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Thread: XDP Pro+ Update

  1. #1
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    Default XDP Pro+ Update

    Just updated XDP Pro+ to 22.0.0.64793

    And the the whole interface has become black.
    Can't say I like it one bit.
    Worst still, the tools have all become mono-colour.
    Why???

    I suppose millions of users asked for it. Yeah?!

    Featured Artist on Xara Xone . May 2011
    . A Shield . My First Tutorial
    . Bottle Cap . My Second Tutorial on Xara Xone

  2. #2
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    Default Re: XDP Pro+ Update

    Dark gray on my computer Rik. And the simplified tool icons with the selected tool highlighted in yellow orange is helpful.

    I suspect that after a few days/weeks using it, you will like it better than the previous UI.

  3. #3
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    Default Re: XDP Pro+ Update

    Quote Originally Posted by gwpriester View Post
    Dark gray on my computer Rik. And the simplified tool icons with the selected tool highlighted in yellow orange is helpful.

    I suspect that after a few days/weeks using it, you will like it better than the previous UI.
    I don't think so, somehow.
    When there's no choice, then 'like' doesn't really come into it.

    Featured Artist on Xara Xone . May 2011
    . A Shield . My First Tutorial
    . Bottle Cap . My Second Tutorial on Xara Xone

  4. #4
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    Default Re: XDP Pro+ Update

    The tools were easily recognisable. I've shown just a small example.
    And just look at the 'Button Pallet' - I suppose I just can't see the improvements.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

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    Featured Artist on Xara Xone . May 2011
    . A Shield . My First Tutorial
    . Bottle Cap . My Second Tutorial on Xara Xone

  5. #5
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    Default Re: XDP Pro+ Update

    After spending some more time with Pro+22 today I have to agree. The new interface, attractive though it is, presents a more difficult working environment.

    I looked at Affinty to see how the two interfaces compare on my 4K monitor. Affinity's use of color helps to make the toolbar pop and their text is slightly larger and easier to read.

    I know a lot of time and effort went into the Pro+ OS upgrade, but I find the contrast to be more of a hindrance in Pro+.

    Especially when working with a black background which I do a lot when doing my stereograms. It feels like it is harder to distinguish a dark shape on a black background.
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  6. #6
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    Default Re: XDP Pro+ Update

    Have you noticed, the 'Scroll Thumb' is barely visible?

    As you say, Gary, Affinity Designer (and Affinity Photo) has a black interface, but, the tools are easily recognisable (pic attached).

    I wish I could remember how to change the interface to the light one, so that I can see if it's any better.

    Something that was pleasant to use, has become a chore.
    I'm sorry, but this change is horrendous.
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    Featured Artist on Xara Xone . May 2011
    . A Shield . My First Tutorial
    . Bottle Cap . My Second Tutorial on Xara Xone

  7. #7
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    Default Re: XDP Pro+ Update

    I found how to change to light interface.

    And, once again, the tools are easily recognisable.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

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    Featured Artist on Xara Xone . May 2011
    . A Shield . My First Tutorial
    . Bottle Cap . My Second Tutorial on Xara Xone

  8. #8
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    Default Re: XDP Pro+ Update

    Quote Originally Posted by Rik View Post
    I wish I could remember how to change the interface to the light one, so that I can see if it's any better.
    That is SHIFT+CTRL+ALT+S, and yes, it reverts back to the "very old" original light grey with colourful icons.

    I wonder if that's more likely because it got forgotten about, rather than by design.

  9. #9
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    Default Re: XDP Pro+ Update

    Quote Originally Posted by gwpriester View Post
    I suspect that after a few days/weeks using it, you will like it better than the previous UI.
    I agree, we're naturally averse to change - but once we're used to something new, looking back at something old does show that there was an improvement

    Except with Microsoft Office 2010. I loved those colourful icons, and really miss them. Sure, Office 365's new ribbon and most of the changes are nice, but since Office 2013 went all monochrome and newer versions regained only a little of the colour, I do still miss Office 2010 - nearly ten years on.

    I don't know, but I wonder if it's because I'm naturally short sighted, and while I wear glasses almost all of the time, that when I don't have my glasses, I rely on colour to identify things. No idea if there's any truth in that, but it's something I heard on the radio once and it didn't sound wrong!

    For Xara Designer Pro+ v22, it's less than a day in, far too early to say if I like it or not. It's different, that's all I can say. I only have Full HD screens but I'm sure on higher resolution screens, the all hi-res interface looks great, no matter if it's "only" the new monochrome.

  10. #10
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    Default Re: XDP Pro+ Update

    The most annoying change is the mouse pointer.
    It looks like a node editing pointer as it is in some other programs and it is bit to big when using on a normal screen.
    Xara missed the opportunity here to put in a choice for mono or colored icons and/or change the darkness of the UI like the Af~programs have.

 

 

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