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Editors' Review

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by: Tuong Nguyen on March 27, 2014

CorelDraw Graphics Suite X7 offers professional-quality design tools for graphic artists of all levels. The latest iteration of CorelDraw comes with a sleeker UI, additional tool sets, and greater flexibility. By empowering users in their workflow, Corel offers a more competitive package for digital designers.

Pros

Personalized digital studio: With CorelDraw X7 you have total control over your workspace and design process. Both CorelDraw and Corel Photo-Paint offer different types of intuitive layouts for designers of all levels. Workspaces range from minimalistic (lite), to familiar (default) and even allow custom setups. This means you can spend more time creating instead of fiddling. Adobe users will be able to hit the ground running with the Photoshop- and Illustrator-friendly layouts.

Broader hardware support: CorelDraw X7 can take full advantage of the 64-bit architecture of most current systems -- you're no longer limited by software. Multiple-monitor support allows you to expand the work environment across many screens.

Expanding creativity resources: With the new Corel Connect, you can browse, discover, and exchange patterns and fills with the online Corel community. Discover new content to inspire your creative process, or make your own pattern to share. View online tutorials and instructions to get the most out of the suite.

License and subscription model: Unlike other design suites, users can choose to own CorelDraw for a flat fee (currently $499.99) or go for a monthly/yearly subscription plan. Current CorelDraw owners can upgrade their license for a fee. This dual-purchase model allows a wider range of customers access to the design tools they need.

Cons

PC only: CorelDraw does not have a concurrent Mac release. With a good amount of visual artists choosing Apple as their main system, this lack of support can alienate those who like to do their work across multiple platforms.

Bottom Line

CorelDraw X7 finds a nice balance between the full professional suite and the standard image editor. By offering its usual massive set of tools alongside X7's additional functions, CorelDraw can offer something for everyone, regardless of their skill level. With a friendly, modern UI, comfortable workspaces, and a flexible licensing model, the suite is more usable and affordable than ever. Future add-ons promise users a mobile pattern creator tool for iOS 7 and the ability to browse patterns and fills on the go with a Windows 8 app. Lack of support means that Mac users are left out for now. However, CorelDraw's robustness as an illustrator app may tempt users to give it try, especially at its cheaper rate.