Category: Software (other)

Mac users: Oct 2018 some of your applications might not work anymore (but which?)

Commentary, QuarkXPress 2015, QuarkXPress 2016, QuarkXPress 2017, Software (other)No Comments

Last Friday Apple reminded everyone that “the last macOS release to support 32-bit apps without compromise is macOS High Sierra”:

https://developer.apple.com/news/?id=12012017a

What does that mean?

It probably means: When you upgrade to the next version of MacOS, which Apple will most likely release end of September 2018, that some or all of your 32 bit applications will not work correctly. Or will not work at all. Or continue to work.

As Apple has not shared more detail than what you can read above, it’s hard to predict how much 32-bit applications will be affected. Currently we just know that they will be affected.

What are your options?

So if you still have 32-bit applications that are crucial for your workflow, you have three options:

  1. Stay on your current version of MacOS:
    As Apple typically provides security patches for the current AND the last two previous version of MacOS, you will be safe using Sierra or High Sierra for 1-2 years from Oct 2018 onwards. Then you need to revisit the other two options:
  2. Virtualize your current MacOS:
    Use a virtualization service to install your current version of MacOS in a virtual machine that you can launch. Three examples are Parallels, VMware Fusion or Virtual Box. Downside of course is the additional overhead and the performance impact.
    And you should not connect the virtual machine to the network/Internet once Apple doesn’t provide security patches for it anymore.
    Virtualization might be the only way though if you are using applications that your clients still use. Or where the application is not further developed and there’s no alternative on the market.
  3. Upgrade your 32-bit application to a newer version being 64-bit or use a different application that’s 64-bit:
    For example, upgrade QuarkXPress 9 to at least QuarkXPress 2015. Or upgrade Photoshop CS5 to at least CS6. Or switch to a different image editing application like Affinity Photo.

You still have until September 2018 to make up your mind. Just don’t wait until the last second.

How to find out which of your applications are still 32-bit?

To find out which applications might be affected, you need to find out which applications are not yet 64-bit. Here’s how to easily find out:

  1. Hold the option key, go to Apple menu and choose the first menu item (now called “System Information…”)
  2. In the sidebar of System Information navigate down to “Software > Applications” and select it.

  3. Wait for a few seconds (time depends on how many applications you have installed)
  4. You will see all applications installed. Click on the column “64 Bit” to sort for “No”

Now you will see ALL applications that are not yet 64-bit as well as – further down – all applications that are already 64-bit.

Which version of QuarkXPress is 64-bit?

QuarkXPress 7, 8, 9 and 10 are not 64-bit.

QuarkXPress 2015, 2016 and 2017 are 64-bit.

UPDATE:

On Jule 4, 2018, Apple showed this screen:

So if you are using 32-bit software, you will have one more year.

Want to escape the Cloud? Hate being forced to rent software?

QuarkXPress 2017, Software (other)No Comments

Quark released the following press release today:

Attention InDesign®, Photoshop®, Creative Suite®/Creative Cloud®, CorelDraw®, and Microsoft® Publisher Users:
Save over 50% Now when Choosing QuarkXPress

Denver, CO – 24/05/2017 – Quark Software Inc. announced today a new offer created specifically for designers who don’t currently own QuarkXPress but are considering switching or adding it to their toolkit. For a limited time, InDesign®, Photoshop®, Creative Suite®/Creative Cloud®, CorelDraw®, and Microsoft® Publisher users can save 50% on a license of QuarkXPress 2017, the new version of Quark’s fully-integrated graphic design and layout software for professional print and digital production.

Top 10 Reasons to Switch to QuarkXPress

QuarkXPress 2017 is the alternative for every creative professional who wants to leverage the modern and efficient design software and, if you’re an InDesign/Photoshop/CC user, escape the ongoing subscription model with a perpetual license of QuarkXPress. Here are 10 reasons to consider QuarkXPress now:

  1. No monthly subscription – designers own their copy of QuarkXPress
  2. More intuitive user interface, less palette clutter, and faster time to results
  3. Ability to convert any PDF to editable QuarkXPress objects
  4. Ability to copy and paste objects from InDesign, Illustrator, and Excel as editable QuarkXPress objects
  5. Ability to convert print layouts into interactive HTML5 publications
  6. Non-destructive image editing
  7. Superior typographic controls for kerning pairs, font tracking tables, and text variables
  8. More granular design control for optical margin alignment, gradients, and opacity
  9. Ability to output unlimited iOS single apps for free
  10. Lower cost of ownership – designers determine when upgrading is right for them

Limited Time Offer – Over 50% Discount
For a limited time users with an eligible product who want to switch or add QuarkXPress to their workflow can purchase a full new commercial license of QuarkXPress 2017 (Mac/Win) for just £345/€399/$399. The perpetual license is unrestricted and can be upgraded to future versions.

Eligible products include: Adobe InDesign®, Adobe FrameMaker®, Adobe Lightroom®, Adobe PageMaker®, Adobe Photoshop®, Capture One® Pro, CorelDraw®, Microsoft® Publisher and Serif PagePlus®. All versions of qualifying products are accepted including perpetual, rental, and subscription licenses.

Of course you keep all software that qualified you to purchase the Competitive Upgrade to QuarkXPress 2017. It’s up to you whether you want to continue using it or cancel the rental contract. In no case Quark will tamper any other software installed on your system or notify the vendor of the competitive software.

To learn more about the competitive upgrade offer please visit: http://content.quark.com/switch-to-quarkxpress-en.html

About QuarkXPress

QuarkXPress is used by hundreds of thousands of professional designers and hobbyists around the world to perform almost any print or digital task. Built on a fast 64-bit architecture with uniquely innovative features, QuarkXPress has surpassed the competition in many areas. Unlike any other tool, QuarkXPress provides Bezier editing so designers can remain in one application for page layout with high-end typography and vector drawing.

Now, with QuarkXPress 2017, which introduces new non-destructive image editing capabilities, designers are able to manipulate images within the context of a design without having to constantly switch to image editing software. Designers can also place, convert, and edit almost any graphic format – including Photoshop, PDF, and Illustrator files – directly within QuarkXPress. Also, to make switching to QuarkXPress even easier, designers can import or convert existing layouts and graphics created with InDesign, CorelDraw, or Microsoft Publisher via PDF or copy and paste using the “convert to native objects” features in QuarkXPress.

Get Started Now!

For more information about QuarkXPress, please visit: www.quark.com. For a comprehensive overview of QuarkXPress 2017, check out the What’s New video. Download the free Trial Version for a fully-functional test of the new version.

Switch, Upgrade to, or Purchase QuarkXPress 2017

To purchase QuarkXPress 2017, visit the Quark eStore, call Quark Telesales, or find an Authorised Quark Reseller.

The Non-Rental Suite for Creative Pro’s

Commentary, Software (other)3 Comments

Many people have asked me whether there are high-quality tools available for Creative Pros other than the rental suite of Adobe’s Creative Cloud.

I leave it up to you whether you prefer renting a software suite or whether you like to keep/own your tools (the license that is).

Though for me the model of “software vendor adds features and time savers into software – user decides whether it’s worth the purchase/upgrade” just feels to be more fair than “continue paying vendor as long as you use software and if you stop paying you can’t open your work files anymore.”

So here are my personal recommendations for high-quality tools that do not force you to rent:

  • Illustrations:
    Renting: Illustrator
    Perpetual: CorelDraw (Win only), Gravit Designer, InkScape, Krita
  • Image Editing:
    Renting: Photoshop
    Perpetual: Acorn (Mac only), Affinity Photo, Photoline, Photo-Paint (Windows only)
  • Motion Graphic:
    Renting: After Effects
    Perpetual: Apple Motion (Mac only), Fusion
  • Music Production:
    Renting: Audition
    Perpetual: Bandlab (Windows only), Garageband (Mac only), Waveform
  • Page Layout/Design:
    Renting: InDesign
    Perpetual: QuarkXPress
  • PDF Touchup:
    Renting: Acrobat
    Perpetual: pdfToolbox
  • Prototyping:
    Renting: Experience Design (XD)
    Perpetual: Lunacity (Win only), Sketch (Mac only)
  • RAW Editor:
    Renting: Lightroom
    Perpetual: Capture One, DxO Photolabs, ON1 Photo
  • Video Editing:
    Renting: Premiere
    Perpetual: DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut (Mac only)
  • Web Design/Web Animations:
    Renting: Muse
    Perpetual: Hype (Mac only)
  • Web Editor/Websites:
    Renting: Dreamweaver/Muse
    Perpetual: BlueGriffon, Hype (Mac only), PineGrow

And of course this is just a personal preference, there are many others.

Which tools are you recommending and using?

 

Continue reading “The Non-Rental Suite for Creative Pro’s”

Grafica e design senza la Suite

Software (other)No Comments

Spesso e volentieri una massiccia ed incalzante operazione di marketing può influenzare se non condizionare un intero settore commerciale e professionale.
Uno di questi è sicuramente il settore della grafica che nonostante negli ultimi 10 anni abbia subìto un’espansione trasversale (lo dico per i meno informati) la maggior parte dei “professionisti” ha difficoltà a seguire l’innovazione fosse anche solo per allargare il campo della conoscenza.

È oramai diffusa l’idea, sbagliata, che per poter fare grafica di un certo livello sia obbligatorio utilizzare solo certi software. Da qui la diffusione di suite che hanno in parte arricchito il mercato ma in parte hanno indebolito (ed in alcuni casi annientato) la professionalità.

Continue reading “Grafica e design senza la Suite”

New QuarkXPress Document Converter removes Pasteboard XT and Web layouts

QuarkXPress 10, QuarkXPress 2015, QuarkXPress 2016, QuarkXPress 2017, Software (other)No Comments

Quark released a new version of QuarkXPress Document Converter.

Version 1.1 is a free download:
Mac OS X: http://www.quark.com/Support/Downloads/Details.aspx?fid=289
Windows: http://www.quark.com/Support/Downloads/Details.aspx?fid=288

You need the QuarkXPress Document Converter to (batch) convert documents from v6 and below, so that QuarkXPress 10, 2015 or 2016 can open these.

The notable new features in QuarkXPress Document Converter version 1.1 are:

  1. QuarkXPress Document Converter will now be able to strip Web layouts and Interactive layouts out of legacy projects during conversion. Only Print and App Studio layouts within the legacy project will be retained after conversion.
  2. QuarkXPress Document Converter will now be able to remove Pasteboard XTension slug from the legacy documents during conversion.

So that means – even though you do not need QuarkXPress Document Converter for documents created in QuarkXPress 7, 8 or 9 – these two new features might be the reason to still run them through it.

Bottom-line might be that QuarkXPress Document Converter will wash them clean… ;-)

QDC1.1