the best.

[cmpan1]

Xara used to be renowned for its easy-to-use software. Today, nobody knows for sure what they are buying and how much it will cost because of the convoluted licencing.
But worst of all is that the program itself has become unwieldy to use with semi-hidden arcane 'features' (work-a-rounds) that actually get in the way of productivity.

I could go on, but I am likely to rant if I do so, causing me high blood pressure and the likelihood of sanctions from the forum management.

I asked myself a question a few releases of the product ago, which was; 'Are you looking forward to the next release?' I replied,'Not so much, these days' Given the lack of new vector features over recent years I think it is highly unlikely I will ever upgrade again.

While I agree that there ARE some annoyances and frustrations with the XARA software... and respect that you're one of the battle-scared veterans here at TG iamtheblues, I have a question. I have been sitting in front of computers since the Atari 512, Commodore Vic-20 and some model of an IBM Personal Computer... (imagine, and I refused to learn to code what a dope!)

If a gun nozzle were pressed against my temple... and I was told to name one, just one piece of software from my beginnings to now that did it all for me... no problems with either the software or it's creators or else. I'd be toast because I just wouldn't be able to come up with an answer... I've been down the Adobe CC route... (the list of horror stories way too long) I've been down the CorelDraw Graphics Sweet road... and quite a few others that just don't need to be named... you get the point. Every one of those scenarios has the same user frustrations. Some sounding so similar to what occasionally goes on here.

And ONE category common amongst all is the new subscription model that has become the standard in the industry. So far, only Serif has not jumped on board... but I'd be willing to bet anyone here $1, that that will happen too, oh... I guess over the next 12 to 18 months.... any takers? So...

Now, I'm not debating, contradicting or challenging you. I'm just curious. You've be around... you're experienced... What piece of software were/are YOU totally happy with...? Who's done it right for your needs? (serious question - really)

Thanks

Cliff

[properez5]

Weird. Doesn't work for me in Xara Pro 365

[Acorn]

Weird. Doesn't work for me in Xara Pro 365

Can you explain what doesn't work?

Acorn