Just Released: An update to Xara Designer Pro X

**IanB** · 06 March 2019, 09:44 AM

I've just uploaded a new version of a website which I update every day or so. http://www.pyramidfolk.info/ The first indication that something had changed was the time it took to upload. Every file was new and I presume this had something to do with the way groups were being treated. But next, to my horror, it took even longer for the main map page to complete loading and display. http://www.pyramidfolk.info/index2.htm as the map appeared to be being redrawn rather than loaded as an image.

I'm really annoyed that what should have been an 'improvement' has made my life more difficult and I'm reacting out of anger at the moment. I have yet to see any benefits and may well end up ditching the website and giving up on Xara (which I have used since the Artworks days on the Archimedes).

**Chris M** · 06 March 2019, 09:56 AM

I'm not sure if you mean how long it took to upload the files, or how long it took for the page to load from a visitor's perspective.
From a visitor's point of view, the map loaded very quickly for me. Australia 20Mbps download speed.

**Rob-Xar** · 06 March 2019, 10:13 AM

Hi Ian,

If it's possible, could you send me your website project file in a private message and I can investigate how Xara is exporting the groups and use it as an example of improvements that can be made.

Thanks
Rob

**IanB** · 06 March 2019, 12:02 PM

Hi Rob
If you let me know how to I'll send you a copy of the Xara document.
Thanks,
Ian

**Rob-Xar** · 06 March 2019, 12:48 PM

Hi Ian,

You can go to File > Save as within Xara to retrieve the project file, then either click on my name > send message and attach it there, or if it's too big you can upload it to something like dropbox or gdrive and send me the share link.

Alternatively, you could also try sending it to robert@xara.com and I'll pick it up from there.

Thanks
Rob

**IanB** · 06 March 2019, 01:37 PM

Thanks Rob
I've sent the file by e-mail.
Ian

**Rob-Xar** · 06 March 2019, 03:14 PM

I've got it, thanks

**Acorn** · 06 March 2019, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by IanB

I've just uploaded a new version of a website which I update every day or so. http://www.pyramidfolk.info/ The first indication that something had changed was the time it took to upload. Every file was new and I presume this had something to do with the way groups were being treated. But next, to my horror, it took even longer for the main map page to complete loading and display. http://www.pyramidfolk.info/index2.htm as the map appeared to be being redrawn rather than loaded as an image.

I'm really annoyed that what should have been an 'improvement' has made my life more difficult and I'm reacting out of anger at the moment. I have yet to see any benefits and may well end up ditching the website and giving up on Xara (which I have used since the Artworks days on the Archimedes).

Ian, I couldn't even count the number of bitty PNGs that have now been created (actually 2,605).
Each has its own HTTP request and therefore will be a slower download (1.2 seconds here).
The killer is the time your local machine and browser will take to render all of these as HTML is not multi-threaded.

The 'fix' you need will probably select all and apply Web Properties > Image > Web image type: One image for whole group.

Happy testing!

Acorn

**IanB** · 06 March 2019, 06:17 PM

Originally Posted by Acorn

Ian, I couldn't even count the number of bitty PNGs that have now been created (actually 2,605).
Each has its own HTTP request and therefore will be a slower download (1.2 seconds here).
The killer is the time your local machine and browser will take to render all of these as HTML is not multi-threaded.

The 'fix' you need will probably select all and apply Web Properties > Image > Web image type: One image for whole group.

Happy testing!

Acorn

Thanks for your observation. I have started to convert all the graphic groups to be exported as one image. Though I've some way to go before I complete the task (and tidy up parts of the project) there is a clear and significant improvement.

Regards
Ian

**olledahl** · 06 March 2019, 09:07 PM

Hi,

I have just updated to the latest version of Xara Designer Pro X X 16.1.0.56164 DL x64 Feb 14 2019.
After updating a site I discovered that the navigation bar (hamburger menu) was damaged. The "hamburger" had vanished and all I could see was the "invisible" text "Menu" that I had grouped with the three bars. I had to group text and graphics to make the navigation bar and it has worked just perfectly so far. But now, it doesn't. All I can see is the "invisible" text and even if the pointer shows that it is a link the link does not work.
Since my client wants the hamburger menu I have not been able to publish the site yet.
Greeting from Olle in Sweden