Update to Xara Designer Pro X 16 - or not?

[Helle]

Hi all
I still use Pro X 8.1.1 because it is stable and I don't loose my Custom Control bar.

I bought X11 64 bit and when it crash (a lot) all my custom settings is gone, so I have to recreate the custom bar every time. After doing that 20 times I got tired of Xara X11.
That made me contact support several times without any solutions at all!
So basically I don't use it.

Now Xara sends me an offer for the latest version. Do any of you use it for vector drawings? And if so, do you have a custom bar that works and don't vanish every time Xara crashes?

I don't use Xara for any web og photo designs ONLY for pure vector drawings, which was the reason buying the software years ago. Still very happy for the vector section in Xara, just don't have any "pixel" or web use for it :-)

I am on a Windows 7 PC
Hope to get answers from you soon. The offer from Xara stand until December 26.

regards Helle

Just finished a drawing of my old Ford Popular on Xara ProX and it would be cool if there are new vector functions in the latest version

[Acorn]

Helle, the "offer" will repeat so don't get conned into buying before testing.
Download the trial.
If you still have control bar issues, I suggest two things:

1. Right-select Run as administrator the once to properly register Xara's libraries.
2. Find a free driver checker to make sure your machine is up-to-date.

From your explanation, I can see no reason for you upgrading.
Instead, I would try the above with your XDPX11 copy as it is the more stable of any of the versions that I have in use.

Acorn

[Helle]

Thank you. Will give it a go
All drivers are up-to-date, machine is running fine with all other programs.
A bit strange that is is not possible to save custom toolbars, but one has to recreate it ALL the time. Pretty silly!

[ss-kalm]

I've NEVER lost any custom toolbars through crashes. For me Xara rarely crashes, and then reopening brings everything back up as expected.

[Helle]

Weird! X11 looses all custom tool bars for me, whereas the older X8 never looses anything.
The version you are talking about, is it X11 ? Also may I ask what platform/pc you are using?
I am on a PC Win 7 Pro using a wacom digitizer
regards Helle

[ss-kalm]

At the moment, I'm using XP&GD16. but I've used nearly all versions (Except 11 and I have to admit mostly NOT Pro) from Corel Xara 1.0 to the current V16.3, and NEVER lost a custom toolbar through crashes. I've ONLY ever had to recreate a toolbar when upgrading to a new version.

I'm also using Windows 10.

I'm obviously not representative, but just wanted to point out that this may ONLY be a version 11 problem - although this is the first time I've ever heard it mentioned.

[Helle]

Okay, I also never have lost a tool bar, except in pro11.
I tried to figure out where the custom tool bar is saved to, but gave up. Had hoped for an easy solution.
Have just finished installing pro16 trial - hmm, no real news for me at first glance!

[Jonopen]

To quickly see what's been added to each new version, there's a link (poorly named 'here') on this Xara website page:

https://www.xara.com/uk/designer-pro/whats-new/

Beyond the Shape Painter tool and SmartShapes I don't think there have been any useful drawing tools added (or improved) for years.

Very nice car drawing btw.

[Helle]

I believe you are right :-(

[MB365]

In addition to the what's new link, please refer to this link that highlights additional feature releases: https://www.xara.com/uk/designer-pro/whats-new/older/. Also I'd recommend reviewing the release notes to see many improvements that add up to a lot.

Hopefully, you will find that it is beneficial to upgrade from v8.1.1 to v16.3.

Happy holidays,
Matt
CEO of Xara