albertkinng

Hi All,
Below is the list of all new feature and improvements which are included in the 2.5 beta (bug fix list is available here).
To learn more about these features please click on the link 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).
Variable Fonts (coming soon) Line Width Tool Pencil Tool Improvements QR Code Object "Default preset" for grid Typography Dialog turned into a Panel Other Improvements Getting the 2.5 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 2.5 beta builds to try for yourself.
If you are already enrolled in the beta program you have two options:
1. If you still have the 2.4 beta installed, you can now run up those beta versions and you will be prompted to update them to the 2.4 beta.
2. If you have uninstalled the 2.4 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 2.5 beta from there.
Thanks,
Ash

Apps: All
Platforms: macOS and Windows
As has been requested numerous times we have now converted the typography dialog from a pop-up dialog into a panel so you can now easily dock it / keep it available should you wish. 
This is available both fro the Window menu (note: this is currently at the bottom of the panel listing, but will be changed to be a sub menu from the Text panel options next week), and also from the typography button in the context toolbar  when you have text selected.
 

Apps: All
Platforms: macOS and Windows
Within grid and axis settings you can now set any of your grid settings to be the default, meaning any new documents will have that grid set when first created.
You can set / clear default grids from the burger menu next to the grid preset drop down:

I hold a Master's degree in Commercial Arts and Design, as well as a Bachelor's degree in Art History and Graphic Communications. However, the tools I currently use in my work were not part of my formal education. My expertise lies in old-school software like Photoshop, Freehand, Page Maker, and Quark Xpress. What sets me apart from the new generation of graphic designers is my experience of being there when copy-pasting was a manual process. This real-world experience allows me to create and compare with a depth of understanding that others may lack. Despite my educational background, I believe that graphic designers without formal education should not be treated as inferior. Many of them possess impressive skills that could make me question my own accomplishments. Education certainly has its merits in today's world, but it is not a guarantee of success in the field of graphic design. In fact, platforms like YouTube have nurtured numerous talented designers who make a comfortable living from their craft.

I hold a Master's degree in Commercial Arts and Design, as well as a Bachelor's degree in Art History and Graphic Communications. However, the tools I currently use in my work were not part of my formal education. My expertise lies in old-school software like Photoshop, Freehand, Page Maker, and Quark Xpress. What sets me apart from the new generation of graphic designers is my experience of being there when copy-pasting was a manual process. This real-world experience allows me to create and compare with a depth of understanding that others may lack. Despite my educational background, I believe that graphic designers without formal education should not be treated as inferior. Many of them possess impressive skills that could make me question my own accomplishments. Education certainly has its merits in today's world, but it is not a guarantee of success in the field of graphic design. In fact, platforms like YouTube have nurtured numerous talented designers who make a comfortable living from their craft.

Just another reason to NOT pay for Amazon Prime—much like what happened to cable TV.  Showing my age again, how many here in the U.S. remember the sales pitch: pay for cable, no ads!  How long did that last?

This is precisely what I mean. In my experience, buyers often believe that the original product is superior and will attempt to "fix" the one they purchased. Canva is well-known for its simplicity, so I anticipate that this will be their initial approach. Nevertheless, all of this remains speculative.

Why? I'm enjoying every minute of it! You can meet the real hard core fans here! The rest will pay monthly no matter what! 😂

Be careful with how you just worded that. Some companies charge for the right to post on their forums. (It's been brought up already)

The user can look forward to paying for access to obscure Mac hardware references, bad software jokes and a chance to face off with a random Serif employee in a vicious death match over whether certain functionality is a feature or a bug. $5/mo. Free with paid Canva membership.

Why? I'm enjoying every minute of it! You can meet the real hard core fans here! The rest will pay monthly no matter what! 😂

Why? I'm enjoying every minute of it! You can meet the real hard core fans here! The rest will pay monthly no matter what! 😂

More like taking the puppy, putting him under anesthesia, performing surgery to add a cat's head in front of the children, then using electricity to revive him while they cry and the cat cries for help, with the dog's head unresponsive.

I want to emphasize that I truly value the talent within the graphic design industry. I have personally been working in this field for a long time, starting off by manually adjusting lenses inside a photomechanic camera that seemed as large as closing a submarine door! However, one of the challenges we face today is that many people are solely focused on digital media, particularly social networks and websites, leaving behind the importance of printshops. These printshops still follow the same procedures from the 80s, albeit with better machines, but unfortunately, they often encounter the same demands from designers.
Just last week, I sent a 6 spot color separation PDF as requested, only to receive a call from an intermediary who claimed that all the files were black. It became evident to me that this individual was positioned in a department where they lacked a comprehensive understanding of the workflows and technicalities involved. I simply advised them to forward the files to the print department, reassuring them that those professionals would know how to handle the situation. Although this response was not well-received, the end product turned out to be flawlessly beautiful. Recalling a similar incident from last year, I approached a supposedly experienced Art Director and inquired whether they were familiar with the picas measurements for file accuracy.
To my surprise, they had no idea what I was referring to. It is disheartening to encounter individuals with college degrees who lack even the basic understanding of the graphic design industry. To illustrate this point further, my 15-year-old daughter recently received a Photoshop Batch from a professional user via email. However, she lacks the knowledge and skills to use Photoshop effectively. This highlights the issue we face as true professionals within the industry. We are being negatively impacted by a new generation of "Canva users" who view graphic design as merely "generating images" and moving clipart around.
What we truly need are companies like Affinity that continue to support and cater to us, the professionals who have dedicated our careers to this field. It is disheartening to witness the industry being dumbed down for the sake of the new generation, who are willing to pay a monthly fee for quick and effortless design apps. Our expertise, knowledge, and commitment should not be undervalued or overlooked.

I want to emphasize that I truly value the talent within the graphic design industry. I have personally been working in this field for a long time, starting off by manually adjusting lenses inside a photomechanic camera that seemed as large as closing a submarine door! However, one of the challenges we face today is that many people are solely focused on digital media, particularly social networks and websites, leaving behind the importance of printshops. These printshops still follow the same procedures from the 80s, albeit with better machines, but unfortunately, they often encounter the same demands from designers.
Just last week, I sent a 6 spot color separation PDF as requested, only to receive a call from an intermediary who claimed that all the files were black. It became evident to me that this individual was positioned in a department where they lacked a comprehensive understanding of the workflows and technicalities involved. I simply advised them to forward the files to the print department, reassuring them that those professionals would know how to handle the situation. Although this response was not well-received, the end product turned out to be flawlessly beautiful. Recalling a similar incident from last year, I approached a supposedly experienced Art Director and inquired whether they were familiar with the picas measurements for file accuracy.
To my surprise, they had no idea what I was referring to. It is disheartening to encounter individuals with college degrees who lack even the basic understanding of the graphic design industry. To illustrate this point further, my 15-year-old daughter recently received a Photoshop Batch from a professional user via email. However, she lacks the knowledge and skills to use Photoshop effectively. This highlights the issue we face as true professionals within the industry. We are being negatively impacted by a new generation of "Canva users" who view graphic design as merely "generating images" and moving clipart around.
What we truly need are companies like Affinity that continue to support and cater to us, the professionals who have dedicated our careers to this field. It is disheartening to witness the industry being dumbed down for the sake of the new generation, who are willing to pay a monthly fee for quick and effortless design apps. Our expertise, knowledge, and commitment should not be undervalued or overlooked.

As a devoted user and enthusiast, I've always shown immense loyalty to the apps I use, sticking with them through thick and thin. It took a significant amount of frustration for me to even consider switching platforms. My journey with Adobe began in 1994, but the introduction of Creative Cloud (CC) marked the beginning of my dissatisfaction. After a year of using CC, I was troubled by the realization that discontinuing my payment would mean losing access to all my cloud-saved documents and apps. This felt like Adobe was coercing me into a perpetual subscription, prompting me to explore alternatives.
I experimented with several apps like Graphic for vector work, Pixelmator for raster graphics, Rapidweaver for web development, and iStudio Publisher, but initially, they didn't quite measure up. However, when Adobe bluntly announced a price increase, essentially forcing users to accept the hike or lose their data, it was the last straw for me. I canceled my subscription and began a frantic search for replacements. Options ranged from CorelDraw to running Adobe CS6 on older Macs—I was desperate. Serif, at the time, had a tarnished reputation, known for dated design apps that seemed more suited for crafting clipart or printing business cards on home printers. Everything changed with the debut of Affinity Designer.
Though I approached it with skepticism, it became clear that this was the lifeline my business needed. Affinity Designer, alongside Pixelmator, allowed me to continue servicing my clients, gradually integrating other Affinity tools until my business regained its footing. While many flock to Canva, viewing it as user-friendly, I find it lacks the professional robustness necessary for serious design work, often yielding amateurish, uniform results. The acquisition of Affinity by Canva was an astonishing development, raising concerns that the excellence I had come to rely on might be diluted by Canva's more populist, less professional approach. Yet, part of me hopes that perhaps Affinity's influence could steer Canva towards becoming a formidable contender to Adobe, reshaping the landscape of design tools.
Despite these uncertainties, my commitment to Affinity remains unwavering. These tools have been indispensable to my livelihood, and I'm prepared to stand by them until given a reason to do otherwise, much like my eventual departure from Adobe.

They once attempted to prevent other software from appropriating PostScript technology, a move that could be considered malevolent.

Canva, like Adobe, is indispensable in the design business. Although I don't have a paid account, my primary focus is Brand Management and Unlimited Graphic Design for medium and large companies with marketing departments and agency partnerships. For instance, I create 50 artboards on Affinity Designer, export them as a single PDF, then upload them to Canva. Within Canva, I add placeholders for images so that my clients, who use Canva and appreciate its features, can easily customize the content. Once the templates are ready, I share a link on their portals for them to transfer the project to their accounts. I utilize Canva in this manner, solely for sharing projects that require customization by clients.. 

They once attempted to prevent other software from appropriating PostScript technology, a move that could be considered malevolent.

Alright, let's clarify. Affinity has ceased to exist in its previous form. Only its name remains. Canva now dictates what stays and what goes. Even if the CEO were to declare otherwise, the truth is straightforward: Canva acquired Affinity, granting it supremacy. Affinity no longer holds sway. Consequently, any future software updates will likely reflect Canva's influence and preferences.

Canva, like Adobe, is indispensable in the design business. Although I don't have a paid account, my primary focus is Brand Management and Unlimited Graphic Design for medium and large companies with marketing departments and agency partnerships. For instance, I create 50 artboards on Affinity Designer, export them as a single PDF, then upload them to Canva. Within Canva, I add placeholders for images so that my clients, who use Canva and appreciate its features, can easily customize the content. Once the templates are ready, I share a link on their portals for them to transfer the project to their accounts. I utilize Canva in this manner, solely for sharing projects that require customization by clients.. 

True, I'm ready for Canva Designer, Canva Photo and Canva Publisher.

As a devoted user and enthusiast, I've always shown immense loyalty to the apps I use, sticking with them through thick and thin. It took a significant amount of frustration for me to even consider switching platforms. My journey with Adobe began in 1994, but the introduction of Creative Cloud (CC) marked the beginning of my dissatisfaction. After a year of using CC, I was troubled by the realization that discontinuing my payment would mean losing access to all my cloud-saved documents and apps. This felt like Adobe was coercing me into a perpetual subscription, prompting me to explore alternatives.
I experimented with several apps like Graphic for vector work, Pixelmator for raster graphics, Rapidweaver for web development, and iStudio Publisher, but initially, they didn't quite measure up. However, when Adobe bluntly announced a price increase, essentially forcing users to accept the hike or lose their data, it was the last straw for me. I canceled my subscription and began a frantic search for replacements. Options ranged from CorelDraw to running Adobe CS6 on older Macs—I was desperate. Serif, at the time, had a tarnished reputation, known for dated design apps that seemed more suited for crafting clipart or printing business cards on home printers. Everything changed with the debut of Affinity Designer.
Though I approached it with skepticism, it became clear that this was the lifeline my business needed. Affinity Designer, alongside Pixelmator, allowed me to continue servicing my clients, gradually integrating other Affinity tools until my business regained its footing. While many flock to Canva, viewing it as user-friendly, I find it lacks the professional robustness necessary for serious design work, often yielding amateurish, uniform results. The acquisition of Affinity by Canva was an astonishing development, raising concerns that the excellence I had come to rely on might be diluted by Canva's more populist, less professional approach. Yet, part of me hopes that perhaps Affinity's influence could steer Canva towards becoming a formidable contender to Adobe, reshaping the landscape of design tools.
Despite these uncertainties, my commitment to Affinity remains unwavering. These tools have been indispensable to my livelihood, and I'm prepared to stand by them until given a reason to do otherwise, much like my eventual departure from Adobe.

Just for laughs 🤣
 

Just for laughs 🤣
 

As a devoted user and enthusiast, I've always shown immense loyalty to the apps I use, sticking with them through thick and thin. It took a significant amount of frustration for me to even consider switching platforms. My journey with Adobe began in 1994, but the introduction of Creative Cloud (CC) marked the beginning of my dissatisfaction. After a year of using CC, I was troubled by the realization that discontinuing my payment would mean losing access to all my cloud-saved documents and apps. This felt like Adobe was coercing me into a perpetual subscription, prompting me to explore alternatives.
I experimented with several apps like Graphic for vector work, Pixelmator for raster graphics, Rapidweaver for web development, and iStudio Publisher, but initially, they didn't quite measure up. However, when Adobe bluntly announced a price increase, essentially forcing users to accept the hike or lose their data, it was the last straw for me. I canceled my subscription and began a frantic search for replacements. Options ranged from CorelDraw to running Adobe CS6 on older Macs—I was desperate. Serif, at the time, had a tarnished reputation, known for dated design apps that seemed more suited for crafting clipart or printing business cards on home printers. Everything changed with the debut of Affinity Designer.
Though I approached it with skepticism, it became clear that this was the lifeline my business needed. Affinity Designer, alongside Pixelmator, allowed me to continue servicing my clients, gradually integrating other Affinity tools until my business regained its footing. While many flock to Canva, viewing it as user-friendly, I find it lacks the professional robustness necessary for serious design work, often yielding amateurish, uniform results. The acquisition of Affinity by Canva was an astonishing development, raising concerns that the excellence I had come to rely on might be diluted by Canva's more populist, less professional approach. Yet, part of me hopes that perhaps Affinity's influence could steer Canva towards becoming a formidable contender to Adobe, reshaping the landscape of design tools.
Despite these uncertainties, my commitment to Affinity remains unwavering. These tools have been indispensable to my livelihood, and I'm prepared to stand by them until given a reason to do otherwise, much like my eventual departure from Adobe.