CNET Editors' review
CorelDraw Graphics Suite is a software package of design tools designed to run on Windows operating systems. The main application in this large package of tools is CorelDraw, which is used for vector designs and layouts. Corel Photo-Paint is designed to retouch and edit digital photos, and other apps in the package can do tasks such as screen grabs, collaborate with co-workers, and more.
The CorelDraw interface has the familiar Windows options with pull-down menus for File, Edit, and View. Main functions like effects are easily applied with large buttons on the left of the main window. New effects for this release include Smear, Twirl, Attract, and Repel. We liked that you'll instantly see a preview of what the effect will do to your drawing and that you can use drag and drop to select a specific area for effects. If you don't like the look of the effect, it can be switched off just as quickly. Also helpful were the many professionally designed templates to easily create items like posters, business cards, and newsletters.
The other main app in the suite is Corel Photo-Paint, and it operates in a similar manner with a similar layout. We used the photo editor for a digital photo that looked rather blurry and unfocused and were pleasantly surprised at the improvements to the image just using the automated tools setting of the software.
This is a powerful graphics suite, but in our tests, we did experience some stability issues, and the program crashed on one occasion. It is also geared toward the professional user, with a price tag that reflects this. The 15-day trial is on the short side, but with the familiar Windows-style layout this should be long enough for most people to get a full sense of the suite's design tools.
Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of CorelDraw Graphics Suite X6.
Publisher's Description
From Corel:
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6 is a versatile graphic design software suite that helps you creatively and professionally express ideas for any media. Illustrate, lay out, trace, design Web graphics and photo-edit with this complete solution for visual communication. Easily import and export content with leading file compatibility. Get going faster than ever with new, professionally designed templates and compelling learning materials. Create with confidence, everything from distinctive logos and signs, to striking marketing materials, Web graphics and animations, billboards, car wraps and more. Offering increased speed, more accurate color control, and new and enhanced design tools, this must-have version helps you create extraordinary designs faster.
What's new in this version: Version X6 delivers new time-savers, advanced OpenType support, Custom-built Color Harmonies, and creative vector shaping tools.
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All versions:
4.2 starsout of 112 votes
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Current version:
3.0 starsout of 4 votes
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My rating:
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Results 1-4 of 4
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"Worthy alternative to Photoshop and Illustrator!"
Version: CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6
Pros
You don't have to pay extra for filters (as opposed to Illustrator)
It is very light.
It gives you several programs (PhotoPaint, BitFont Navigator, Corel Connect & Corel Capture)Cons
Download direct from Corel.com not here.
The program becomes unstable, very seldom albeit.
Not very good Mac support.Summary
I use CorelDraw on Windows all the time and for functionality it comes close to Adobe's Illustrator/Photoshop applications at a very competitive price point Adobe will never, ever match.
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"Other programs attached to the download"
Version: CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6
Pros
Seems like a nice program
Cons
I didn't finish installing it because it was such a large file and would take a long time. I only downloaded between 5 and 6mb before I canceled it. But that was enough time for something called from Conduit and some other strange programs to download on my computer. One was a plugin that had been blocked by firefox. I received a message when I opened firefox that the program had been flagged and was blocked for my protection. I had to go to my control panel to uninstall the programs. I then had to do a search on my drive to try to find everything. Eventually I just cleared all of my temporary files. It also changed my homepage, so I had to change that back. I am currently doing a search through my entire computer to ensure everything is gone. I'm disturbed that there's nothing in the description about these other things included in the download.
Summary
I know CNET guarantees that the file has been checked for spyware or malware. But it freaks me out that a plugin included in this software package has been flagged by Firefox as dangerous for me to add. Even when I accidentally double-clicked on the cookies added that I was trying to delete, I received a message that opening the file could harm my computer. In the future, please include a full description of what will be included in the download. It's not just these design programs. It's other things that Firefox apparently thinks is dangerous.
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"Equal or better than Illustrator"
Version: CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6
Pros
I don't know what trial version you were trying but mine was excellent. I have used it everyday of my trial period and was able to both save and print. It is so much easier to use than say Illustrator, too many wqys to list.
Ok I'll name one thing. Selecting control nodes in illustrator can be so
frustrating, especially on small objects. Not with draw. Working with type is mush easier; resizing, font selection, adding effects, You can save or export to just as many file formats, and further refinement in corel photo paint is a breeze. Compare photo paints eraser tool or clone too with illustrators and you'll see what I mean. Once you learn it you'll never open illustrator again. For a simple page document to a magazine it is my preferred application. I am a graphic designer since 1976.Cons
The newest version is not available for Mac
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"Terrible Trial version"
Version: CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6
Pros
None whatsoever
Cons
A big waste of time for those who want to try before you buy. The trial version doesn't let you create or save files or in any other way determine the program's capabilities. It's a flat out lie to say that this is a "full 15 day trial." In sum, a disappointing waste of disc space and effort.
Results 1-4 of 4
