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.
