POSTS
Review by Margaret P.
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6 has everything that most people will need to work with photos and graphics. Unless you are a professional graphic designer who is required to work with Adobe file formats, this may be your better choice because overall, it is easier to use than the corresponding Adobe software. For intermediate users, such as someone who creates presentations or brochures as part of their job in an organization, this software is ideal. It also interacts well with Microsoft programs.
For people not already familiar with this package from older versions, Corel provides extensive guides plus very helpful video tutorials. I have the X5 version and was able to try some of the new features in X6 immediately. Even without experience, it is possible to navigate the menus and perform basic and intermediate tasks with a photo or to create a small poster but there are plenty of functions available that you probably wouldn’t consider without learning about them in the documentation first.
Still, I think the best way to learn how to use this software is just to dig in and create something. Everything may not go right the first time but there can be some interesting surprises! The animation and web page capabilities are especially interesting and it is easy to spend hours experimenting with them.
If you have only used basic photo-editing software before, you will really be amazed at what you can do with a simple snapshot. The analysis and control it gives you over color may even change the way you see color and think about it.
The package contains over 2,000 fonts. There are also well over 10,000 pieces of decent clip art, objects, and templates. Some of the specialty templates have a limited audience but they are invaluable for those who need them. The Corel Connect really does make it easier to find elements you want to use in your projects and it now has multiple project trays and improved internet search and grab capabilities.
Some of the other features new to X6 allow you to experiment with and adjust entire project color schemes, work more efficiently with fonts and web page designs, plus new object, vector shaping, and layout tools and effects.
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6 is very powerful and useful software that is fun to explore and use. The features new to X6 are welcome improvements but X5 may be a better value for some users.