Tell me about CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5

**Ace Corona** · April 10th, 2011, 01:49 PM

Before I say anything, please keep in mind I'm a noob. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5 is $499, so before I buy it, I want to know if it's the right software for me. I would like to have both vector and raster imaging functions, as well as switching from RGB to CMYK to print comic books. Does anyone know a lot about this software, do you think it is right for me? I can't afford both Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, but it's my understanding that CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5 has the capabilities of both Photoshop and Illustrator. Am I right?

**joeparis** · April 11th, 2011, 03:41 AM

I believe it does. I've never used it so I can't speak from experience. I do know that Draw is highly regarded amongst vector users. I've heard others say that the photo-editing side is good also although it's hard to compete with such a massive program like Photoshop.

There are alternatives of course. Xara is an outstanding vector program (and does image editing) - £70. Artrage does painting - £80. Both of these are actively developed. Serif's PhotoPlus - £70 and of course Gimp for free.

**Ace Corona** · April 12th, 2011, 12:04 AM

Thank you joeparis, but I forgot to mention that I am an amateur comic book artist, and I want to use this software to color my comics. Is CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5 right for me?

**Jason Ross** · April 12th, 2011, 03:25 PM

My advice is to get a lower version of Corel Draw if you need it. You don't need the cutting edge version in order to get the work done that you need. Why not look for earlier versions of Photoshop and illustrator? A quick look on Ebay has Photoshop CS2 and Illustrator CS2 going for $70 with one day left (probably end up at around 90-110). I'd try that before getting a program that no one here "really" uses that much. I have corelDraw and use it for work but just enough to get by. It's a great program if you are going to be doing screen printing but for comic text I'm not so sure about.

**Ace Corona** · April 12th, 2011, 05:00 PM

Thank you Jason, going to e-bay was an option I hadn't considered. I'll keep that in mind. Your suggestion about getting older versions of Photoshop and Illustrator was excellent.

Since I'm going to be using my financial aid, I don't mind spending $500 for the latest version of Corel. Some people use both Adobe and Corel, maybe I can get the latest version of Corel and older versions of Adobe, and I can be one of those people.

Thanks again for expanding my horizons, I knew it was a good idea joining this forum!

**Jason Ross** · April 12th, 2011, 11:37 PM

If you can afford it then by all means. Thing is that for what you are doing the later and more expensive versions will have features that you just won't be using but will pay for. Good luck in which way you go.

**Ace Corona** · April 13th, 2011, 03:04 PM

Jason, I have a question about buying an older version of Photoshop from e-Bay. Will the serial number still work? It's my understanding that you need a serial number in order to use Photoshop, because if you don't register it, you can't use it. Since the original owner used the serial number, can I still use it?