CorelDraw Graphics Suite by Katy Lake

If you do any kind of graphics creation at all on a regular basis, there is one reason why you MUST have this program: Converting images to vector graphics on a budget. In a nutshell, this means that you can infinitely reduce or enlarge an image with NO distortion, and still have money in your pocket. Other reasons? I have about 2500 fonts, and the font navigator is fantastic for finding just the right typeface. The screen capture software is of little use to me, but for folks who need screencaps from games, movies, etc., it might prove very useful. For fontaholics, obsessive clip art collectors, and beginners, the program comes with fonts and a nice starter pack of clip art so you’ll be ready to start playing right away.

I have to admit, I’m not crazy about the interface. It’s about on the same level as Photoshop for confusion, but there seems to be a trade-off in graphics programs: The more a program can do, the more complicated the buttons and menus. I only caught on as quickly as I did because I have used other programs for years, and knew to keep looking when I couldn’t find or duplicate a certain function. Fortunately you’ll never really be on your own.

What’s great about Corel is that they have so many tutorials and great product support. Even if you’ve familiar with other graphics programs, you’ll find new features to explore, and if you’re unsure of something, you can always find help for it. You won’t find the plethora of third-party books, classes and online tutorials like with Photoshop, but with Corel’s resources and/or a rudimentary knowledge of other programs, you probably won’t need them. This will require more effort, but for me the end results were worth it.

While I don’t feel that this program is a serious competitor for Photoshop, it’s a GREAT, less expensive alternative. If you want something more than Corel’s Paint Shop Pro (another great product), but you don’t have an Adobe budget, you should seriously look at this program.