2.6 New Features and Improvements List

[Patrick Connor]

Hi All,

Below is the list of all new feature and improvements which are included in the 2.6 beta (bug fix list is available here).

To learn more about these features please click on the links below to go to each feature's dedicated post. To give feedback or report bugs against any of these features please reply to that same post (also check out bug reporting and feedback tips).

• Advanced Page Management:
  • Multiple Pages Feature 
  • Page Reflow Control
  • Page Migration Improvements
  • General Improvements
• Machine Learning:
  • Object Selection Tool 
  • Select Subject 
• Pencil, Pen and Node Tool improvements
• Colour Picker Improvements 
• Updated SerifLabs RAW Support & Lens Recognition Database 
• Reading Order Panel
• QR Code as a Data Merge Field
• Other Improvements

Affinity's Machine Learning Features

As you will see there are two new features which use machine learning models for automatic object and subject selection. These features are optional and require downloading of the relevant models for them to work (instructions included in the posts themselves). We want to make sure it is clear that these are installed as pre-trained models and they do not use any of your own data for further training. Furthermore these operations all work ‘on device’ meaning none of your data leaves your device at any time.

Getting the 2.6 beta

If you have not enrolled into the beta program yet and would like to take part, you can do so here. This will immediately give you access to the latest 2.6 beta builds from your account to try for yourself.

If you are already enrolled in the beta program you have two options:

1. If you still have the 2.5 beta installed, you can now run up those beta versions and you will be prompted to update them to the 2.6 beta.
2. If you have uninstalled your earlier beta, you will need to go back to Your Account -> Downloads and product keys and find your previous order for the Affinity Beta Software Program, and you can download the 2.6 beta from there.

Using the 2.6 beta

You should take particular care to work on backups of your existing documents when trying them out in this new beta in case there are bugs or oversights converting from the 2.5 file structure to the new 2.6 data structures. Once a file has been saved in any 2.6 build that file cannot be read in the release version 2.5.5

Thanks,
Patrick