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is corel draw viable software to purchase?
Hello folks
Im new to this business,been forced into it really to help pay the rent on my daughters sports shop.
We have a creation ct1200 (she uses it for sponsors on sports wear) ive been playing with corel draw on a free trial and produced a few signs for local shops.I have also done a few vans.Im looking to purchase now but aint got a clue on what is best to do.
Any advice?Do i need the full package? -
10 Replies
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The full package of X3 can be bought relatively cheaply from Amazon and similar, it contains everything you need for producing signs and stationery with the exception of a utility to get your file to the plotter. Did the plotter come with a programme which import eps or AI, if so export from Draw as eps – import and cut. For basic signage any version will do and ebay may be as good a source as any but ensure you get the fonts and clipart with it.
The newer versions will be more flexible in terms of import and export flters if you intend to get files in from others but if it is self generated the version you choose may be down to your operating system and budget.
Alan D -
Remember….As yet I have not come across a legit copy of any software on E-Bay. Many of the Corel copies on E-Bay are registered "Student" copies which are not licensed for commercial use.
Corel Draw V12 is more than enough for doing design work on and for the price Amazon are quoting you cant go wrong. Although engraving, I have no problems exporting from Corel to my engraving software.
In the end software is personal, I only use about 20% of the functionality in Corel but it does what I want it to do and Ive been using it for years.
Graeme
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Graeme is correct in as much that you ensure you buy legitimate software with discs, not only for legal reasons but also an upgrade path for the future.
Alan D -
my daughter must have a student copy.she sends files to the plotter as plt files? i think.i have had to send her my designs as these,she then sends to the cutter.If i buy corel draw will i be able to send directly from my laptop
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From personal experience I would recommend X3 if your budget will reach as it’s a lovely program to use. The previous versions I have used are all very good so don’t be put off but X3 has a few tweeks that make it a nicer environment.
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Well X3 does have a hpgl/plt export with various settings but I don’t use this method to cut so can’t comment. Don’t think I can attach files otherwise I’d send a plt file for you to try.
Alan D -
Thanks ive been using corel and am quite happy with that,tried signlab but found it difficult to use.
Been on amazon and got a few prices.Tried the coreldraw site they offer extra fonts and other stuff.
Still pondering but will buy in the next hour or so -
i own a cadet machine now but still use my old 760mm cutter for a hell of a lot of stuff. I find Corel (any version) an invaluable piece of kit. I find corel 13 very good and easy to use and has many facilities which are great for running my cadet and also my cutter. I use a plugin called COCUT to cut to my plotter, this is very simple to use, simply create your design in corel then hit the cut symbol and cocut is launched and this cuts all your grpahcis etc, Ive never had any issues with it. I only have the basic version too, do a search as there is a pro version too.
cheers
graeme -
I dont use corel that much, but I bought the student edition, its the full version, including the clip art discs, bought of ebay from a corel accredited source., if corel dont ask for any details, like "prove you are a student" Im sure they only want to sell as many copies as they can, so I dont have a moral issue, just my opinion, its about £75,
Peter
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quote Martyn Loach:Thanks ive been using corel and am quite happy with that,tried signlab but found it difficult to use.
Been on amazon and got a few prices.Tried the coreldraw site they offer extra fonts and other stuff.
Still pondering but will buy in the next hour or soHi Martyn,
Would you mind sending me a PM and describe for me the difficulties that you had with SignLab? I’d appreciate your feedback.
With respect to understanding SignLab features, it probably would have helped to look at some of the InfoSource training videos that are available through the CADlink site. Free registration at:
http://www.cadlink.com/infoSource/index.php
Cheers,
Rod at CADlink
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