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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: $299.07
You Save: $129.93 (30%)
New (32) Used (2) from $199.95
Avg. Customer Rating:  75 reviews
Sales Rank: 647
Format: Dvd-rom
Platforms: Windows Vista, Windows Xp
Media: DVD-ROM
Edition: Standard
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:
 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.
 A full and complete graphics suite whose surface I've barely scratched May 17, 2008
For the last couple of months, I've had the opportunity to experiment, play and dive into CorelDraw's latest Graphics Suite, the X4 (read: 14th) edition.
It's been a lot of fun. I'm still learning and growing into the full capabilities of this program.
The Suite is divided into four parts:
CorelDRAW X4 is the heart of the program, a drawing program equal to the level of Adobe Illustrator. I've never used a drawing program of this nature before, and yet I found it relatively easy to dive right in. I especially like the new tables feature, which allow for amazing compositions of images and other objects.
Corel PHOTO-PAINT X4 is the suite's answer to Photoshop. As a user of the latter, I did find it comparable to Adobe's flagship product, although the layout and style of the program are distinctly Corel. The suite of abilities for manipulating photos and images are of comparable rank and power.
Corel PowerTRACE X4 allows you to take bitmap images and convert them into vector images that you can then manipulate with Corel Draw. Why hasn't anyone thought of this sooner?
Corel CAPTURE X4 is a screen capture program which allows for easy import of the information into Corel Paint.
The entire suite is well supported with video tutorials which I am still learning from, even a couple of months later. And that is my greatest advice to you, Amazon reader, who are considering purchasing this program. Learning to unlock the use of this program is a long-term project. With a suite of this power and magnitude, its an investment of time and energy to get the most out of it.
I look forward to using the suite for years. If you want to make the worthwhile investment of getting to know the software, so will you.
Haven't figured it all out yet but... May 15, 2008
Not having used Corel products before put me at a disadvantage, but from what I can tell it seems like it does everything advertised.
A review from someone who knows not what they're doing May 15, 2008
I have no idea how this compares to Photoshop or any other photo/image creation software. I've never used any of those except at a most basic level and pretty much only for converting jopgs to tiffs or changing the sizes of some of the digital photos I've taken.
So, as someone who has no idea what he's doing with image software, I can say that - at least in terms of the basic stuff I do, this is pretty easy and intuitive. More intuitive than I ever found Photoshop.
I got this software package not so much because it's special or unique features, or to put it through a major trial - I bought it because I thought, "Gee, it's time to learn how to use image editing software now that I have a few thousand digital photos."
While I can't in any way give a realistic evaluation of the full capacity of this thing, I can safely and assuredly (I think) say that this is at least well-designed enough that I actually will be able to learn how to use it to, at some point, comprehend and use those advanced features that leave my mystified and stymied.
Pretty well done!
 Certainly not PSP May 15, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I snatched this product up since I was such a huge fan of Corel Paint Shop Pro, I've been around it since it's Jasc days. After installing it, I have to say that I was disappointed. I thought that maybe Corel Photo-Paint would be similar, and it is, but it lacks in many ways. I'm not much on drawing, so I never could get Draw to work. I've gone back to using PSP.
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