Affinity Publisher! It’s alive! ALIVE!

I haven’t had much time to play with it either, but upon initial testing it seems to import RTF files with stylesheets intact (I would presume .docx as well), so that’s a win. What I wished it would do better is recognise page breaks, but I suspect that would take come kind of tool other than importing a text file into a frame box.

It’s looking nice though! I’m already a fan of Photo and Designer. I’ve been gradually switching over to them from Adobe products, as I fear my old CS6 installation will stop working some day, and I’m not about to sign up for rentalware of any sort. The level of quality one gets from Serif, for the price, is phenomenal.

All right, a few more spare minutes given to the beta, and it’s looking pretty good so far. Getting to Publisher from Scrivener’s RTF, depending on how much more RTF specification they intend to support, could be viable. Here’s a simple checklist I tried:

1. Create a new document in Publisher.
2. Made a little simple Master page with a page number token at the bottom.
3. On the first sample page, assigned the master page layout and drew a text frame for holding the book content.
4. Use the Text ▸ Insert Text from File… menu command, and provide the compiled RTF from Scrivener.
5. This inserts the entire book into the one text frame, which will overflow the page of course. To solve that problem, you’ll find an “output” flow arrow on the right hand side of the text frame. Shift-click on that arrow to autoflow.

This will create however many pages are necessary to display the content, and any page breaks that it encounters from one’s compile settings will be factored into when new pages are created.

There are still some rough areas with import: list formatting seems to get a little messed up, and embedded images vanish.

It’s still early beta days though, so I hesitate to even voice concerns, especially when there is clearly so much good going on. The interface is easy to understand and learn, and as I have come to expect from Serif, deep in those areas where it needs to be. As noted before, stylesheet support is there, and a well-designed Scrivener compile will be very flexible and easy to format using Publisher’s mode advanced typesetting and layout features. One question I have is how easy it would be to continually compile revisions into a Publisher file that already has extensive styles set up (or will the RTF style settings always take precedence). I am also pleased to see extensive typesetting controls in the style system. There are over a dozen different ways to tweak hyphenation and the justification model, for example.

I’m looking forward to seeing how it develops through the beta!

I’ve been running Beta 1.7.0.57 for a few days. Some things are still missing, and some will never be available.

With the Beta, you can’t see bleed lines. They’ll be exported out, but you can’t see where they actually are on the screen, so if you’re displaying an image to bleed, you have to guess at where they are. My workaround is to create the page size to include bleed, and use guide lines in Master Pages to mimic bleed.

With PagePlus, I can create Master Pages complete with text frames, image frames, etc. When I set a page to use a Master, I can “Promote From Master” any of these frames, saving me the trouble of creating them from scratch on the page itself. This is not possible with the current Beta version of AP and is a popular feature request. Workaround is to create your desired text and image frames, along with any text, and/or images, and save them as Assets. You can set guidelines for all your Assets in the Master Pages. Then you can drag the Asset to the page using the guide lines and edit them as required. Hope this doesn’t become the norm.

Affinity Publisher has a lot of great features, but will require some investigation to find them in the menu system. There is also severe limitation on Toolbar customization, as only a small subset of commands can be added. PagePlus also has a “Clean Design” feature. Click a button on the toolbar and all non-printing lines disappear, allowing me to see what the printed page would look like. So far, with Affinity Publisher, you must go to a menu item and find the entry to “Hide all guide lines” which hides everything, but leaves the lines around the text boxes–which makes the feature far less useful.

The Affinity Team has indicated that they are working on an InDesign import, but will NOT be adding a PagePlus import. Serif has decided that the PagePlus community was not worth it. In fact, you can not even copy a text frame from PagePlus to Affinity Publisher as a text box. It is converted to a bitmap image.

Serif has done a creditable job with Publisher, but there’s still a lot of work to do. It’s on Beta 8 now, and I expect it will be in Beta for a few months yet, as they iron out the problems.

Fine for a short brochure or leaflet. Much in need of a slick book-publishing mode and ebook support.

forum.affinity.serif.com/index. … ublishing/

Interesting early review:

medium.com/@postenterprise/affi … 5f05c96c02

Slàinte mhòr.

Having tried the beta, I’m in agreement - especially so having also now read the Medium review (for which thanks, JoRo).

An organisation for whom I have written regularly has used Serif’s PagePlus for a long time, and I have been in a silent sulk with Serif for ages because PagePlus is Windows-only and won’t run in CrossOver, which has made things awkward since I use a Mac. I have had to mock up alternatives using Pages or the rather idiosyncratic PrintWorks. I therefore had high hopes of Affinity Publisher, thinking that it might eliminate these issues.

But I’m quite disappointed by this beta version of Publisher (the other two Affinity products don’t fall into my sphere of interest). I really wanted Affinity Publisher to be an absolutely brilliant desktop publishing solution, especially after the long timespan since it was first trailed by the developer company, but for my purposes I might as well stick to my clunky alternative solutions, because Affinity Publisher doesn’t seem to offer me much more (albeit in a more sophisticated manner, with a lot more bells and whistles than I actually need – and many that I actually find baffling). It seems more like a graphic design application than a desktop publishing application. I was hoping for a long-text-capable solution to play with, to bring back memories of Ventura Publisher, but Affinity Publisher so far doesn’t seem to scratch that itch.

On the plus side, I managed to find out how to get rid of that nasty dark interface that so many applications use nowadays (yes, I am getting old, yes, I have a minor cataract and astigmatism; yes, I struggle to see such small icons on a small laptop screen; yes, I am grumpy). Tweaking a couple of options in Preferences at least renders the interface readable.

That said, it’s good to see another application in this space, and I will watch its progress with interest. Perhaps the long-text capability will expand as the beta test progresses. As it stands now, though, I won’t be buying. In fact, I’m not sure that I understand what the actual selling point is, other than the mantra “don’t buy Adobe” (which I wasn’t planning on doing anyway). I would have bought a reasonably-priced fully-fledged long-text DTP system like a shot, just for the sake of having it in my armoury, but it looks as though I am not Affinity’s target market.

My first look at an Affinity app. Strangely placed, I think, with an anachronistic aesthetic that looks as if it was conceived by Windows 95. What era is that splash screen from, let alone the tutorial videos with their démodé supercar graphics? The eighties? Feels like a time warp: the kind of software given away with computer magazines or bundled into low-end Microsoft suites in decades past.

There’s no evidence of original thinking in terms of the interface or programming, and it feels as if it has been fabricated from old parts, rather than designed from the ground up as a new concept. It certainly doesn’t have the look or response or precision of a native Mac app, so I found my time with it to be unpleasant and jarring.

That said, it will surely suit users who can ignore its form and make do with its limited functions, while saving themselves from Adobe’s claws. Good enough for SOHO users who produce short publications with low print runs. I could imagine a small arts company or a community project producing flyers and programmes and newsletters with it.

Its functions may improve in time, but its core aesthetic and programming aren’t going to change.

Such a shame that it is a curate’s egg, not a Fabergé.

The latest Affinity Publisher beta (1.7.0.58) now shows bleeds, and has fixed some issues.

I used PagePlus for my novels of 300+ pages. It can be a bit quirky at times, but I can produce the required PDF X/3 documents the PODs want, and I get perfect results.

Using the AP Beta, I’ve been trying to recreate my latest novel. It’s been unbelievably difficult! Of course, it’s still a Beta. Someone mentioned the difficult interface. I agree. It’s hard to find what you need, and there are so many settings to get right before things work. Master pages are strange beasts in AP. They sort of work, but not really. The “Promote From Master” feature of PagePlus does not exist in AP, making it necessary to create an Asset item which can be dragged onto EACH page. You also have to watch how you export your project to PDF, because it will create spreads instead of pages on output–two facing pages together as one PDF page, which will not work for POD. You must be sure to change the output to Pages before you create the PDF.

I’m hoping the final version of AP will be at least as good as PagePlus, because it’s the perfect platform to go from Scrivener to publishing.

I have been playing around with Beta “162” which is the latest. AP has done a lot of work since the early betas, but still has some issues. Interestingly, it seems to be showing fewer problems in Windows than Mac, based on the beta forum entries. For me, Master Pages are a big problem. They’re hard to work with, and if you don’t design them correctly, they’ll give you some grief. The interface could be improved as well. Page icons are way too big, and can’t be made smaller. Otherwise, it’s beginning to look good. It’s very reminiscent of PagePlus, but lacking some of its nice features. It will be interesting to see what they call the final version.

Affinity Publisher is up to Beta “192.” Serif has been working hard on fixing all the little issues. It’s getting close to production now. As with most betas, it’s down to the little annoying things that are hard to find. Personally, I think it still has a way to go before having all the bells and whistles that PagePlus has, which will take several iterations to get to. Now that I have worked with it more, and discovered its ideosycracies, I’ve learned how to use them to get the job done. Still a bit laggy, but that could be because it’s compiled with debugging features. For anyone new to publishing software, it would be a good start–cheaper overall than Adobe InDesign which is USD 20/month. Let’s remember that this is the first version of a brand new product, and they’ve done a good job of it. I’m still very prejudiced towards PagePlus, but that’s because I’ve been using it for years, and know all its little quirks, so I can work more efficiently. The more I use APub, the quicker I get, and the easier it gets.

I just got an email from Affinity. Publisher is out of beta and will be released on Wednesday, June 19, 2019. Retail will be $49.99. Beta testers can pick it up that day only for $34.99 with five free bonus fonts from RetroSupply. You can preorder. If you’re outside Europe, there’s no VAT.

I went ahead and ordered. Given how badly Adobe has been treating its users recently, I’m playing it safe by having an InDesign replacement in the ready. I’ve already shifted to Affinity Photo for my covers. If you want to check the new app out, here is the U.S. link:

affinity.serif.com/en-us/publisher/

I didn’t see it listed at their store, so pre-ordering may currently be for beta testers only.

Hate to put a wet blanket on their release announcement. I’ve been using the APub Beta from the beginning and have the latest Beta 371 on my system. There are still lots of bugs, and their Master Pages are sadly only dynamic templates. If you add a single page between two pages, the Master Pages are not honoured (as they are in PagePlus), but shift to the next page. This means any margins, headers, footers, and content will shift. Since I write novels, it becomes a huge problem as Master Pages must be reapplied to all subsequent pages and all content frames have to be manually shifted back to within margins. Fine for a layout of a few pages, but not for a 200-300 page novel. They call it a design decision, I call it a deal breaker, so I won’t be taking advantage of the discount. Based on their last Beta release, they’re closer, but they’re rushing the final version. In the end, I think it will bite them.

Some user advise. If they release an optional, extra cost “workbook”, buy it. I have the one for Affinity Photo, and it is an excellent tutorial that can really help acquaint you with all the tools it offers.

All right, so I’m thinking Publisher is primarily for print, since ereaders don’t carry over set fonts so well.

I have become quite adept at using the free paint dot net as my cover creator. Which of your products would I use to replace that?

Affinity 1.8:

affinity.serif.com/en-us/1-8/

Well, I answered my own question, above. I purchased all three of the Affinity products, and I am, to say the least, extremely happy.

As regards Publisher, I had some difficulty learning it, but with protracted viewing of online videos from a variety of Publisher experts, I persevered. I produced a Pubisher pdf followed by a cover produced in Affinity Photo. I hied both off to a printer in Toronto and was rewarded with proofs that perfectly match the work of Big-5 publishers in my genres. Except for the author and the output, the print book formatting is identical. My physical product stands up against high-priced output from all of the author-robbing bandits in the print book industry.

Affinity Photo wasn’t that difficult to learn to use, again with the help of several online gurus, most notably Olivio Sarikas and his output. That guy knows his stuff. He’s wordy, and friendly and knows the Affinity products.

I’ve used Affinity Designer to produce several vector-based covers too. Videos were a great help with this also.

In all, to date I’ve saved myself about 1,000 U$D in cover and print pdf productions. The Affinity software suite is worth the money if you are willing to invest the time in learning even more of your craft. If you’re an author, why wouldn’t you? Unless, of course, you’re locked into the Big-5 fantasy.

Whatever works. Keep on writing and learning.

I own (but have uninstalled) copies of Affinity Designer and Photo. Both are great app - easy to use and feature rich. My experience with them is such that I assume Publisher is also excellent.

I’ve uninstalled them, because without an alternative to Lightroom, I still need an Adobe subscription. I used to use Aperture for that, but Apple killed it and Apple Photos is a toy. I also need Adobe for Premiere but Final Cut would probably do if Affinity put a decent photo catalogue / development package together. Until then, if I’m paying for Adobe CC anyway, I might as well have Photoshop and Illustrator - not as easy to use, but still the industry standard for a reason.

Fortunately, I am one who has no need whatsoever for the Adobe tax. I find I can do what I need to to with the Affinity Suite of programs, which are now on a Black Friday sale (November 2020). I highly recommend all three, if only for the pricing. If you can only spring for two, I suggest Photo if you wish to learn to do your own covers. Publisher, if you do Amazon, Ingram Spark, or B&N POD print submissions.

I won’t go into why. Those of you who put in the time and do the work will understand.

There are plenty of videos available on using the software.

After years of sending manuscripts off to other people and letting them deal with the actual publishing part, I’m starting to dip my toes in the self-publishing waters. For the short term, I’m looking at non-fiction newsletter/zine type material: some illustrations, maybe a pull quote or two, probably 8-16 pages altogether. Text created in Scrivener, of course.

I have Word. I know how to use Word, though I haven’t done much with its more complicated layout features. (And also will need to pay for a more recent version if I start using it extensively.) Will trying to do a project like this in Word cause me to smash my computer into tiny bits? Would you more experienced folks recommend diving into “real” publishing software right away, or puttering along with Word until its limitations become obvious? (Causing me to want to smash my computer into tiny bits.)

And is Affinity Publisher an appropriate tool for a complete n00b?

Thanks!

Katherine

Affinity Publisher exports to pdf, which is what many print shops use. I can’t speak to zines or any other types of publications beyond completing several print books for export to pdf. Amazon KDP and other indie publishers will take the pdf and use it for POD printing. That’s fine for me.

Affinity has quite a number of videos that explain their processes. Here’s a link to Publisher’s videos: affinity.serif.com/en-us/publisher/

There are quite a few youtube videos on using Publisher. I recommend checking them out first. It took me a solid day of watching videos (which I hasten to add, I hate watching instructional videos). It had to be done. I came at it fresh the next day and completed my first pbook pdf. Success!

I recommend Photo as well, unless you have access to another photo editing program. Affinity’s black Friday sale runs until the 6th, I believe. Pick Photo up too if you have cash to spare.

affinityspotlight.com/article/h … Newsletter

affinity.serif.com/en-us/tutori … 337466797/

No matter what you want to do with Publisher, there are many videos available beyond those offered by Affinity. I had to search beyond Affinity for my pbook pdfs.

There is an Affinity forum as well: forum.affinity.serif.com/

I think Affinity offers a 14-day free trial for each of the Affinity products.

In case you can’t tell, I’m tickled pink that I picked up the three Affinity products on a sale. Sure there was a learning curve, but I conquered that and I’m far from a rocket scientist. They may work for you. They may not. As I mentioned, I build pbook pdfs with Publisher. I use Photo to make my pbook and ebook covers both now. The videos I watched out of interest on preparing magazine spreads and brochures and zines intrigued me, but I’m not into that, unfortunately.

Edited to add: I see you’re on a Mac. I recommend buying direct from Affinity rather than from the Apple store. You’ll get the updates a lot sooner when they come out.