A review of   CorelDraw Graphics Suite 12    by: Kurt von Behrmann   Composed: March 17, 2004        

Web Site: www.corel.com

Price: $ 399.00 and $ 179.00 upgrade price

The CorelDraw 12

This is the  interface of Corel Draw.  On the surface, little has changed. The real alterations are more internal than external. Issues related to speed, function and detail regarding fine lines and other functions are clearly the focus. As a long time Windows only application, Corel has opted with this new version to become Windows only again. The previous version of Draw, edition 11, included both Mac and Windows versions in the same box.

What It Does:

For digital editing of photos, there are programs like Photoshop that deal with image manipulation. There are also programs devoted to page layout, vector graphics and other assorted aspects of image manipulation.  Instead of creating separate applications for each design function, Corel has created an entire integrated suite that becomes a designer's all in one tool set.

THE REVIEW

Whenever a new version of Corel Draw is released, it is always anticipated.  Rather than offering just one application, this unified collection offers several distinct integrated applications under one roof.

Corel Draw is the vector graphics and page layout program, Corel Photo Paint is the image editing and manipulation program and Rave is the animation end of the program.  Corel Capture 12, Corel Trace and an entire set of “extas” that Corel is known for including with their package rounds out this feature rich offering.  With 10,000 clip art images, 1,000 true type fonts, 1,000 photo objects and the “Lynda.com” interactive training CD, the four disk set that comprises this collection is just as feature rich as its immediate predecessor Corel Draw Suite 11.  While other companies have often failed to include text manuals, the user guides included with Corel Draw 12 are as dense as ever, and this is a good thing.

The only sour not this time out is that Corel is no longer supporting the Mac format. Originally, Corel started as a Windows only application. With this new incarnation of Draw, the program is going back to its roots as a Windows only program.

While the Suite is full featured, the once independently available Photo Paint is still only available as part of the suite.  This started some time ago, and apparently, it is still only available as a part of the suite.

For those already familiar with Corel Draw 11, the interface is still just as refined as before without any real serious alternations.  With the exception of sleeker icons, a few new features discreetly placed here and there, the program was not given a radical revision.  In fact, the program feels more like a refinement than an upgrade.

One of the big new features that is a part of the set is the “Smart Drawing” Tool.   Taking your pen to create rough sketches, the Smart Drawing Tool transforms raw lines into editable vector graphics.  A crudely drawn square can instantly become a perfect square.  For illustrators on the go, the creative possibilities as well as the time savings make this new tool a productivity dream come true.  It works smoothly, and of course, it can be adjusted.

Tighter integration with Office and Word Perfect are also included along with more precise drawing tools.  The new Dynamic Guides pop up instantly when you cross a specific snapping point on an object like the mid point or a line.  It offers Draw a bit more precision and makes the act of moving objects into relation to each other simpler and easier.

Also added with this version is a much more powerful eye dropper that can pick up color anywhere on your screen or from any application. 

Summation

Corel Draw remains one of the few Suites on the market that offers image manipulation, an intuitive page layout and vector graphics program all in one suite.  While other companies have tried to integrate all of these features into packages that hit or miss, over the years Corel has created a relatively easy to use powerful package that has enough gusto for professional work, and sensible enough layout to make it all come together for the new designer.  Considering price points, ease of use and value, few packages come close to what Corel offers.

For professionals that have specific needs, I can see the importance of other packages considering the constraints that designers often work under when dealing with production details.  If you are not hampered by being forced to use specific applications for specific jobs, and you seek a page layout drawing tool that is potent, this is a good choice.

The changes implemented this time out are the kind that relate more to productivity than the “wow” factor.  Having worked with version 11, this latest addition offers greater stability and detail in design. The program feels more stable, offers the kind of detail one would expect of a major visual design tool.  In this department, Corel excels as an all around suite that is really the sum of its many competent parts.

While the improvements and changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary, if you have version 11, you may want to think about upgrading seriously.  If you are new, and want the better performance that comes with a new application, there is little to find fault with here.

System Requirements

 Windows. 2000, Windows XP or Windows Tablet Edition

128 MB RAM (256 MB or more suggested)

250 MB hard disk space

1024 x 768 resolution monitor

CD.ROM drive

Mouse or tablet