Signs of the Times - May 2014 - (Page 46)

Te c hno lo g y R e v i ew By Chris and Kathi Morrison CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X7 Design software for digital printing, vector graphics, print work - and more. Contact: Michaela Schreiter media@corel.com spaces, which present Adobe users with a familiar environment. CorelDRAW, famous for its fonts library, brushes, clipart and bitmapand vector-pattern fills, is introducing its Font Playground, a system that eases font browsing and can function across multiple open documents. You can also access Corel's Font Embedding tool that allows you to view, print and edit different fonts. There are too many new features Specifications: CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X7 Operating System Microsoft Windows 8/8.1 (32- or 64-bit editions); Windows 7 (32- or 64-bit editions), all with the latest service packs installed Processor Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64 RAM 2 GB Hard Disk Space 1 GB (for installation without content) Screen Resolution 1,280 x 768 pixels DVD Drive Required for box installation Other Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 or higher Internet connection required for membership and subscription services, installing updates and access to some features, including the content exchange, QR code tools and ConceptShare. 46 SIGNS OF THE TIMES May 2014 Key Information Corel Corp. 1600 Carling Ave. Ottawa, ON, Canada (877) 582-6735 www.corel.com C orel says ease of use is the primary driver behind any new update or software version. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X7, its freshly issued flagship graphics and design package, addresses everything from digital printing and vector graphics to the creation of ready-to-print flyers and business cards. Further, every user - novice to well experienced-hasaccesstoCorel'smanyvectorillustration and page-layout tools, plus full-blown tracing and photograph-editing tools. Although new, CorelDRAW X7 retains the classic workspaces you may prefer, but it also gives you options to design the look and feel of your personal toolbox - menus, status bars, property bars and dialog boxes. The idea? Custom-tailored toolboxes allow faster access to your most-used tools and features. For example, X7 provides Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop work- Chris and Kathi Morrison own and operate The Image Specialists, a full-service graphics company based in Clements, CA. Chris is also a Microsoftcertified systems engineer. to mention here, but we particularly enjoyed the Liquid Tool that allows you to smear, attract, repel and twirl selected images. Think abstract art. Also, a new Correct Lens Distortion slider conveniently reduces pincushion and barrel distortions. Advanced users can design from scratch or, just to get started, draw upon Corel's project-ready content. Further, you'll discover help in such workspace-selection resources as tips-and-tricks, video tutorials and, of course, the online, CorelDRAW. com community link. A side note is Corel now offers its iPhone app, Patterns, a bitmap function that allows you to create (and enhance) digital photos into patterns. You can share your efforts through the Corel Content Exchange, alongside a wealth of other designers' patterns. Corel also offers Designs, a Windows 8.1 mobile app that allows you to browse (and acquire) content from iStockPhoto, Fotolia, CorelDRAW.com and other galleries. CorelDRAW X7, a full-blown design and editing software program, fully exhibits the company's design/ expansion philosophy. Lucky for us, it blends that trait with the ease-of-use values. Not surprisingly, the company has added more unique and sophisticated tools for casual, intermediate and advanced sign and graphic designers. Take a look at CorelDRAW X7; you'll be glad you did. ■ http://www.corel.com http://www.CorelDRAW.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Signs of the Times - May 2014

Signs of the Times - May 2014
Columns & Departments
Features
St Update
Technology Update
Typography Foe Wide-Format Design
Vinyl Apps
Strictly Commercial
Lighting Techniques
The Moving Message
Technology Review: The Mutoh ValueJet 1617H printer
Technology Review: CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X7
Design Matters
New Products
Advertising Index
Editorially Speaking

Signs of the Times - May 2014