The Studiometry Blog

Studiometry 5.1.5 Update Available

2008-08-25T02:16:00.000-06:00

Studiometry 5.1.5 fixes a few small issues related network syncing and invoice generation. This is a recommended update for all registered 5.x users. Please visit the version history for the full list of changes included in this update.

Also don't forget that anyone purchasing Studiometry 5.x will now receive a free upgrade to Studiometry 6.0 when it is released later this summer!

Mac Download: Link
Windows Download: Link
Version History: Link
What's New in Version 5: Link
Purchase Studiometry: Link

Sneak Peak: Studiometry 6.0 Data Rows Feature

2008-08-23T14:06:00.002-06:00

Studiometry 6 will have a great new addition to the visual Invoice and Report template editor: Data Rows. Currently to display, for example, work items on an Invoice you need to set up several Data Columns, where each column represents a specific variable for each item on an invoice. See the image below.

This setup of Data Columns will produce something similar to the following:

Data columns are great for setting up basic invoices, but they don't allow you to create more advanced layouts. Data rows address this by allowing you to setup a template-within-a-template that will be repeated for each item. You design the entire "row" that will be created for each item, which can include variables, images, graphics objects, and text.

One of the great parts of Data Rows is the ability to have each row stretch vertically to fit all of the data for a specific item. This allows for invoices that can show large amounts of text for each item, which works great with the Extra Info field when editing a Debt/Credit item.

Here is an example setup for a Data Row where the row is set to expand vertically based on the data available for the ItemExtraInfo tag.

This row will be reproduce for all items on an invoice, and we have set the ItemExtraInfo tag to expand vertically based on the available content. Here is what it can produce:

The Data Row feature gives you the power to design exactly how each item will appear on an invoice, including all fonts, sizes, colors, and graphics for the associated item. This feature brings Studiometry up to an entirely new level of flexibility and control over the already powerful Invoice and Report template system.

Studiometry 6 is slated for a late Summer 2008 release. Be sure to keep an eye on the Studiometry Blog for more sneak peaks at upcoming Studiometry features.

Studiometry 6 Beta Update: Even Faster Load Times!

2008-07-30T18:53:00.006-06:00

With the first few beta releases, Studiometry 6.0 was already much faster than version 5.x with loading and saving data thanks to the new data format. The most recent release, however, has the most astonishing results of any Studiometry release yet. A data file with over 11,000 debt/credits (as well as thousands of clients, projects, contacts, and other data formats) has been tested to load in just 3% of the time it took to load in version 5.x. See the chart below:

The file, which took 4 minutes and 52 seconds to load in 5.x (and 2 minutes and 5 seconds to load in the last beta) will now take only 9 seconds to load completely. Add the fact that modifications are saved instantly, effectively removing the 5.x save time, and you have a blazing fast Studiometry even with huge data files!

Registration for the Studiometry 6 beta program is still open to the public. If you'd like to see this and the many other features before they are released sign up at:
http://www.oranged.net/studiometry/beta/betasignup.php

Studiometry 6 Beta Signup Now Open

2008-07-09T13:42:00.002-06:00

Registration for the Studiometry 6 beta program is now open to the public, more information can be found at:
http://www.oranged.net/studiometry/beta/betasignup.php

The first beta is expected to be available early next week, with regular updates being announced via the Beta Mailing list. You will receive instructions on how to download and use the beta each time a new update is release.

Studiometry 6 Announced: Will be released later this summer

2008-07-09T13:39:00.001-06:00

The new version of Studiometry will contain many great enhancements and feature additions. We've spent a lot of time focusing on improving saving and loading time for users with large amounts of data. A completely overhauled data format, where common items such as Debt/Credits and Projects are stored in a local SQL database as opposed to an XML file, produces incredible performance results. Load times will be significantly faster after a one-time process of converting your data to the new format. In testing we have seen Studiometry 6 take as little as 40-50% of the time Studiometry 5.x took to load the same data.

The best part of the new data format, however, isn't the improved load times. With the new SQL database behind Studiometry, all changes made to the common data items (projects, clients, debt/credits, etc) are saved IMMEDIATELY to file. This removes the need for periodic data saves, which previously could take upwards of 10 minutes in the background for users with tens of thousands of items in Studiometry. This also removes the need for Studiometry to save all data when quitting, which produces a reduction in quit and save times from several minutes to less than 5 seconds in nearly all cases.

The new data format still maintains the flexibility of the previous format where all data is stored locally on every machine and can be accessed without a connection to the server. It's the best of both worlds with an SQL database mixed with the previous XML data file format.

In addition to the revamped data format and performance, Studiometry 6 will contain over 75 new features, updates, and enhancements. Other notable new features include Data Rows for Visual Invoice templates, allowing you to create a template-within-a-template for displaying items such as Debt/Credits. Data rows are vertically a flexible space that will stretch based on the information shown for each item, giving unsurpassed flexibility in creating your custom templates.

Additions to the Report features allow you now to select specific items for each report, either manually or via Item Sets such as Paid, Unpaid, Estimated, Un-Invoiced, Billable, Purchase Order, and more. These new features give Studiometry the ability to create itemized estimates and purchase orders based on entered information.

Other features include a completely overhauled interface, one-click invoice and report generation, additional keyboard functionality, updated Time Sheet entry window, and many others. More information about these and other new features will become available soon via our website and blog. Keep checking back for sneak peaks and beta status updates.

Studiometry 5.1.4 Update Available

2008-07-08T10:39:00.003-06:00

Studiometry 5.1.4 fixes a few small issues related to templates, invoices, and Windows specific issues. This is a recommended update for all registered 5.x users. Please visit the version history for the full list of changes included in this update.

Also don't forget that anyone purchasing Studiometry 5.x will now receive a free upgrade to Studiometry 6.0 when it is released later this summer!

Mac Download: Link
Windows Download: Link
Version History: Link
What's New in Version 5: Link
Purchase Studiometry: Link

Purchase Studiometry now and get a free upgrade to Studiometry 6

2008-07-07T15:06:00.004-06:00

Studiometry 6 will be released later this summer, and with it will come many new features and additions to the already robust application.

Oranged Software regularly offers free upgrades to users who purchase Studiometry just before pay-for upgrades are released, and we are continuing this tradition with the release of Studiometry 6. Any new single user, add-on, or site license purchased on or after July 7th will be eligible for a free upgrade to Studiometry 6.

Mac Download: Link
Windows Download: Link
Version History: Link
What's New in Version 5: Link
Purchase Studiometry: Link

Another New Movie Available: Build A Simple Visual Invoice Template

2008-06-19T11:20:00.002-06:00

This instructional movie clip covers how to make a general visual invoice template. The Visual Template Editor provides users without HTML or XML coding experience, an opportunity to create their own custom invoices and reports. This video examines how to use the tools the Visual Template Editor offers to enable any user to create appealing and function invoices and reports for clients.

The movie examines these elements of an invoice:

-Company Name
-Company Logo
-Client Contact Information
-Project Specific Information
-Listing Billable Items
-Taxes
-Totals
-Payment Terms
-Dividing Lines

The movie also includes several tips and tricks:

-Variables Tags and Data Column Types Descriptive List is available in your help documents and online Here.

-Entering variables into a text box provides default spacing and alignment for easy positioning.
- Drag and drop images files directly onto any visual template.
-Use of the DebtCategoryNotes data column type in an invoice: Here
-Double-clicking on an item box will allow you to move it using your keyboard arrow keys
-Right-click on an item to delete it

Here is the link to the Build a Simple Invoice Template Movie:
http://movies.oranged.net/view.php?id=11

Another New Movie is Available: Visual Invoice Creation, Saving, and Exporting

2008-06-19T09:49:00.005-06:00

This instructional movie clip provides an overview of Edit Invoice Window for invoice creation, saving, printing, and exporting. After you have created your visual template and have debt/credits ready for invoice, what do you do next? This video will show you a couple of tips and the choices you have when invoices to send to your client.

Here are some of the video's highlights:
-Save an invoice template
-Edit an invoice
-Print an invoice
-Save an invoice as PDF
-Email an invoice

Here is the link to the Invoice Creation, Saving, and Exporting movie:
http://movies.oranged.net/view.php?id=10

New Movie Available: Introduction to the Visual Template Editor

2008-06-19T09:20:00.005-06:00

This instructional movie clip provides an overview of each component in the Visual Template Editor. The Visual Template Editor provides users without html or xml coding experience, an opportunity to create their own custom invoices and reports.

Here are some of the video's highlights:
-Variables Tags and Data Column Types Descriptive List is available in your help documents and online Here.
- Entering variables into a text box provides default spacing and alignment for easy positioning.
- Drag and drop images files directly onto any visual template.

Here is the link to the Introduction to Visual Template Editor Movie:
http://movies.oranged.net/view.php?id=9

Studiometry 5.1.3 Update Available

2008-06-17T09:49:00.000-06:00

Studiometry 5.1.3 fixes a few small issues with networking and syncing. This is a recommended update for all registered 5.x users. Please visit the version history for the full list of changes included in this update.

Mac Download: Link
Windows Download: Link
Version History: Link
What's New in Version 5: Link
Purchase Studiometry: Link

Studiometry 5.1.2 Update Available

2008-05-19T12:02:00.001-06:00

Studiometry 5.1.2 fixes a few small issues with networking and syncing. This is a recommended update for all registered 5.x users. Please visit the version history for the full list of changes included in this update.

Mac Download: Link
Windows Download: Link
Version History: Link
What's New in Version 5: Link
Purchase Studiometry: Link

List of Variable Tags and Data Column Types for Invoices/Reports is Now Available

2008-05-07T16:49:00.006-06:00

The list of variable tags and data column types used when creating invoices or reports in our template editor is now available in the Studiometry Help Documents. Each variable tag and data column type has a description and an explanation of where it is derived from within Studiometry.

Studiometry 5.1.1 contains new additional data column types associated with new functions which were also added. Due to the release and multiple requests from users this descriptive list of variable tags and data column types was created.

Here is a link to the Variable Tag and Data Column Type Definitions:
http://www.oranged.net/studiometry/Help/p/variabledefinitions.html

Accounted 1.1.1 Update Available

2008-04-28T12:06:00.000-06:00

Accounted 1.1.1, a free update for registered Accounted 1.x users, adds several small updates and fixes to the growing application. For a full list of changes, please visit the version history link below.

Accounted is now available for purchase and syncs directly with the award winning Studiometry package.

Download Accounted: Mac | Windows
Version History: Here
Purchase Accounted: Here

Studiometry 5.1.1 Update Available

2008-04-16T02:05:00.001-06:00

Studiometry 5.1.1 adds several new features and fixes to the recent 5.1 release. This update, which is free for all registered Studiometry 5.x users, adds several new features such as the ability to set detailed notes for debt/credit categories on a per project basis. You can now also create multi-page layouts for Tax, Employee, and Category data columns in Invoice and Report templates. Please visit the version history for the full list of changes included in this update.

Mac Download: Link
Windows Download: Link
Version History: Link
What's New in Version 5: Link
Purchase Studiometry: Link

Studiometry 5.1 Adds iCal Syncing and Over 50 Other Updates

2008-03-31T03:46:00.001-06:00

Studiometry 5.1 adds two-way iCal syncing for the first time. This will allow users to modify items in iCal or Studiometry and have the updates synced immediately in either direction. Several other features have been added as well, including time zone support for remote network connections, new Invoice ID management features, many new summaries features, and more. This update, which is a free update for registered Studiometry 5.x users, contains more than 50 new features, enhancements, and bug fixes.

Full Press Release: Studiometry 5.1 Press Release

Mac Download: Link
Windows Download: Link
Version History: Link
What's New in Version 5: Link
Purchase Studiometry: Link

Oranged Software Website Server Change

2008-02-20T14:59:00.002-06:00

We have recently migrated our entire website to a new, upgraded dedicated server for better performance and reliability. This is a fairly complicated process so there may be a few broken links and/or issues on the site until we get all of the kinks worked out. If you run into any issues, please let us know at http://support.oranged.net or send in an email to temp.support@oranged.net.

The new server is a drastic improvement in speed and reliability over the previous servers, so you should see less delays and outages when attempting to access downloads, support, or any other section of our website.

One issue to note is that the Files attached to support tickets could not make the move to the new server, so if you have recently attached a file to a ticket and we need the file for your specific inquiry you may need to re-upload the file.

Some Mouse Clicks not working in Mac OS X 10.5.2

2008-02-15T13:26:00.008-06:00

Many users are reporting issues of mouse clicks not working properly after updating to Mac OS X 10.5.2. This issue occurs when a floating window (such as the tips window, or the visual template editor's properties window) is open at the same time as a sheet window (such as the enter time sheet, or edit debt/credit window). Any mouse clicks made in the sheet window will not be recognized and it may seem as if Studiometry is frozen.

To get around this simply close any floating windows that are open at the time. You can also use the escape key to close the current sheet window if the application seems frozen.

We have a workaround for this issue available for Studiometry the 5.1 release. Studiometry 5.1 will be available very soon.

Official Knowledge Base Article: Here

Studiometry 5.0.7 Update Available

2008-01-14T15:53:00.000-06:00

Studiometry 5.0.7 has several important bug fixes, including a fix for users encountering network syncing problems, a fix to an old bug that caused issues when importing contacts within the contact editing window, and more. This release also adds two localizations and updates other localizations.

New In Version 5.0.7:
- Fixed an issue that could cause importing contacts within the contact editing window to not work correctly
- Fixed networking issue where some changes in the main window would not be immediately synced
- Fixed an issue causing flickering when quitting the application with the running timers window open on Windows machines
- Fixed an issue that could cause a crash when duplicating Projects
- Added Norwegian Localization
- Added Portuguese (European) Localization
- Updated Dutch Localization

Mac Download: Link
Windows Download: Link
Version History: Link
What's New in Version 5: Link
Purchase Studiometry: Link

Accounted 1.1 Adds Equity Accounts, More

2008-01-08T03:08:00.000-06:00

Accounted 1.1, a free update for registered Accounted 1.x users, adds Equity Accounts, Balance sheet reports, and more. This update also adds the ability to import QIF files, export Account ledgers to text files, fixes several bugs, and also has a few performance and behavior tweaks.

Accounted is now available for purchase and syncs directly with the award winning Studiometry package.

Download Accounted: Mac | Windows
Version History: Here
Purchase Accounted: Here

Studiometry 5.0.6 Update Available

2007-12-10T22:00:00.001-06:00

Studiometry 5.0.6 has several important bug fixes, including a fix for certain date formats, network syncing, and others. This update also includes a few other minor changes and updates put in before the upcoming Studiometry 5.1 release.

New In Version 5.0.6:
- Fixed an issue where the email sending window would not close on certain machines after sending an email of a code-based invoice
- Fixed issue with certain information in the main window not updating correctly on networked machines
- Fixed an issue with certain date formats showing a 4 digit year of 0007 instead of 2007, for example
- Fixed an issue where Project Spec info would not be immediately editable on certain setups without first tabbing to the field
- Fixed an issue where equation calculation could cause issues on Windows machines
- Fixed a rare issue with deleting categories over a networking causing an exception dialog on launch

Mac Download: Link
Windows Download: Link
Version History: Link
What's New in Version 5: Link
Purchase Studiometry: Link

Unofficial Studiometry User Forums

2007-12-03T21:22:00.000-06:00

A new Studiometry user forum is now open to the public over at:
http://www.studiometryforum.com/

These forums are not hosted, run, or sponsored by Oranged Software. They are run by a Studiometry user and are an open forum to discuss anything you'd like about Studiometry.

The Oranged Software staff will be stopping by occasionally to try to answer questions and help people out with any issues, but we'd like to reiterate that we are not affiliated with the forums and we would recommend still using our support site for your tech support needs:
http://support.oranged.net/

MacUser Review of Studiometry 5

2007-11-27T15:21:00.000-06:00

Tom Gorham has written up a review of Studiometry 5 in the October issue of MacUser.

"Measured on its own terms Studiometry is a polished way to track projects. It's speedy, intuitive and although it's had a price rise, it's still inexpensive compared to its competitors."

Rating:

The full review can be read here.

Generate PDF Crashing Issue and Workaround

2007-11-27T04:36:00.000-06:00

Many Mac OS X setups are encountering strange behaviors with Studiometry 5.x when attempting to Generate to a PDF from the Apple Print dialog within Studiometry.

The issue occurs when selecting the PDF button in the Print dialog, but not when selecting export to PDF via other methods such as a in the preview of a code based Invoice or Report. If you encounter issues, you can currently get around this by simply pressing the "Preview" button next to the PDF button to open the printable content in Apple's Preview application. You can then easily use the print window within Apple Preview to generate a PDF or use any of the other functions.

We have not encountered in our testing nor have we had any reports of the print window itself having any issues, as the only issues observed have been related to the PDF button within the print window in Studiometry.

We are still working very hard on this issue and hope to have it resolved soon. Even though there is a simple workaround, the extra click to open the content in Preview can become annoying fast when creating multiple PDFs.

Studiometry 5.0.5 Update Available

2007-11-27T04:34:00.000-06:00

Studiometry 5.0.5 has several important bug fixes, and also re-enables the Status Item after rigorous testing on many machines. If you encounter any errors you think may be related to the status item, simply hold the open key on launch to temporarily disable the status item. This update also includes a few other minor changes and updates put in before the upcoming Studiometry 5.1.

New In Version 5.0.5:
- Re-enabled the Mac OS X Status item (can be turned on in the preferences window)
- Changed the behavior of the Project Spec list when clicking and dragging to prevent issues when dragging rows in the middle of an edit
- Improved Leopard compatibility on certain machines that were having issues
- Fixed an issue where reports would show up for multiple projects in certain situations (mainly the Export Lists)
- Fixed display issues with special characters (umlauts for example) in variables inside of Text objects in visual templates
- Fixed an issue with saving special characters (umlauts for example) directly into Text objects in visual templates
- The "New Contact Log" contextual menu item will now work in the Project people section for non-English localizations
- Will no longer attempt to access the address section of contacts when syncing from Address Book on setups in which it was causing crashes (many Leopard setups)
- New Timesheet window will now correctly select the current Project when first accessing the window if a project is selected in the main window
- New Timesheet window will now use all of the appropriate timers settings similar to pushing the New Default Timer button (Forced Employee > Project > Client > Employee)
- Fixed an error that could occur in the Payment editing window on Windows machines

Mac Download: Link
Windows Download: Link
Version History: Link
What's New in Version 5: Link
Purchase Studiometry: Link