If you are interested in professional graphic design, you have surely heard of CorelDRAW. This graphic editing program has been offering advanced tools for creating all types of digital designs for decades. We have prepared this complete guide where we explain what CorelDRAW is, what its main functions are, what advantages its use entails and how to take the first steps to master it.
In previous posts we have clarified certain doubts about some interesting functions of CorelDRAW. For example, we have talked about how to make animation, how to import images o what is vectorized in CorelDRAW. However, This article is intended for those who do not know what CorelDRAW is and they want to know it and try it.
What is CorelDRAW? Introduction to professional graphic design software
Let's start by defining what CorelDRAW is and what its main features are. CorelDRAW is a vector graphic design program developed by the Corel corporation that allows create precise and detailed images with mathematical formulas. It is part of the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite of programs, which also includes tools for page design, image editing, and website creation.
CorelDRAW was released in 1989 and has since evolved to meet the changing needs of graphic designers and digital artists. Over time, it has been adding new features and improving all its functionalities, becoming a benchmark software in the sector. In fact, It is a very interesting alternative to popular design programs such as Inkscape and Adobe Illustrator.
What is CorelDRAW: main functions
To better understand what CorelDRAW is and why it is worth learning how to use this software, let's review its most important functions.
- Make vector drawing. The main function of CorelDRAW is, without a doubt, its ability to make high-quality vector drawings. This allows the illustrations to be resized without losing resolution and without modifying their original design.
- Edit images. This software includes powerful image editing tools to retouch, apply effects, adjust colors, and much more.
- Design web pages. If you need to design the structure and distribution of the different elements of a web page, CorelDRAW can also help you. The program has multiple options and functions to add and edit texts, shapes, images and other graphic elements that allow you to create layouts original and attractive.
- Text and Typography. Likewise, the amount of typographic designs and styles you can create with this program is surprising. It incorporates various options to apply font styles, alignments, spacing, colors and shapes.
Additionally, CorelDRAW allows you to create, save and export all your designs in various formats Compatible with other graphic editing programs. In short, it is a very complete and efficient software for design at all its levels and presentations.
What makes CorelDRAW so important and useful in professional graphic design?
At this point it becomes clear what CorelDRAW is and what uses you can give it as a professional graphic designer. Let's review now what makes it so relevant and useful, as well as some of the advantages of learning to master it.
One reason why many graphic design professionals prefer to use CorelDRAW is the quality of the results it delivers. First, as a vector graphics editor, it creates images from mathematical formulas instead of pixels. This means that you can scale images to any size without decreasing their resolution.
Secondly, CorelDRAW makes available to the user a wide range of tools that allow you to shape any idea imaginable. That's why designers and artists around the world prefer it as their main editing software. It has everything you need to create and edit logos, signs and large format prints, illustrations, plans, diagrams, maps, textiles and much more.
As software, CorelDRAW stands out for being very stable, intuitive and fluid. The program is available as a web application and for Windows, macOS and iPadOS environments, and has professional support and frequent updates. In addition, the CorelDRAW suite includes different programs tailored to specific needs, including a RAW photo editor, pixel-based layout editor, and a screenshot tool. You can find out all the details by visiting the CorelDRAW official site.
How to use CorelDRAW? First steps to master it
Knowing what CorelDRAW is and what it is for is one thing, but learning to master it from scratch is another level. Luckily, there are many helps to get started in using this professional graphic editing software. The brand's own website has a section called Guides, where you find complete tutorials and detailed how-to guides. This final section, CorelDRAW How-To Guides, features graphic design tutorials ranging from how to create a logo or menu to how to design a homepage or infographic.
If you have used digital graphic editing programs, such as Illustrator or Photoshop, it will not be difficult to take your first steps in CorelDRAW. The interface of the latter is intuitive and similar to that of other editors, so it's easy to get used to. For example, you will see a top bar with the options of File, Edit, View, Design, Object, etc. Likewise, there is also the sidebar with Selection, Shape, Crop, Freehand, Rectangle, Text, etc. tools.
Notably CorelDRAW is a paid software, with a monthly subscription of 36,58 USD, or a one-time payment of 859,00 USD in its 2024 version. So to learn first-hand what CorelDRAW is and start using it, the best alternative is try the free 16 day version. During that time you can access all its tools and walk through each of its advanced editing functions to decide if it is worth the outlay.
In conclusion, we have seen in detail what CorelDRAW is and why it remains one of the leading professional graphic editing software in the world. With more than 30 years in the market, it is consolidated as a complete and efficient solution for any artist and graphic design expert.. We have also highlighted its main functions and advantages, and we have explained how you can try it for free to see if it convinces you.
Since I was very young I have been very curious about everything related to scientific and technological advances, especially those that make our lives easier and more entertaining. I love staying up to date with the latest news and trends, and sharing my experiences, opinions and advice about the equipment and gadgets I use. This led me to become a web writer a little over five years ago, primarily focused on Android devices and Windows operating systems. I have learned to explain in simple words what is complicated so that my readers can understand it easily.