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| CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X4 [DVD] | ![CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X4 [DVD]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51VF4KhO7lL._SL160_.jpg)
 enlarge | From: Corel
Category: Software
List Price: $429.00
Buy New: $178.05
You Save: $250.95 (58%)
New (27) Used (2) from $149.95
Avg. Customer Rating:  69 reviews
Sales Rank: 1004
Format: Dvd-rom
Platforms: Windows Vista, Windows Xp
Media: DVD-ROM
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Shipping Weight (lbs): 6
Dimensions (in): 9.6 x 8.1 x 3.1
MPN: CDGSX4ENPC
Model: CDGSX4ENPC
UPC: 735163119206
EAN: 0735163119206
ASIN: B0012KZKZC
Release Date: February 22, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
 Impressive, indeed June 8, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Although I've designed everything from book covers to web sites, I have limited experience with high priced graphics software. If I ever used Photo Shop, it was only because a trial version came with my computer. Once the free trial expired, I relied on Microsoft Paint and, later, a program packaged with my digital camera. Mainly, though, I relied on my own ingenuity. It was my ingenuity, and many painstaking hours of tedious work, that really saw me through, however. So, I was very excited when CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X4 arrived. Surely, it would make graphic design easier and give me more exacting professional results.
Boy, did it ever. I have yet to explore all of this program's capabilities, but the tools I have used are impressive, indeed. Editing and enhancing images, which are two of my ever present needs, can be accomplished with a speed and precision that wasn't possible when using other, less sophisticated programs. Converting poor quality bitmap images into sharp, clear reproductions was another task that CorelDRAW can accomplish with results that I did not believe were even possible. You can even generate barcodes with this program! And you can draw - I mean really DRAW (providing, of course, you already possess that skill).
I have only touched the surface but one of the advantages of this program are the tutorials and training videos included. They effectively provide answers to whatever questions may arise. Whether you're a professional or an amateur, or somewhere in the middle, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X4 will probably serve your needs. As someone who is more in the middle but still more amateur than pro, I recommend this program to anyone seeking professional quality in their graphics projects.
Brian W. Fairbanks
 A Good Adobe CS3 Alternative May 30, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I got this program for my son, who enjoys technical drawing and has ever touched a professional drawing application such as Illustrator. If you've used Illustrator for any length of time, then yyou know that it has a steep learning curve. What Adobe product doesn't?
I felt, based on the product description and the user reviews, that Corel Draw would be less intimidating for him to learn. Right off the bat, I was impressed by how user-friendly this program was. You can easily create a professional looking logo, business card and matching letterhead in under an hour.
However, I wasn't as impressed with the photo filters in the Draw program. Plus I couldn't preview the filter result before I clicked OK, unlike Photoshop. That said, I liked how I didn't have to mess around with a Lasso tool (or equivalent) to select objects that I needed to change. For example, if I wanted to change the white stripes on a zebra to purple, all I have to do is select the color in the color palette, and then click on a white stripe. Hoila! Instant change with minimal preparation.
Other features I enjoyed were the ability to manipulate text with the drag of a mouse while previewing it in real time. Corel has a multi-page preview feature that Adobe doesn't, which is wonderful if you have multiple versions of, say, a three-page flyer. You don't have to open each file to see which one is correct with Corel Draw. As a designer, I really appreciated the Concept Tool because it allows you to gain feedback on your designs from other Corel users.
The video tutorials are some of the best that I've seen. I recommend that you take the time to watch these first, although you can learn the basics just by poking around for a bit. Highly recommended for beginning designers. Recommended for experienced designers.
The new Paint Shop Pro, plus Capture and Draw/Publisher May 23, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I have been a fan of Paint Shop Pro for many years, and when Corel bought them and released Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI, I was anticipating a big step up in performance, effects, options, etc. It fell flat. I had nothing but problems with it and eventually uninstalled and wrote off the loss.
I was therefore skeptical with CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X4, which includes the following products: CAPTURE, PHOTO PAINT, DRAW.
CAPTURE: just what you would expect. Capture a window, the desktop, whatever you have on your screen. It's pretty much the same as the Snipping tool in Vista in my opinon, although it does integrate with the rest of the suite vs just creating an image file.
PHOTO PAINT: it's just the next version of paint shop pro with a slightly new look and feel. In fact, if you've used any of the latest version of PSP, you're likely not going to notice much of a different at all in terms of use and feel of the product. But I will say that this one actually WORKS, as opposed to what they did with PSP XI. So for that reason alone, it gets a win from me.
DRAW: it's basically Microsoft Publisher on steroids. You can pick from templates to create announcements, posters, newsletters, web pages, and more. Or you can start from scratch with amazing layouts, do all the normal effects, fonts, and colours, and shapes. You've got a wide assortment of tools for line drawing, freehand, and admittedly a very nice and wide range of shape, bitmap effects, and font options too. It's like a blend of the PHOTO PAINT tool and a high class publisher software. If you're familiar with things like publisher or adobe, then you'll be familiar with what DRAW has to offer as well. Converting shapes to curves is one of my favourite tools, because it allows for very powerful design into any shape you like. Whether you're designing a document, a room layout, brochures, posters, whatever, it's got pretty much everything you need.
All in all, the products integrate well, they run and load quickly, and actions are easy to find in the menu system. It's not really anything SUPER ADVANCED, it's just the next version of their standard offerings.
Powerful drawing program May 22, 2008
This is a very powerful, yet easy to use, drawing program for the computer. Plus it has many options for working with images. I have found it to be invaluable in my web development work in a very short period of time.
Not Photoshop ... Not Illustrator ... Not Adobe ... May 22, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I must admit that I've been using Adobe and Macromedia Programs (now the same company) for almost 20 years and that is probably true for most of us as well. Saying that it's a small learning curve to get used to, and comfortable with something else, is a bit of an understatement. But in truth, CorelDraw X4 isn't really that complicated for the general user.
Any self-respecting Adobe user can (somewhat) quickly find their way around the multiple tools and options to do some of the same things that they always have with their own graphics programs. And that includes everything from Illustrator to Paint Shop Pro to MS Paint.
The real question in trying to absorb new users from the existing pool of high-dollar software programs is a simple one. Why would I purchase this product for almost $400 over another similar product that I'm more familiar with, has books that can be purchased new, used or even discount? Why would I make an expensive leap into unchartered territory? Let's see if I can quell some of those fears and thoughts.
I was on the fence about writing a feature based review on this, but most people browsing this program can easily read the features available by the very large product page that Amazon has available here, Corel's Website and many of the possible downloads that Corel offers to help new users become more acquainted with CorelDraw X4. But most people just want to know a few things, and most importantly:
1. Is CorelDraw X4 similar enough to other front-runner programs to make the program easy to use and understand?
Answer: Yes. It is similar enough, although there are several differences that limit your experience until you consult the manual numerous times. The learning curve isn't bad, but you may have a few frustrating moments.
2. CorelDrawX4 is expensive. Is it worth my money to invest in this or spend a little more and buy a similar Adobe Product.
Answer: This program is in direct competition with Adobe Illustrator, which retails for $600. But to be fair, Adobe provides many more feature rich options and few other well-needed programs for that near-same coin.
3. Is this program similar in use and applications to Adobe Photoshop?
Answer: While I've personally used Adobe Illustrator to manipulate and process my photos and other art work for years, and you can use CorelDraw X4 for your photos, it's probably not the best suited program for this type of application as Photo Programs are going through a sort of renaissance of features which the entire industry and world is now fully embracing digital. The new Adobe Photoshop CS3 is a must have for Amateur, Prosumer and Professional Photographers alike.
4. This program comes with a large collection of clip art, fonts, stock photos and other design templates. Are they base and low end or can they be used for professional purposes?
Answer: If you run a design company, or a T-Shirt Printing business (hint), this program is definitely for you and the added stock images, etc. can be used with strong results. They are not cheesy add-ons that come attached to the program like other companies offer. The flip book is a blessing for quick reference and the shortcut chart, well ... that's a standard these days. Who can live without a shortcut chart? Not me.
5. I've heard bad things about their Customer Service and their ability or desire to help the end-user over the phone, is this true?
Answer: Unfortunately, from all the word on the street, this is true. I called Corel and was met with a labyrinth of machine options that resembled the 'Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy' and 'Zork' -- early-age, text-only video games. If you wish to go left ... press 5. And so on ... it was maddening. They did provide a different Customer Service phone number for Reviewers, but I found that making a 2 tier system for Reviewers and Users disingenuous and unflattering for Corel and abstained in following through after I dialed the number and a human answered on the second ring. But let's be honest, most companies offer little to no Customer Service over the phone anymore, Microsoft included. Usually you have to drop coin for it.
Overall, this is a program for Designers, Web Developers and Graphic Artists within the digital medium. This is a strong and stable program that does what it promises and with use of the free on-line tutorials, one can only get better.
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