JT_Allen

@Patrick Connor - Please pin this thread to the top of this subforum. So linux users can find it easily. I created this conversation thread to focus linux issues into one main thread and also community service for linux users and Serif Staff. To help Serif and Linux users together, I am willing to beta best the Affinity Apps on ZorinOS Pro version on a StarLabs Laptop called "StarBook" with max specs for hardware. See the attached pdf file for the exact hardware and OS I will be using. I won't be able to purchase this laptop configuration until very late 2023; closer to December more likely. I noticed in certain Linux threads there was a partial functioning with Affinity V1. My gut instinct tells me the issue has to do with the implementation of the WINE windows emulation software layer for emulating Windows. I chose ZorinOS Pro because from other reviews it has the best implementation of that software layer. For my multimedia purposes, ZorinOS is the most user friendly. Currently, I have my Zorin OS copy running very smoothly in VMWare Player personal license. I ask that other linux OS users strictly avoid going into an OS battle in this thread; I have set my emotions aside and thought of other potential users not familiar with linux Oses and chose ZorinOS strictly on the need to avoid using the command line as little as possible. I have cross-checked other reviews of former MacOS & Windows OS users and have found ZorinOS to be the smoothest functional choice when switching away. My Linux OS and Hardware choice was also in direct consideration for the needs of Serif Software Developers and reduce the "migrane" of too many hardware configurations and OS dependencies. It is much easier for software developers to target a specified hardware configuration and specific OS, hence the Affinity apps were built for Windows and MacOS natively first primarily. Two distinct OSes with known hardware support. I have been trying Linux OSes for the last three years on and off, and yes I did mess inside the command line to attempt getting things working properly, which is not the average user that proactively avoids such tinkering. My recommendation to Serif is to focus on the linux file formats of either ".deb" (Debian) or "flatpak" (App file) as most Linux OS can natively support and install either one; for those based on Debian OS or Ubuntu. Zorin OS is a derivative of Ubuntu and its native software installer can install those two file formats properly without command line intervention. For Serif, here are the relevant file format community guides: https://flatpak.org/ - This community project aims to be the future of application distribution for the linux community. I recommend serif focus on this application installation format, as you can target multiple linux OSes in one convenient installation format. Linux Mint & ZorinOS can handle this format natively in their software installers without the need for command line tinkering. I figured all this out by personally testing and using mainly Linux Mint, Ubuntu (including derivatives), and ZorinOS Pro. Merry Christmas, and hope this help significantly for both Linux Users and Serif Staff. $2.2k | ZorinOS Multimedia Starlabs.pdf

P.S. I probably won't be able to buy that StarLabs Laptop until very late 2023. Just a heads up Patrick Connor.

What follows won't happen until next year (No ETA yet), but I am willing to be a linux Zorin OS Beta tester for Serif and their affinity software to help with this issue. I just need to purchase a dedicated linux laptop from Star Labs with Zorin OS Pro pre-installed. Here is the link to Star Labs, I will be buying from next year: https://us.starlabs.systems/pages/starfighter - High Spec: 2000GB SSD / 16", 10-Core intel chip / High Spec Ryzen 7 Chip. I will be using ZorinOS Pro. I don't mind being a beta tester for Serif and their Affinity Trio on linux as I am able. For Reference, here is one hollywood focused company that produces professional grade software for those studios using Linux OS for their needs: https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve Black Magic Design has Hollywood production quality software available for linux OSes. So, no excuses these days. I highly recommend Serif talk to Black Magic Design on creating software for Linux OSes. @Patrick Connor

I have considered linux before. However, there is no standardized software installation method (there are 3). The best distro I could find was ZorinOS Pro, which comes with a purchase fee to support development of that OS. The linux world is way too fragmented to be viable for most developers like Serif. Most of the linux software (other than Blender 3D software) can't be used for professional needs due to lacking necessary features. I am just throwing this out there, here is a link to ZorinOS: https://zorin.com/ ZorinOS is the best I could find in terms of usability and built in Wacom tablet support with the least need to use the command line. I have tested at least 5 to 7 Linux operating systems before arriving at ZorinOS. I wasn't just thinking of myself for this, but others also. I can't make the switch without professional grade software is available. Current options in linux won't cut it. That is why I am staying with MacOS. the linux OS world needs to standardize their Application Install to one option and they need to enable paid software options in their stores. Not even the maker of UbuntuOS has made any progress in regards to paid software being installable even though they have had that announcement for years.

Then you will need to take this up with the Affinity team to have this changed, and get enough people behind you on it so they know it is a highly popular requested change. That is the only way I see it getting their attention.

How could I help clarify this thread for you? What parts are confusing? To help you better, include screen shots for Photo and Designer.

That is a great level of detail, well done; what part was the most difficult for you?

I did not know this was possible. I think I will stick to a tablet for now.

I had no idea that the "idiotic-like-an-angry-target" icon was for adjusting pressure sensitivity with tablets. I will just stick to the "More" button. That "target" doesn't really do anything on my end nor does clicking on it reveal any panel. Thanks for showing me @Old Bruce.

I can partially answer your question. Macro's are automated workflows in Affinity Photo. Using the Macro feature, you can record a series of steps (Such as Black & White adjustment to photos) that can be saved in a Macro Library for future use to eliminate, often repetitive, actions thereby saving potentially hours of time, especially when batch processing. For future reference, and for others sake to help you best, please be specific about which application you need help with regarding "Library" (which could be any library in the software) and "Macros" (which are built into Affinity Photo). This way, others aren't hesistant about helping you. Just like in a search engine, being specific helps you get better answers.

I figured it out by playing with the software. Getting pressure sensitivity is on a per brush basis. With the Paint Brush Tool selected (Affinity Photo & Affinity Designer), select your appropriate pixel brush in the brush panel, next click on "More" in the context toolbar, and go to the "Dynamics" category for the brush, then: - Set size jitter to 90% (personal preference) and Flow Jitter to 50% (personal preference); set both to Pressure. Affinity Photo & Designer will remember these settings after you quit both of them and open them later. These settings are on a per brush basis.

Yes, I have the context toolbar active, in both Photo & Designer. Edit: The "Controller" option doesn't even show up when the Paint Brush Tool is active.

I found an earlier thread discussing the topic from last year, however not of the fixes work; I tried all of them except for one solution I am having trouble with. When I have the paint brush tool active in Affinity Photo & Affinity Designer (Publisher?), the "controller" function does not even show, so I can't change the setting for it to "pressure" at all. It is like the controller function doesn't even exist. OS: MacOS 11 Big Sur (Most recent update) Affinity Trio: 1.9+ Updated Tablet: Wacom Intuos Pro Large Paper Edition (2017); Updated to most recent driver edition Please help with this.

Rather than create a new thread with this same issue, I have decided to add my own similar trouble. I already did most of what was recommended by the staff members for fixing this issue. I am using the 1.9 Update for Affinity Photo, Designer, and Publisher. However, when I switch to the painting brush, one piece of the context toolbar doesn't show up at all; the "Controller" option in the context toolbar doesn't show up at all and so I can change the pen tablet setting to "Pressure"; so no go on this issue. Please help: All Affinity Updates are current to 1.9 series Wacom Driver is the most recent including the recent "Intuos Pro Large Paper Edition" tablet. Operating System: MacOS 11 Big Sur, OS Updates are to the most current.Using Refurbished MBP 15" 2013 Model. Short Answer: "Controller" function doesn't show in context toolbar for Affinity Photo & Designer, even when Paint Brush Tool is active.

Ah Ok. Now I have learned one more way to use a search engine. That clears it up. Affinity Publisher may not have progressed far enough along for them to feel confident about starting to make the final workbook for publisher.