CorelDRAW Essentials 2021 | Graphics Design Software for Occasional Users | Illustration, Layout, Photo Editing | 1 year | 1 Device | PC Box

I’ve used corel draw for years and when I recently upgraded my laptop, I decided to get the latest version of this software. Absolutely wouldn’t be without it.

CorelDraw used to be a leader in the field and I used CorelDraw for 20 years. Not now. I really disliked the repeated error messages after successful install on Win 11 Surface Pro 9 "The download of the update could not be completed because a required sevice is disabled on this computer. To continue, please enable this service. You can then resume the download at any time by clicking the link in the update message." It was not possible to identify the cause, so I could not resolve and stop the intrusive repeated error messages, so I had to uninstall CorelDraw (of course its not possible to get a refund). From using CorelDraw before uninstalling, it was clear this version is designed to have very limited functionality. The only other option is a recurring cost subscription for the full version which is not worth the cost to me. I now use an open source equivalent which is free and has more fuctions. So my advice is avoid CorelDraw as it has intrusive error messages and is very limited compared to past versions with a one time cost.

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite is regarded by many to be one of the best and most intuitive graphic design products available. It has multifarious uses including designs for t-shirts, engraving, signage, and the more standard pamphlets, forms, certificates, business cards, birthday cards etc. You don't need to be an experienced graphic designer to use this although training might not go amiss. I particularly liked its photo editing capabilities which again can be learned by having a go with the package and not being afraid to mess up. I suppose there are downsides. It is shame there appears to be no iMac version and it can be clunky importing certain types of PDFs and EPS or AI formats with Bitmaps contained in them. Yet overall it remains a powerful tool both for professionals and less than gifted amateurs like myself,

Very good graphic design software where it is easy to pick up the basics, but with a bit more time you can come up with something quite professional looking. There is far more functionality here than the average user will ever need, which is better than knowing you will hit the limits of what you can do at some point. Very good.

I have been using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for the last few years to create logos, branding and so much more. But I found that both these softwares had their draw backs. One of which was their subscription price model. Luckily, CorelDRAW is a one off price of ~£120 so there is no monthly charges or additional subscriptions included. Everything you will need all in one place. To put it into perspective, £120 lifetime cost is the price of 4 months subscription to adobe suite.As for the quality of the software, it is fantastic and super easy to use and navigate. This is my first time using CorelDRAW essentials and I was naturally able to intuitively use it without much guidance. It’s nice to mention that there are several tutorials both in software and on YouTube where you can learn to create whatever your mind envisions. You can create (.svg) vector-based logos, tshirt designs, orthographic/ 2 point perspective models and so much more!In my opinion, this software is a must for those who are getting started into graphic design or even those that can want an easy to use software without having expensive subscriptions to pay every month. Overall, 5 stars!!Thank you for reading my honest review, I hope you found it helpful! :)

Ok so I'm actually a fan of the older versions of CorelDRAW - I cut my teeth on this many years ago so I jumped at the opportunity to see how the new version compares. It's very stable, the most stable version I've ever used, and has no trouble with higher resolution screens like some of the previous versions - the design features are polished and there are some really neat quality of life improvements to make vector manipulation easier. With all this said the Essentials versions is actually utterly useless and I would strongly recommend AGAINST buying it. It does not include the alignment tools, in what seems to be some ridiculous market segmentation effort. The alignment tools are so fundamental to an effective design product that selling a version without these is just frankly insane. Avoid.

Wouldn't install on a HP Z2 i9 Workstation. Had to install it on an old Asus laptop just to get a job done. Works fine on that, it's just the screen is too small.

In the years past I have been using some if thid online graphics design website to do my artwork and som thumbnail when I upload video online.But having this has make my life easier.The corel draw software has always be my dream software but having this at hand makes life simple for me in my design.Everything needed in included and I have been having excellent design which is please and I do recommend this for you.