History of CorelDRAW

Imagine how dull documents would be if text and graphics could never be combined in the same file. Or, if you could imaginatively draw shapes, or carefully create diagrams, but never with the same program. Such was life on the PC before CorelDRAW...

CorelDRAW took the computer graphics world by storm in 1989, introducing a full-color vector illustration and layout program—the first of its kind. Two years later, Corel revolutionized the industry again, introducing the first all-in-one graphics suite with version 3, which combined vector illustration, page layout, photo editing and much more in a single package.

More than 20 years later, CorelDRAW® Graphics Suite X6 continues the design momentum, unleashing its most powerful and robust version to date. It showcases an array of new features, design tools and templates to bring your designs to the forefront. Introducing a powerful new typography engine, versatile color harmony & style tools, improved performance with 64-bit and multi-core support, and a complete design-it-yourself website tool – all rich features that will enhance any design project.

This version still includes a wide range of file compatibility support for over 100 popular file formats and is optimized for the latest Windows® operating systems, continuing its global tradition as the leading choice for professional graphic design software.

Introduction to CorelDRAW

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite is an impressive collection ofpowerful design software that can tackle all sorts of design jobs. Contained in thepackage are: CorelDRAW, the primary application for vector design and layout; Corel PHOTO-PAINT, for editing and retouching photos, Corel CAPTURE, for screengrabs; ConceptShare, a collaboration service; and the Bitstream Font Navigator. There are also a bevyof smaller utilities such as a bar-code wizard and an app for helping users optimize two-sided printouts.With a suite that includes that many programs and features, it's necessary to have solid in-program help, and CorelDRAW is loaded with dynamic hints, video product tours, and hands-on project tutorials

that will have you designing elements in no time. Expert advice from professional designers walks users through specific practices such as airbrushing logos and creating textile patterns.The templates for professionals are different and presented in a nifty interface that provides all sorts of useful information. You can sort templates by type--such as brochures, posters/signs, business cards, and newsletters--or by industry, although that list was empty except for "Landscaping." The interface also includes a space for accessing your own saved CDT templates, which can be created easily through the File menu.Whether the CorelDRAW package is worth its price tag is up to every individual consumer, but a full-featured 15-day trial should give users plenty of time to get acquainted withthe application. It's necessary to register for a free Corel account to use the trial, and each program requires you to click a "Continue Trial" button before launching, but those small annoyances aren't enough to prevent this bountiful design suite from earning a top rating.

CorelDRAW - definition

A drawing program for Windows and the Mac from Corel. Introduced in 1989, CorelDRAW has been Corel's flagship program, which became very popular due to its speed and features. CorelDRAW has been offered in various suites with other Corel programs, including at one time, the Corel VENTURA desktop publishing program. See Corel DESIGNER and Corel.

Tools and function of CorelDraw

Object Overview

What is an object?

In CorelDraw, an

object is any item you create or import into your document. It may be a rectangle, a circle, text, a photograph. All work in CorelDraw is done through selecting an object. Various effects can be applied to an object depending on the type of object and the tool you have selected. For this tutorial, choose the Rectangle Tool and create a rectangle. (See

Rectangle Tool tutorial in this series.)

Pick Tool Selection

Choose the Pick Tool from the Toolbox and click on the rectangle. Note the 8 square "handles" that surround the square. These handles indicate that the object is active. You can resize the rectangle proportionately by clicking and dragging on the corner handles. The side handles resize only in one direction.

Move Object

Click and drag anywhere on a filled object, or on the outline of an object that has no fill to move. Release mouse button when object is in desired position. Click anywhere off the rectangle to deselect.

Rotate Object

Double click on the rectangle. Note how the handles change to double-ended arrows. This indicates that the object can be rotated or

skewed. Click and drag on corner handles to rotate. Press the CTRL key while you rotate to constrain the rotation to 15 degree increments. Note the target-like icon in the middle of the rectangle when the rotate selection is active. Click and drag this icon to change the point of rotation. Click off the rectangle to deselect.

Skew Object

Double click on the rectangle and the double-ended selection arrows will appear. Click and drag on one of the side handles to skew the rectangle. Release mouse button when desired effect is created.

Shape Tool Selection

Delete the distorted rectangle. Draw a new rectangle. Choose the Shape Tool from the Toolbox and click on the rectangle. Note

the selection now appears as four corner handles and dotted lines. This indicates that the object is active with the Shape Tool. Click and drag on one of the corner handles. Note how the corners become round. The Shape Tool and Pick Tool have very different functions with objects.

Node Selection

Choose the Freehand Tool from the Toolbox. Click and drag to create a curved

line. (See Freehand Tool tutorial.) Release the mouse button. Choose the Shape Tool. There should be three or four blank squares along the line. These are nodes, and can be moved individually. Click on a node. Note how it becomes black, indicating that this node is active. The dotted lines coming from the node control the shape of the line (see next step). Drag the selected node a short way. Note how the line

shape changes.

Controlling Curves

Click and drag the handle at the end of the dotted line coming from the node. This is a control point. As you drag the control point, note how the shape of the line changes. The blue line in the sample above shows the progression of the line shape as you drag the control point. Release the mouse when you have the shape you desire.