Customizing Default Workspace and Creating Your Own

Hello! I hope all of you are getting quite familiar with CorelDraw by now. Isn't it a great piece of software? Well, now that we are clear on the basic layout of Corel Draw's workspace (refer my previous post on Getting Familiar With CorelDraw Environment - (Default) Workspace), its time do dig in a little deeper. While discussing the CorelDraw's workspace in the last post, I focused more on it's default layout i.e. the layout set up for first time users. But as and when you start getting familiar with the different tools and their functions (coming up in later posts), you'll probably want to either customize the existing default workspace or create a new one from scratch. In today's post we'll concentrate on the above. So lets begin.

Q: What is a workspace?
A: Workspace is a set up of the working environment i.e. the layout of the tools, functions and other elements that makes their access easier and convenient. You can either create your own, make alterations to the existing one to best suit your needs or import one, that has already been created (*.xslt).

Customizing A Workspace

Accessing the Workspace

To access the workspaces go to Tools -> Customization -> Workspace

A: Shows the list of the workspaces currently available. Whenever your create a new workspace or import one, they will be included in the list here. By default there are two workspaces already available i.e. X5 Default Workspace (mine says X5 because of the version installed) and Adobe Illustrator Workspace. So if you are familiar with the Illustrator's workspace and finding it tough to select around tools in the default workspace then not a problem, simply select the appropriate workspace and you'll find yourself in comfort again.
Note: The tick next to a workspace's name, depicts that it is currently being used.

B: Gives the description of the of the selected workspace. As we create a new workspace later in this post you'll find an option to give a description to the workspace. I recommend that you should give a logical description to your workspace.

C: Click here to create a new workspace (topic covered below, in this post).

D:  Click here to delete a workspace. (Before deleting a workspace make sure that there is atleast one workspace available)

E: Click here to import a workspace (topic covered below, in this post).

F: Click here to export your workspace. Simply click on the button and in the next dialog box that appears simply select the features you want to export and click Save.... You can also send the workspace as an attachment through your email by clicking on the Email... button  (Note: you will have to create an account in your default email client for e.g. Outlook before using this feature).  Your workspace is saved/attached to email as a file with a .xslt extension.

G: You can also select which workspace to work upon every time you open CorelDraw. Simply check the box Select workspace at startup.

To save changes click on OK, to cancel the made changes click on Cancel or to get help from the CorelDraw's knowledge base click on Help.

Another shorter way to Customize in terms of exporting and importing your workspace is to right click on an empty space on the tool bar and then selecting Customize -> Workspace -> Import/Export Workspace.

Now that we are clear how to access the available workspaces, lets see how to modify or customize it.

I. Moving Things Around
Well this is a basic way of customizing your workspace and involves playing around with the location of the already existing tools on your screen.  Simply drag and place your elements, tools, palettes, etc. to a desired location in the workspace. It only caters to the change in the visual appearance.

II. Accessing the hidden tools, elements.
Well, in your default workspace, there are certain hidden elements that you could add to your workspace. For e.g. text, marcos, transform, etc. To access them, right click on the toolbox or toolbar and select the hidden element you desire. Once selected they appear in the middle. Simply drag and place them in a desired location.

To deselect the items, simply right click again and from the menu the appears simply click on the item to remove it from the workspace.
Alternative way of selecting them is selecting Tools -> Options -> Customization (expand if collapsed) -> Command Bars. On the right you'll see similar options to select the hide/show the other elements/tools.

III. Adding individual commands and making a new command bar
So far, we have been working on an entire command bar which in turn consists of a number of commands. For e.g the Standard bar consists of different commands like save, open undo, redo, etc. The text bar consists of font chooser, text size, alignment etc. However, CorelDraw also gives you an option to select individual commands as well and make an entire new command bar which may consist of any of your desired commands.

I believe the steps described above will help you get acquainted with the process of customizing your workspace for now, atleast. There are other advanced methods too, to help customize your workspace, but I wont rush into everything at a go. You'll get familiar with the advanced methods in my future posts. I would recommend the users to keep fiddling with the settings on their own. Don't worry if something goes wrong. You'll atleast get to know what to avoid the next time.
Now, lets look further.


Creating A New Workspace

To create a new workspace. Go to tools -> options -> workspace. On the screen that appears to the right click on the New button.

On the next dialog box that follows, this is what the various features mean.

A: Give a name to your new workspace. I would recommend to give a logical name for easier understanding  when using it later.

B: Choose the origin of your new workspace i.e. your reference workspace. You can always customize the workspace as described above in the post.

C: Give a description to your workspace. Many users leave this blank. I recommend to give a short logical description to your new workspace.

D:  If you intend to use the new workspace as your default workspace, let the tick be marked. Else if you want to use it later and continue with the exisiting workspace, simply un tick the box. You can always select the new workspace from the list.

Importing A Workspace

You just had a visit to see your friend's newly created workspace and simply fell for it. You probably want the same. So you ask you friend to export the workspace for you to use it. He does the needful and hands you over the .xslt file. Now what do you do with it?
Well its a piece of cake. Simply go to tools -> options -> workspace. On the screen to the right you have a button Import.... Simply click on it and a dialog box appears. The video below explain the steps involved.

I guess, that should wind up this topic. Hope you have learned on getting familiar with creating, exporting, importing and customizing a workspace by now.
Incase you feel something is left out in this post or something is not appropriate please send in your feedback.

Watch out for my next post on Working around a Design File: Opening, Importing, Exporting and Saving.

Getting Familiar With CorelDraw Environment - (Default) Workspace

Hello! In my last post we discussed about the welcome screen, how to open a new blank document, its settings and finally how to open a document from a template. Well, today we are going to dig in a little deeper and learn about the default work space of Corel Draw i.e. the actual working environment. So grab a pen and paper incase you want to jot down notes and lets begin.

Well image above depicts a usual CorelDraw working environment/work space screen that opens up after you have decided to choose either a blank document or one from the template. (Note: The working environment screen also opens if you haven't yet selected a document type, in that case you will see a grey area in the middle i.e. the drawing window and the white area besides it. Also, certain features will either be hidden or greyed out.) Now lets look at each element of the default work space in detail below.

Menu Bar: it is similar to any of the standard menu bars you usually see with of course CorelDraw specific menus. It consists of the file, edit, view, layout, arrange, effects, bitmaps, text, table, tool, windows and help menu. Each of these menus have further sub menus that defines its use and effect on your graphics.  For e.g. file menu may contain sub menus to open a new file, close a file, save a file etc.For now, I wont be going deep into each of its functions, lets save that for another post, exclusively for menu bar, its sub menus and their use and functions.

(TIP: to quickly access the menus from you keyboard press alt+f (or e, v , l , a, c, b, x, t, o, w and h for each menu respectively).

Tool Bar: it gives you quick access to save a file, open a file, print a file and many other features.

Property title bar: it displays the version of CorelDraw you are currently using and the name of the file being worked upon. (If no name is yet given to a file will show you the default name, Untitled-1).

Property bar: it display the various properties associated with each individual element. Lets consider for e.g. you have selected the text tool from the tool box. Once selected, you will notice certain text properties such as size, fonts etc are visible in the property bar. Similarly if you choose the eclipse tool, it will have different set of properties available on the property bar.

Docker: they are the handy panels docked to the right by default. They contain a set of commands and controls grouped together for a specific task. You can anchor them to any handy location by dragging the docker window around the environment. You can expand the dockers to show you the associated commands and controls or minimize them into tabs to get more working space. By default you will not find all the dockers opened up. If you want any of your desired docker, then simply choose from the various available options from Windows (menu) -> Dockers (sub menu)

The image above is an example of a docker window. You could have more than two dockers open as shown by Other docker group. You can close an individual docker using the Close docker button or the entire docker by clicking on the Close docker group. 

Toolbox: it consists of a number of tools required to create your graphics. Some of the standard are as follows: pick tool, shape tool, crop tool, rectangle tool, blend tool and many more. Some of the tools will have what is known as the flyout menu (explained below), which consists of more tool options.

Note: by default your toolbox will be docked to the left side, vertically. If you want to change the position simply right click anywhere on the toolbox, from the menu that appears check if there is a tick mark next to Lock Toolbars, if there is a tick then click on Lock Toolbars again  and you can now freely move your toolbox anywhere on the screen. To set it back, simply double click on the title bar and it will set back to its original position.

Page Counter:  it helps you to navigate through the pages. You can create a new page directly from here or delete the one you don't want to use. A more detailed explanation will appear in my future posts.

Status Bar: this section here, gives you the status of the document under consideration. It displays the color profiles that were selected in the Color Settings section of the create a new blank document dialog box.

Drawing Window: this is where you actually create your graphic. The rectangle in the middle marks your boundary for the graphic creation. Its size will vary with the dimensions you choose for your document. Anything drawn outside the the square region, is permitted, but when you save your work it will not be shown i.e. it will fall outside drawing region. Later posts will make this point more clear.

Color Palette: it is used to choose colors for your graphic design. By default it is docked to the right of the screen, vertically. However as also explained for toolbox you can move the color palette too,  from its current position by dragging it to a desired location. To get it back to its original position , double click on its title bar. However, you do not have to be content with this default palette, you can create your own or use some of the other palettes provided by CorelDraw. More detailed explanation in later posts.

Minimize, expand, close CorelDraw: Like any other application you can open more than two instances of CorelDraw at a time. (Note: it is not advisable to open a lot of CorelDraw applications simultaneously.  Doing so will put load on your system's OpenGL handling capabilities or its graphics sustenance capabilities. It could cause your system to freeze and you may loose your unsaved work.) To close, minimize or expand all open CorelDraw files at once i.e. the CorelDraw application itself, use these set of buttons.

Minimize, expand, close CorelDraw document: To close, expand, minimize the current document only use these set of buttons.

Before I end this post, I would like to list below the various types of input field and control types.

• Num boxes: they are numerical boxes, wherein you could add your own values. By default, in most of the cases there will already be some value in it. For e.g. width and height of page. But you can simply click inside the box, change the value and hit the enter key to save it. Pressing TAB key will help you move around quickly from one num box to the other.

• Combo boxes: they are a combination of num boxes and drop down list. You could either select a value from the drop down list or enter a value in the num box and press enter.

• Flyout option menu: as mentioned above in case of toolbox and other elements you'll find certain flyout menus which is depicted by a small triangle pointed downwards and slightly tilted towards the right. Left click on the triangle and it pops out another menu section with more options in it. Another way of accessing them is to left click on any of the menu that has a flyout option and for the rest, all you need to do is hover over them and it will pop out the menu for you.

• Color selectors: while working with CorelDraw tools, there will be instances when you'll come across what is known as the color selectors. They server the same purpose as that of the color palette as discussed above, but they make it simpler to choose colors and in addition also give you a wider range of colors, when you click on the Others.. button at the bottom. Also notice there is a dropper icon, it helps you to pick up color from anywhere in the CorelDraw application (more on this in later posts).

• List selectors: this is another kind of a drop down menu. It lacks the num box facility as you will have to choose as per the given options in the list. They are depicted by a small triangle pointing downwards. Bu default some value will already be selected.

• Radio button and check boxes: they are rather common and I suspect most of you already have an idea about them. In case of check boxes you need to tick in front of the option/element/tool you want selected/activated or un-tick to deactivate. Incase of radio buttons you have to select a value by clicking the radio circle in front of the options. 

• Buttons: a simple interface, click to activate(depressed) and click again(risen) to deactivate. 

• Spinners: they might be new for some. Its a combination of num box and incremental increase or decrease buttons. You can add your own value by highlighting the existing one and entering your own. Another way of changing values is to click on the increase/decrease buttons and drag.

• Sliders: a combination of a num box and a slide bar. In addition to entering your own value in the num box, you can drag the slider left or right to change values.

 Well I hope I have covered a good portion today, w.r.t CorelDraw's default environment. Incase you feel I might have left something out, please feel free to suggest and i'll include it in the post.

Watch out for my next post on Customizing Default Workspace and Creating Your Own.

Getting Familiar With CorelDraw Environment - Welcome Screen

Hello. I hope now that you have an idea as to what CorelDraw really is and can do (refer to the post Getting Started With CorelDraw), its time to get familiar with it. Well as mentioned earlier in my posts, I have CorelDraw X5 installed on my machine and will be using it as a reference for my future posts too. If you are using the X4 or X3 version, nothing much has changed w.r.t the interface, apart for some added features which makes things simpler. None the less, i'll do my best and write posts keeping in mind all the users.
So lets get started.

Installation
Well the installation is pretty straight forward for both mac and windows users. Step by step guide with clearly marked explanation will get you through. Incase, any of you have issues with the installation please feel free to get back and i'll surely help sort things out.

CorelDraw Start up Screen

This is the typical screenshot when your start your application for the first time. (*it may vary as per the version you are using).




Welcome screen
When you start CorelDraw for the first time this is what your opening/welcome screen would look like.

A -- This screen shows you the thumbnail preview of your recently saved files when you mouse over on a file in window pane C (Open Recent) (Note: This section may not be visible for the first time simply because you haven't saved anything yet.)

B -- This section of the opening screen gives you information about the document under consideration. It shows the file name, date on which it was last saved, location of the file and its size. (Note: This section may not be visible for the first time simply because you haven't saved anything yet.)

C -- This section of the opening window displays the names of the five most recently saved files. (Note: This section may not be visible for the first time simply because you haven't saved anything yet.).
The Open other... button at the bottom allows you to browse through your files saved in some location of your computer.

D -- This section here contains a few more options. If you want to keep this selection of the Welcome Screen as the default opening screen then leave the Make this the default Welcome screen page checkbox ticked. Else uncheck if you do not. You can choose any tab from the right hands side i.e. What's new, Gallery etc.. to be your default Welcome screen.
If you want to see this Welcome screen every time you open CorelDraw the leave the Always show the Welcome screen at lauch checkbox ticked. Else uncheck if you don not want to see this every time you start CorelDraw. I would recommend leaving it ticked as its always good to see what recent files you have worked upon.
To the right most is a message display section. Whenever Corel updates features for CorelDraw it will show you its status there.

E -- This section right here allows you to create a new blank document (New blank document)  or create from a template (New from template), some of which CorelDraw has already provided to begin with. You can also create your own templates and use them, which I'll explain in a later post.
Lets take a closer look at both of them
NEW BLANK DOCUMENT
When you click on the New blank document it pops up a screen.

Name: Specify a name for your document. By default it shows Untitled-1. If you forget to name your file here, then don't worry when you quit or select save from the file option it will ask you to do so anyways.
Preset destination: CorelDraw gives you some predefined presets for your document i.e. you could choose to set default settings for your output file. If for e.g. you want to create a graphic for the web, choose the web preset from the drop down, it will automatically set the other settings too for you. You could create your own presets too, by defining the other settings and clicking the save icon next to preset destination drop down box.
Size: Choose from a wide range of default sizes. So if you are creating a business card, an envelope, a print document, a banner, web page, etc. you can select right from the options.
Width: Automatically displays the width when you choose a given size from the Size drop down. But you can enter your own size too. Simply click on the up and down arrows at the right side of the size, or enter a size directly from your keyboard. Currently you can see that the dimensions are given in inches. Well you can certainly choose a different measuring unit i.e. pixels, millimeters, picas, feet , miles yards and a lot others.
Height: Automatically displays the width when you choose a given size from the Size drop down. But you can enter your own size too. Simply click on the up and down arrows at the right side of the size, or enter a size directly from your keyboard. Currently you can see that the dimensions are given in inches. Well you can certainly choose a different measuring unit i.e. pixels, millimeters, picas, feet , miles yards and a lot others. You could also change the orientation of the file to landscape or portrait, by clicking on the appropriate button on the side.
Primary color mode: You can choose your primary color mode i.e. either RGB(red, blue, green) or CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black).  The color mode primarily defines how the colors will blend together when used in effects such as blends, transparencies, fills etc.
Rendering resolution: Set the resolution level for your graphic. Set vales are 72, 96, 100, 150, 200, 300 dpi (dots per inch). It is a measuring unit that determines how the effects such as blends, fills, etc. will be rasterized. In simple terms the higher the dpi value the clearer the effects, but also increases the file size.
Preview mode: You can choose how to view your file from a given set of options. You could very well keep switching between them, from within the Corel workspace too.For e.g. if you choose simple wireframe, or wierframe it shows you only the lines and curves used to build the graphic, it hides all other details.
Color Settings
This is a rather an advanced topic which I believe will not be appropriate to make comment on right away. So for all those who have no idea what these settings are, I would recommend simply leave them at their default values.
Description
It gives you a brief description of each of the settings.

If you do not want this dialog box for new document to open everytime then simply check the box below, Do not show this dialog again. Do not worry if you have you checked it by mistake. You can get this back again from the workspace.
i.e. Tools -> Option -> Workspace (expand) -> General, on the right side under getting started you'll see the option Show new document dialog box. Simply check that.

NEW FROM TEMPLATE

This is the dialog box that appears when you intend to choose a template to begin with. Corel provides you with some pre defined templates to choose from. But you can create you own.

F -- A series of tabs are found on the right most side. By default you are on the Quick start tab.
       What' s New tab lists out the various new features that are included in this version of CorelDraw.
        Learning Tool's is a handy guide for all the new users to get started.
       Gallery shows some work of art created by expert users.
       Updates tab list the updates available from Corel.

Watch out for my next post on Getting Familiar With CorelDraw Environment - (Default) Workspace 

Getting Started With CorelDraw

Well, firstly I'm glad that you have decided to use this immensely powerful tool. I will try my best to help you get used to it through my posts and in turn look forward to learn a lot more from all of you. It might seem complex in the beginning, with all those buttons hovering around everywhere. But once you get down with the basics those buttons will seem to make sense.

Before I begin I would like to jot down here a few essential points, which I believe is a must know for all those first time users.

Q.What is Corel Draw?

A. Corel Draw is a vector based tool. It helps you generate vector images, which most often are used to create illustrations and logos.

Q. What is the difference between a vector and a bitmap?

A. This is one of the frequently asked questions infact. A vector image is based on mathematical equations and consists of lines, curves, point etc. commonly attributed to what is know as the Bezier Curves. What it means is that if you scale up or scale down your vector image it will still be smooth and consistent. 

Bitmaps/raster graphics on the the other hand are based on pixels. A normal image taken from your camera i.e. .jpg file or files like gif, png etc. are all pixel based. If you scale up your image, you will start noticing small square boxes. Each of these small boxes are called pixels.

Q. How can we use vector images?

A. Use of vector images are usually common while creating logos, illustrations etc. They are usually found in file formats like eps, ai, cdr, pdf etc.

Q. Are there any prerequisites for learning CorelDraw?

A. Well not that I can think of. All one needs is an ability to work with a mouse and a keyboard and yes some amount of creativity and lots of passion and patience, for when later you go ahead and start creating more complex images and graphics, you'll be spending a lot of time.

Q. I found other software bundled with CorelDraw?

A. Yes, when you install CorelDraw, simultaneously you install other essentials too i.e. BitStream Font Navigator, Corel Connect,  Corel Capture, Corel Photo-Paint, Duplexing Wizard and a collection of video tutorials. Use of most of them is very well understood from their names, but as we go ahead I'll post out the use of each in detail. (Some of these software mentioned might not be installed simply owing to the version of CorelDraw installed. I have CorelDrawX5 installed and will be using it as reference for my future posts.)

Q. What is the minimum hardware and software requirements to install CorelDraw?

A. Well it would rather depend on the version of CorelDraw being taken into consideration. CorelDraw X5 is the resource hungry version and requires a higher end spec to work smoothly.

Specification for

CorelDraw X5: Click here

CorelDraw X4: Click here

CorelDraw X3: Click here

CorelDraw 12: No special requirements.

Q. How do I get my hands on this great software?

A. As they say all good things come for free. Ironically, its not so with CorelDraw. However, you can fully satisfy your self before buying the product as CorelDraw is free for 30 days. The free usage of 30 days is unlike those usual trial versions, where you can only use a certain number of features. You have the liberty of  using the complete software with all its features.

Click here to know more.

Q. I'm 60, is learning CorelDraw any good for me?

A. Creativity has no age. My grandfather is 74 and he creates greeting cards using Corel for his grandchildren :).

I guess that should be the most of it to get going. But if you feel your question on pre learning the software has not been put up, then feel free to suggest them. I'll do my best to answer.

Watch out for the next post on Getting Familiar with CorelDraw Environment.

Perfectness packaged in a $599 box.

It may sound rather obnoxious, when I say you could find The Perfect Thing packaged in a $599 box. Ironically, I have found one called CorelDraw Graphics Suit. To many, its just a piece of software which they tend to use as a result of the ordeals caused by other, older and technically less efficient ones. But, for me its a tool that can make you wildest imaginations, come to life.

I was formally introduced to the version 12 of the software, 5 years from today. Back then it seemed rather complicated and confusing as it took me hours to merely create a circle, color it and add some minor effects. I was rather occasional with using the software, but as and when the features kept getting better with every rise in its version, so did my interest in it. Come X5 and I, was simply overwhelmed with CorelDraw Graphics Suit. All of my creativity, that I had ever imagined on paper, was now staring right at me on my laptop screen. Infact, I could do more than ever imagined. Contours, glow, shadows, perspective, transparency, blends etc., all seemed like an alien scripture to me, few years back. Today I can't simply imagine my creativity without any of these features. Surprisingly, however every time I use CorelDraw, I tend to discover something new each time. That is the power of this software. There is a tough competition out there, given the existence of other, similar powerful tools like Adobe Illustrator etc, but somehow I tend to have an inclination towards CorelDraw. Well that is my opinion so to speak.

Like dealing with any other software, I have faced problems with it, raised a brow over unusual occurrences and shared a moment of delight on being able to get things solved for me. Given all that I have learnt and still continue to imbibe about CorelDraw, I feel like sharing my experiences with all of you and what better way than to blog about it. I look forward to all your precious comments, feedback, queries and suggestions.

Happy Corel-ing :D