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.
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.
