CorelDraw: A perfect alternative to Adobe Illustrator
November 07, 2019

CorelDraw: A perfect alternative to Adobe Illustrator

John La Belle | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with CorelDRAW Graphics Suite

CorelDRAW is currently used for creating graphics for use in InDesign, Photoshop, and for creating other graphic file formats directly used in the production of advertising, signage, and other specialty and print projects.

Pros

  • Infinitely scalable Vector-based graphics.
  • Controlling the overprinting of both fills and outlines for manual trapping.
  • A multitude of export formats including PDFx-1a and multiple levels of EPS and AI compatibility, as well as raster-based formats with full color and antialiasing control.

Cons

  • It needs a little work importing certain types of PDFs and EPS or AI formats with Bitmaps contained in them, but it's generally 99% fine.
  • The software is rock solid in almost every version I've upgraded from, since Version 2.0 in the early 90s. The upgrade costs are so minimal compared to the amount of work you can churn out with it on the first day, the ROI is pretty much less than 24 hours. Your first job can easily pay for the cost of the software.
I found the version of Illustrator available at the time I started using CorelDraw inferior, though very, very close in functionality. I haven't worked with Illustrator since the 90s, so I'm not sure how they would stack up against each other now. I will say this, however, Adobe's move to subscription-based pricing means Corel has greater long term value and return on your investment because you can go years without upgrading, and not a monthly fee.
Honestly, I've never had to use support. There's nothing the matter with the built-in help system if you find yourself stuck looking for a feature.

Do you think CorelDRAW Graphics Suite delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with CorelDRAW Graphics Suite's feature set?

Yes

Did CorelDRAW Graphics Suite live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of CorelDRAW Graphics Suite go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy CorelDRAW Graphics Suite again?

Yes

CorelDRAW is perfect as a standalone drawing program where vector-based formats are required and are more than adequate as an Adobe Illustrator competitor. It's not so well suited for doing book work or full brochure layouts, though it certainly CAN. It's just not really designed specifically for that in my opinion and might feel a bit clunky to use if you're trying to use it for those things instead of an application such as InDesign.

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