CorelDraw is a family of software programs used for editing vector graphics, illustration and design.
Vector graphics are created in graphics packages and consist of objects. Each object can be edited separately, meaning that the shape, colour, size and position can be changed without losing quality.
Developed by Ottawa-based software company Corel, CorelDraw – styled CorelDRAW – allows users to do things like add effects such as borders to images, in addition to allowing for contrast adjustment, colour balancing and more.
The software is also capable of working over multiple layers and multiple pages for maximum flexibility.
What is CorelDraw used for?
Like any graphics software, the primary use of CorelDraw is implied – graphics. That can cover freehand vector drawing and graphic design, or as CorelDraw is more commonly used, packaging and industrial design.
The software is also more popular among less experienced graphic designers due to its relatively simple learning curve and less complicated user interface. However, that comes with the drawback of having fewer features for professional illustrators or designers.
Competitors
Like most creative software programs, CorelDraw is in competition with the market leader Adobe – in this case, Adobe Illustrator.
While Illustrator is considered the professional standard in graphics software, CorelDraw has carved out a niche in the market with its lower price, reduced difficulty and features suited to industrial applications.
Other alternative programs include Sketch, Inkscape, Affinity Designer, Vector Magic and Lunacy.
What language is CorelDraw in?
The software program was first released in January 1989 for Windows 2.1, just four years after Corel was founded in 1985. It was developed by Michael Bouillon and Pat Beirne and is written in C++ and C#.
The most up-to-date release of the software is version 24, available since March 2022 under the rebranded name of the CorelDraw Graphics Suite.
While historically, the software suite was only available on Windows and in some cases Linux operating systems, it has been available on macOS since version 21, released in 2019.
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