CorelDRAW suite includes three full-fledged graphics applications (CorelDRAW 12, Corel Photo-Paint 12, Corel RAVE 3), and two graphics utilities (CorelTRACE 12, Corel Capture 12). All of the programs feature a user interface that is clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate.

CorelDRAW, the star of the suite, combines the best features of illustration and page layout programs. It is also highly customizable. You can create and save toolbars and workspaces that focus on different uses. For example, you can create one workspace that keeps your favorite page layout tools at your fingertips, and another that puts illustration tools up front. A new Smart Drawing tool allows you to quickly sketch a shape and have CorelDRAW polish off the rough edges for you. The program easily recognizes common shapes, such as circles, rectangles, and ovals, but it also does a respectable job of cleaning up freeform shapes.

CorelDRAW is tightly integrated with Photo-Paint, a bitmap image creation and editing program. You can double-click an image in CorelDRAW to launch Photo-Paint, make and save your desired edits, and then return to working in CorelDRAW. New Photo-Paint features include a touch-up brush, which makes it easier to eliminate scratches and specks of dust in photos and other digital images.

CorelDRAW is also tightly integrated with Corel RAVE 3, a graphics animation program. You can drag an image from CorelDRAW into Corel RAVE, add animation, and then bring it back into CorelDRAW.

CorelTRACE can convert bitmap images, including scans, into vector shapes, which is handy for turning rough sketches, such as logo ideas, into clean, finished art.

Corel Capture is screen capture utility. You can use it to capture the entire screen or selected portions.

CorelDRAW Suite can import and export a wide variety of file formats, including Microsoft Office, WordPerfect Office, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, AutoCAD DXF/DWG, PDF, WMF, and EPS. The package also includes a collection of 10,000 clip art images, 1,000 photos, and 1,000 TrueType and Type 1 fonts.


Pro: Exceptional value. Clean, intuitive interface. Powerful drawing, image editing, and page layout tools. Supports a wide range of file formats, so files are compatible with many of the most commonly used business and graphics applications.
Con: If your DTP needs are fairly straightforward, CorelDRAW has a much steeper learning curve than WordPerfect, Microsoft Publisher, or Microsoft Word.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Corel Corporation
1600 Carling Ave.
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada
K1Z 8R7
1-800-772-6735
http://www.corel.com