Xara

Brief Overview of Xara

Xara provides a collection of creative software tools designed for a range of design tasks, from web creation to photo editing and document layout. The suite includes several distinct applications, with Xara Web Designer+ positioned as a primary no-code website builder. This particular tool addresses the need for a comprehensive content creation workflow by combining a visual, drag-and-drop web design environment with integrated graphic editing capabilities. This approach allows creators to design, build, and launch websites without writing any code. The software operates as a desktop application for Windows, providing an offline working environment that syncs with an online content catalog for assets.

The core of the Xara ecosystem appears to be providing powerful design tools that are accessible to users without technical coding skills. Beyond web design, the product line extends to specialized applications for photo and graphic design, page and layout design, and even 3D graphics, offering a broad toolkit for digital creators. The platform supports the creation of responsive websites, marketing materials, and various graphic assets, making it a versatile graphic design tool for producing professional-quality digital content.

Xara Key Features for Content Creators

The Xara suite, particularly Web Designer+, offers a robust set of features for creators focused on building a web presence and producing digital graphics.

• WYSIWYG Drag-and-Drop Editor: The central feature of Web Designer+ is its visual editor. It allows users to build web pages by simply dragging and dropping elements onto the canvas, providing a true “what you see is what you get” experience that eliminates the need for coding.
• Unlimited Website Creation: The subscription plan for Web Designer+ includes the ability to create and publish an unlimited number of websites, offering significant flexibility for creators managing multiple projects or client sites.
• Fast & Responsive Design: The tool is built to produce websites that are both fast-loading and fully responsive, ensuring they adapt correctly to different screen sizes across desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.
• Live Prototyping and Multi-version Creation: Creators can engage in live prototyping directly within the software. This feature enables the development and comparison of multiple versions of a design, which is useful for A/B testing or presenting different options to clients.
• Built-in Graphics Editor and Optimization: Web Designer+ includes a graphics editor, allowing for image adjustments and optimizations directly within the web design workflow. This integration removes the need to switch between different applications for basic graphic design tasks.
• SEO, Marketing, and E-commerce Tools: The software comes equipped with tools to help with search engine optimization (SEO), digital marketing efforts, and setting up e-commerce functionality, providing a more complete solution for building a business presence online.
• Xara Elements Content Catalog: Subscribers gain access to Xara Elements, an online content library. This catalog contains over 3000 templates, photo filters, and access to the Pixabay stock photo and illustration library, providing a vast collection of assets to accelerate the design process.
• Cloud Storage Integration: The software integrates with popular cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive, allowing for seamless access to design assets stored in the cloud.
• Offline Desktop Application: Unlike many modern web builders, Web Designer+ is a desktop application that works offline. An internet connection is only required for initial activation and for downloading assets from the online catalog.
• One-Time Purchase Option: For users who prefer to avoid subscriptions, Xara offers a one-time purchase option for a specific version (v20) of Web Designer, providing a perpetual license for that version.

Xara Target Users & Use Cases

Xara's software is tailored to creators and businesses who require professional design capabilities without a steep learning curve or coding knowledge. The emphasis on a visual, drag-and-drop interface makes it particularly suitable for those who prioritize ease of use and creative control.

• Primary Creator Types: The tools are ideal for solo entrepreneurs, small business owners, graphic designers, and marketers who need to create websites, marketing materials, and other visual content efficiently.
• Experience Level: The platform is well-suited for beginners and intermediate users, thanks to its no-code approach and extensive template library. Advanced users can also leverage its detailed graphic editing and layout tools.
• Team Size: While excellent for solo creators, the pricing structure for Web Designer+ includes options for adding team members, indicating its suitability for small teams and agencies.
• Specific Use Cases:
  • Building portfolio websites for artists, photographers, and freelancers.
  • Creating and launching websites for small businesses or startups.
  • Designing landing pages for marketing campaigns.
  • Prototyping website designs for client approval.
  • Editing photos and creating custom graphics for social media.
  • Designing multi-page documents like brochures and flyers with Page & Layout Designer.
  • Creating 3D text and logos for branding with 3D Maker 7.
• Content Types: The suite supports the creation of a wide array of content, including fully functional websites, photo edits, vector graphics, page layouts for print and digital documents, and 3D graphics.

Frequently Asked Questions About Xara

1. Is Web Designer+ a cloud-based product? No, Web Designer+ is a desktop application that you install and run on your computer. It works offline, and an internet connection is only necessary for the initial software activation and when you want to download templates or assets from the Online Content Catalog.

2. What are the system requirements? The software requires a 64-bit version of either Microsoft Windows 10 or Windows 11. An internet connection is also needed for installation and activation.

3. Can I install the software on multiple computers? Yes, a single user license allows for installation and activation on two separate computers. It is also possible to deactivate an installation on one machine to free it up for use on another.

4. What payment methods are accepted? Xara accepts Mastercard, Visa, Amex, and Discover credit and debit cards. For payments made in EUROs, SEPA and PayPal are also available options.

5. Is there a non-subscription option available? Yes. For those who do not prefer a subscription model, Xara offers a one-time purchase of Web Designer v20. This provides a perpetual license for that specific version of the software and is presented as a good option for personal or casual use.

6. Does the listed price include VAT? No, the prices shown do not include VAT. The applicable VAT is calculated based on the user's billing country and the final price is displayed on the purchase page before the payment is completed.

Bottom Line: Should Content Creators Choose Xara?

Xara, particularly with its Web Designer+ offering, presents a compelling option for Windows users seeking a powerful, all-in-one solution for web and graphic design. Its main advantage lies in its desktop-based, offline functionality combined with a user-friendly, no-code, drag-and-drop editor. This makes it an excellent choice for creators who want full control over their design environment without being tethered to an internet connection.

The inclusion of a robust graphics editor, an extensive asset library through Xara Elements, and practical business tools for SEO and e-commerce makes it a well-rounded platform for building a complete online presence. The flexibility of choosing between a subscription with continuous updates or a one-time perpetual license is a significant benefit that caters to different user preferences and budgets. For creators who need to produce more than just websites, the availability of specialized tools like Photo & Graphic Designer+ and Page & Layout Designer within the same ecosystem adds considerable value.