Affinity products for Linux

[Renzatic]

On 1/28/2021 at 4:19 AM, derei said:

It was argued "linux is for nerds". I'd disagree. Linux is NOT ONLY for nerds. Not anymore.

I'd say that Linux is still an OS for nerds, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing for Affinity's potential future on the platform, since their primary demographic are web designers, photographers, and 3D artists, all of which are...

...well, nerds.

I mean, have you ever asked a photographer about their camera gear? The response you get is almost guaranteed to be the nerdiest thing you'll hear all day.

[zeknoss]

20 minutes ago, Snapseed said:

Indeed, and therein lies the fundamental issue.

Linux's relatively small current market share makes it financially unviable for Serif Affinity, Skylum and others to port over their very nice and shiny softwares over to Linux.

Yupp,

Also this is why people are also mentioning a wine accelerator with sentences starting like "at least ...". Everybody is aware of this issue. But imagine it runs with nearly native performance with the minimal effort from Affinity. This then might lure more people into Linux. Because if it may turn out to be a very lucrative investment in the terms of ratio.

[Redsandro]

1 hour ago, zeknoss said:

imagine it runs with nearly native performance with the minimal effort from Affinity.

Affinity could detect Wine and see how many people actually run it on Linux.

With those non-speculative statistics, they can decide whether or not it's worth it to develop a native Linux version.

Remind me, did someone from the Affinity staff address the idea of getting it running on Wine? I remember years ago they rejected the idea because they don't want a slow and bad user experience, but as people have since pointed out, Wine (and sometimes Proton) cause apps to run at near native speed. Sometimes (in the case of Vulkan) even faster than their native Windows counterparts. Has someone from Affinity addressed the idea of working towards Wine compatibility, now that they have a correct idea of what Wine performance is like?

I mean, Affinity, are you still reading this? Look at a recent benchmark.

[ChrisWhy]

I'm a professional designer who uses Linux. I would purchase Affinity products if they supported Linux, or even just made their apps work in Wine. Blender, Maya, DaVinci Resolve, Gravit Designer... All are great graphics tools and run on Linux. GIMP, Inkscape, and Scribus are all pretty good, but if Affinity offered theirs, I would switch.

[VectorVictor]

Hi there. 

I'm at the point here, along with an increasing number of people, where I have swapped almost entirely to Linux for development work and to escape excessive data-mining by companies like Microsoft, along with ensuring my systems are secure and to stop the surprise "updates" that can alter system performance overnight. 

I have purchased licenses for Affinity products for both Mac and Windows platforms.  While native Linux versions of Affinity products would be ideal, I could live inside Designer and Photo as is, either with WINE or Proton, on Linux.

It presently seems like the major impediment to installing the program is the installer itself. I'm sure there are other issues one might encounter when trying to run the software, but that initial hurdle prevents me from seeing what those other issues may be. 

Has Serif looked at www.protondb.com and the Proton API? This seems to have a lot of support for bringing Windows applications over and running nearly better or as well as native applications. I am presently running most of my Steam Windows library off of it, with about 85-90% success. 

Serif could affordably increase its development footprint in the Linux space by simply taking advantage of existing APIs like Proton.

Serif could use this as a marketing and PR move as well as an additional means to ensure its own survivability in a market where large companies are increasingly trying to wreck smaller ones. 

Just my 2c. Love the software, keep it up guys. :)

[Redsandro]

19 hours ago, VectorVictor said:

Serif could use this as a marketing and PR move

Yes, it's an interesting thought.

Serif could put some small developer resources in figuring out why Wine stops with initializing the art board. There are multiple solutions for OpenGL, DirectX, Vulkan etc out there that might get this to work without much development cost. You'll either find out the solution is simple or complex. Isn't it a risk worth taking?

They could even list an AppImage for Linux containing Wine and the Windows version on their downloads page and call it a courtesy release without support. Wouldn't this be low hanging fruit for Serif?

[aronkvh]

Is there a better way to run Photo than a kvm with pci passtrough currently.

without lookinglass with winapps it's clunky so I always end up booting to windows

[Renzatic]

10 hours ago, aronkvh said:

Is there a better way to run Photo than a kvm with pci passtrough currently.

Not at the moment, no.

If I had to guess why the Affinity programs don't run well in WINE, I'd say it's because the WINE devs' primary concern is getting Windows games up and running in Linux, and if any desktop applications like Photoshop, Office, Affinity Photo, et al. end up working, that's mostly down to happy coincidence. 

[jpintos]

I have an idea...
If Serif open a presale (like a kickstarter crow funding) selling a Linux Version and supossing they raise i don know.... $500.000 (i don't know what number could be profitable to make a Linux Version) and if the goal is not raised the money is back and do nothing.

The "excuse" always is that maybe a linux version is not profitable but with this way is guaranteed that the money can be enough.
What's your opinion guys?

I use Linux Mint and is a rock solid SO and i can't back to windows because i don't have good design software... and every day read of people wishing buy a linux version...

[zeknoss]

1 minute ago, jpintos said:

I have an idea...
If Serif open a presale (like a kickstarter crow funding) selling a Linux Version and supossing they raise i don know.... $500.000 (i don't know what number could be profitable to make a Linux Version) and if the goal is not raised the money is back and do nothing.

The "excuse" always is that maybe a linux version is not profitable but with this way is guaranteed that the money can be enough.
What's your opinion guys?

I use Linux Mint and is a rock solid SO and i can't back to windows because i don't have good design software... and every day read of people wishing buy a linux version...

This is actually a brilliant idea!

[Redsandro]

12 hours ago, jpintos said:

If Serif open a presale (like a kickstarter crow funding) selling a Linux Version and supossing they raise i don know.... $500.000 (i don't know what number could be profitable to make a Linux Version) and if the goal is not raised the money is back and do nothing.

Affinity had already responded to this idea a year or two ago and rejected this.

The last suggestion from the community that does not have a fully informed response is to work around the Wine incompatibility (and perhaps package a Wine-loaded appImage to offer on the download page). Perhaps they can consider a fundraiser for investigating the wine incompatibility.

[Snapseed]

On 1/30/2021 at 12:34 AM, ChrisWhy said:

I'm a professional designer who uses Linux. I would purchase Affinity products if they supported Linux, or even just made their apps work in Wine. Blender, Maya, DaVinci Resolve, Gravit Designer... All are great graphics tools and run on Linux. GIMP, Inkscape, and Scribus are all pretty good, but if Affinity offered theirs, I would switch.

There are already professional grade softwares available to Linux users in those areas including, but not limited to, PhotoLine + Wine, Figma (universal Electron app) and VivaDesigner (native Linux). The issue there is that they are not as well known as they should be.

[Bez Bezson]

4 hours ago, Snapseed said:

There are already professional grade softwares available to Linux users in those areas including, but not limited to, PhotoLine + Wine, Figma (universal Electron app) and VivaDesigner (native Linux). The issue there is that they are not as well known as they should be.

How does VivaDesigner compare to Affinity & InDesign?

If it's closer to them than Scribus, I'll have to give it a whirl.

[Renzatic]

36 minutes ago, Bez Bezson said:

How does VivaDesigner compare to Affinity & InDesign?

If it's closer to them than Scribus, I'll have to give it a whirl.

I'm far from being well versed with the desktop publishers, but I did download the .appimage just to try it out, and it seems...okay. It's easy to find out for yourself, since you don't have to install anything, nor register to try out the demo.

[Snapseed]

19 hours ago, Bez Bezson said:

How does VivaDesigner compare to Affinity & InDesign?

If it's closer to them than Scribus, I'll have to give it a whirl.

I'm afraid I can't answer that question since I'm a 100% Linux user and so I can't compare it to Affinity or InDesign for obvious reasons. What I can say is that I think the Linux version is competent desktop publishing software. Why not try the free or demo version and see how you get on with it?

[SrPx]

Several times I've visited Figma, in its updates, what it can do , etc,... great for what it is designed for, fast and flexible prototyping, working with a team, for webs and apps... As a graphic design (specially for print, more complex designs, etc)  package, with enough tools... Quite basic compared to Affinity Designer or Inkscape. IMO. Scribus... Not an easy UI, that's for sure. But seems it is capable. Can't say more as I've only used publishing tools when some project have needed it, not versed on it. 

[Quarian]

"How does VivaDesigner compare to Affinity & InDesign? If it's closer to them than Scribus, I'll have to give it a whirl."

http://www.viva.us/en/products/desktop-publishing/vivadesigner-desktop-version

As someone who tried out VivaDesigner soon after the arrival of the cloud...yes, THAT PARTICULAR cloud (before the arrival of Affinity Publisher)...I can say that--albeit using the free version--it is most impressive. The typographic tools are QUITE good (which SHOULD be expected from a software that was once sold by Linotype). The free version doesn't offer a facility for the full range of features included in the importation of graphic files, but--if one reads the web site--VivaDesigner is the single most impressive COMMERCIAL layout software ever devised for use under Mac, Windows, AND Linux. For starters, it is the ONLY package that imports AND exports files in .IDML format, imports PDF as native objects, AND imports .INDD files. I am planning to buy a copy of VivaDesigner to run beside Affinity Publisher to use it as a conversion tool.

Having said all that--and having used both of them--Affinity Publisher leaves VD in the dust in six areas.

1) Price: VivaDesigner is not sold on subscription but is about $399.00 USD from the straight buy ($299 if you're able to do a "crossgrade" from certain Layout packages) AND THAT IS FOR A SINGLE LICENSE with NO second computer being considered (at the time of purchase, Viva offers a second license for roughly $30-50 USD additionally).

2) UI: Affinity Publisher has a MUCH more inviting UI than VivaDesigner. Don't believe me? Download the free version of VD and use the stylesheets.

3) StudioLink: " 'Nuff said."

4) Support for Pantone.

5) Supported on the Linux platform

6) As mentioned before, it is the only layout package that will--independent of an InDesign installation--import .INDD files and export .IDML files.

I plan to buy it because--in addition to running Windows and Mac--I run Linux as a production environment (Blender, BlackMagic Fusion, Enve...). By the way, for those of you running AD on Windows, you should try running Enve on Windows and importing your SVG files exported from AD and animating them. Enve is an open source, 2D animation software that runs on Linux and Windows...  https://maurycyliebner.github.io/. Enve has a feel that reminds me of old school Macromedia Flash.

[MikeW]

16 minutes ago, Quarian said:

...Affinity Publisher leaves VD in the dust in six areas.

...

4) Support for Pantone.

...

Did you mean to say VD does not support Pantone?

However, there are not as many installed Ptone pallets. They are relatively simple XML files, though.

The latest update also added direct .indt support.

[Quarian]

"However, there are not as many installed Ptone pallets."

Precisely. I should have been more clear. I stand corrected, sir, and tip my hat to you.

[Phlvx]

I am currently trying to switch fully to Linux and Adobe is the only thing keeping a dual boot on my system. I am very interested in this so I figured I would sign up and and be counted as a potential customer. I would even be okay with a Proton solution until the market warrants a full Linux build.

[bteifeld]

22 hours ago, Quarian said:

"However, there are not as many installed Ptone pallets."

Precisely. I should have been more clear. I stand corrected, sir, and tip my hat to you.

Pantone offers two ways to get correct color values(L*a*b* numbers) for all of their fan decks:

Pantone Connect- www.pantone.com/connect

Pantone Color Manager- for mac, https://www.pantone.com/media/downloads/software/Pantone_Color_Manager_Mac.zip and for pc- https://www.pantone.com/media/downloads/software/Pantone_Color_Manager_Windows.zip

Pantone Color Manager requires that you own an X-Rite color measurement device , or order a license key in order for it to work.  Although the website states that it cannot be ordered on the website, you can get a license key by making a phone-based order.

The advantage of Pantone Color Manager is that it allows you to export the fan deck L*a*b* color values in a .ASE file, which Affinity applications can import as a palette of spot

colors.

If you are only trying to get a few spot colors, Pantone Connect can enable that for you. Be warned that L*a*b* color values may become a charged feature in the near future.

[Snapseed]

On 1/18/2021 at 4:25 PM, VanessaS said:

As I said, none of the alternatives for Linux meets my needs. I've tried all of those editors, I know Diolinux's patch as well. I've had the same conversation countless times throughout the years and every time people think they're suggesting me something new I haven't tried before. 

I'm not saying the applications available for Linux aren't good. They are great for many photographers. What I'm saying is, they are not suitable for **ME and MY work.** I'm not a photographer who offers photo sessions and deliver small digital images. I sell prints through an art gallery. I print, sell and work on the same images for many years. They must match perfectly, it doesn't matter if I've printed them today or 5 years ago. They must be exactly the same. 

Since I don't want to use Adobe products anymore, I will stick to Affinity, even though it's a pity they will not develop a Linux application. Maybe in the future there will be something I can use on Linux, but for now, that's not an option. 

I see now and since you really do need professional software to do your work then that leaves only two practical solutions - use Windows 8.1 or 10 that are both currently supported or use macOS on Apple products.

I know that Apple computers are expensive and if Windows is less than satisfactory for you then I'd suggest trying out a Macbook or iMac at an Apple store or trying out a friend's Apple computer. I know of people who have bought refurbished Macs, etc. from reputable suppliers to lower the purchase cost and that has worked out well for them.

In one case, a friend of mine used to have a Windows desktop PC and I'd be regularly helping her out with computer issues but she switched to a new iMac (and very nice it is too) and I haven't been called out once to assist her. Similarly, I only ever had one Linux (Ubuntu) request for help and that was solved. I think that says something about the stability and reliability of the Unix-like operating systems.

[Renzatic]

If there's one thing I've come to notice during my time in Linux, it's how bad the font rendering is in Windows. I feel like a total nerd for nitpicking something like this, but hell, it's SO NICE having clear, clean text everywhere that doesn't look like it's padded in rainbow colored antialiasing.

[FeWa]

I really think it's a pity that Serif refuses to develop a Linux-version or even just making it work with wine.

But: Thanks to the answers above I tried VivaDesigner out now and I really think it is quiet an astonishing alternative!
I think I would even buy a copy - in the end we have to support companies that (still) develop native Linux software!

[Bez Bezson]

40 minutes ago, FeWa said:

I really think it's a pity that Serif refuses to develop a Linux-version or even just making it work with wine.

But: Thanks to the answers above I tried VivaDesigner out now and I really think it is quiet an astonishing alternative!
I think I would even buy a copy - in the end we have to support companies that (still) develop native Linux software!

Yep, it costs over seven times what Affinity Publisher does, but I'm seriously considering it too.