Review of Corel Draw 7

We often hear a term in Statistics called ‘Lack of Memory Property' or 'Property of Forgetfulness’. This term tells us old products lose their values after a certain time and we should move on and buy the newer product or version. But this is not always true, at least in the case of software and internet technologies. Corel Corporation, which has produced a number of high-quality desktop publishing tools, is a good right example of a company that creates software that holds its value. Corel Draw 7, designed for Windows 95 and Windows NT, is a wide-ranging and extremely versatile graphic application. Corel Draw 7 is intended for the professional illustrator and senior graphic artists but less experienced people may still find these earlier versions of Corel Draw adequate. And, while some people love to work with latest versions, in this case Corel Draw 12, Corel Draw X1, X2, X3, and the most recent – X4 Graphics Suite, Corel Draw 7 still offers many flexible, user-oriented desktop publishing options.

The reason why Corel Draw is still in demand is its flexible scope and size. Also, it is the best tool for a home business owner or a professional working from home. Corel Draw has a number of features that a base level user or a novice would find helpful, such as HTML publishing options, flexibility of wizard replacement, Vector-Bitmap conversion options, excellent drafting schemes, property display options, and other handy basic graphic enhancement options. For higher level graphic management system, Corel Draw 8 or higher (Suite X4) would be recommended. But these versions are not so easy to use and demand a high level of technical expertise. Corel Draw 7, on the contrary, is simple in application and a most convenient and transparent tool.

Corel Draw 5 offer adequate features, though lacked a few advanced graphic functionality. Corel Draw 6 followed with its acclaimed 32-bit graphics packages. But both Corel Draw 5 and Corel Draw 6 had certain shortcomings for seasoned professionals, as they were designed to serve both professionals and beginners.

The release of Corel Draw 7.0 met the needs of the pros by combining Corel Draw 7, Corel Photo-Paint 7, and Corel Dream 3D7.

The Corel Draw 7 Welcome Screen offers a host of user-friendly, step-by-step guidance, including:

• The distinction between vector and bitmap graphics and the method to export Corel PhotoPaint
• How to create new files and manage existing files
• How to customize the keyboard
• How to change menus, tools, and status bars
• Color management
• Page setting using controls in the property bar

There are several other attractive features that include manipulating text within a preset narrow area to facilitate creation of business cards, brochures, flyers and also provide shadows. An amazing feature is the facility to completely alter the appearance of objects by introducing varying styles, applying diverse fills, providing outlines, skillfully manipulating objects.

This is not to speak of the knife and eraser tools that help cutting and fragmenting objects and deleting redundant portions of any object. Another glamorous feature is the possibility of special effects including 3D effects with eleven types of simulated camera lens to refashion objects using alternate colors, sizes and shapes. Then there are the Scrapbook features providing users the drag and drop access to all the folders.

I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that Corel Draw 7 is still a great graphics application, notwithstanding the fact that in the world of computers, many people think all software and application tools rapidly become obsolete. However, the fact remains that even veteran graphic art professionals have not found much to complain about in Corel Draw 7.