In all versions, one of CorelDraw's strengths has been its ability to import
and export a wide range of graphics formats, such as Encapsulated PostScript
(EPS), TIFF, and Windows metafiles. These strengths remain in version 6,
although it is limited in its backward-compatibility with files created under
prior versions of CorelDraw. Specifically, version 6 cannot read version 3 and
prior files and can save files only in version 5 and 6 formats. Fortunately,
this limitation affects only those who still have CorelDraw version 3.
Satellite Programs
The satellite programs in the CorelDraw 6 suite that deliver the 3D and
multimedia capabilities are Corel Photo-Paint, Corel Presents, CorelDream 3D,
and Corel Motion 3D. (See the sidebar "3D by Corel.") Corel has
learned from its three previous suites to deliver a consistent interface across
all the programs in the suite. Although you will see this in version 6 because
all the programs use vertical toolboxes and horizontal toolbars, you'll find
that each program has its own look and feel once you get beyond the basic user
interface.
Whereas CorelDraw is a general-purpose illustration and layout tool, the
satellite programs are specialized in their purposes:
- Corel Photo-Paint (see screen 2) is a bitmap editing program similar to
Adobe Photoshop. Photo-Paint lets you edit any bitmapped image or work with
brightness, contrast, and other image controls. Photo-Paint supports a variety
of input and output file formats (e.g., JPEG, TIFF, and PCX). It also includes a
variety of special effects modules (e.g., ripple, emboss, and blur). You can add
more special effects via third-party plug-ins.
- Corel Presents (see screen 3) lets you create and view business
presentations. In that sense, Presents is similar to Microsoft PowerPoint.
Presents provides a variety of slide layouts and animated slide transitions. It
also lets you include graphics from other CorelDraw programs, as well as maps,
charts, sounds, animation, and video.
- CorelDream 3D is Corel's adaptation of the popular Ray Dream 3D program.
CorelDream lets you create complex 3D graphics using relatively simple tools to
control the perspective, lighting, and shading of objects in an image.
- Corel Motion 3D lets you create simple 3D animation sequences. It is not a
full-featured, full-blown animation program. It is oriented toward the animation
of text, logos, or other simple images.
To Buy or Not to Buy
Version 6 is a worthy and notable step in the evolution of the CorelDraw
suite. If you are considering a first-time purchase of a 2D/3D graphics package,
version 6 is a good choice. The sophistication and prepress capabilities of the
core CorelDraw make the program worth the suggested retail price of $695.
If you already use version 5, consider spending the $239 upgrade fee to
obtain the capabilities of the new satellite programs and to move to a 32-bit
implementation. Even though there is little performance difference between
CorelDraw version 5 and 6, all the underlying operating system tasks such as
loading and saving files function faster in a 32-bit environment. In other
words, making the transition from a 16-bit environment to a 32-bit environment
offers its own set of advantages. You may need to take this argument to heart
because you might find it difficult to justify an upgrade purely on the basis of
new CorelDraw features.
And don't throw out your CorelDraw 5 software. Some of the programs in the
CorelDraw 5 suite aren't in version 6, and you might need version 5 to access
old CorelDraw files.