Introduction
This official guide provides comprehensive instruction for CorelDRAW X6, designed for users ranging from beginners to experts. It covers essential features and advanced techniques for creating professional graphics for both print and web applications. Authored by veteran graphic designer Gary David Bouton, this manual is packed with examples, tips, and shortcuts to help you master CorelDRAW X6 and its companion application, Corel PHOTO-PAINT.

Image: The cover of "CorelDRAW X6 The Official Guide" book. It displays the CorelDRAW X6 logo, a vibrant hot air balloon graphic, and the author's name, Gary David Bouton. The cover highlights key learning points such as step-by-step tutorials, professional design capabilities, and photo retouching with PHOTO-PAINT.
Installation and Setup
To begin using CorelDRAW X6, follow the installation instructions provided with your software package. The guide will walk you through the process of setting up the application on your system, ensuring all components are correctly installed for optimal performance.
- System Requirements: Ensure your computer meets the minimum system requirements specified by Corel for CorelDRAW X6.
- Software Installation: Insert the installation media or run the downloaded installer. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
- Activation: Activate your software using the provided product key to unlock full functionality.
Operating CorelDRAW X6
This section details the core functionalities and tools within CorelDRAW X6, guiding you through various graphic design tasks.
Illustration and Drawing Tools
Learn to utilize the extensive suite of illustration and drawing tools to create vector graphics. This includes understanding Bezier curves, shape tools, and artistic media tools for precise and creative designs.
Working with Text
Explore text manipulation features, including formatting, paragraph styles, text on a path, and linking text frames for professional document layouts.
Colors, Fills, and Outlines
Understand how to apply and manage colors, various fill types (solid, gradient, pattern, texture), and outline properties to enhance your designs.
Special Effects and 3D
Discover how to apply a wide range of special effects, including transparencies, shadows, blends, and distortions. The guide also covers techniques for working with 3D objects and effects to add depth to your illustrations.
Using Corel PHOTO-PAINT
This guide provides an introduction to Corel PHOTO-PAINT, Corel's powerful image-editing tool. Learn how to retouch photographs, apply filters, and integrate raster images seamlessly into your CorelDRAW projects.
Print and Web Use
Gain insights into preparing your designs for various outputs, including print production and web publication. This includes understanding color models (CMYK, RGB), resolution, and file formats to ensure optimal results.
Maintenance and Best Practices
Maintaining your CorelDRAW X6 installation and project files is crucial for long-term productivity and data integrity.
- Software Updates: Regularly check for and install official software updates and patches from Corel to ensure stability and access to the latest features.
- File Management: Organize your project files and assets systematically. Save your work frequently and create backup copies of important designs.
- System Optimization: Ensure your operating system is optimized for graphic design software, including sufficient RAM and disk space.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
This section offers general advice for resolving common software-related issues you might encounter while using CorelDRAW X6.
- Application Crashes: If the application crashes, try restarting your computer and CorelDRAW. Ensure your graphics drivers are up to date.
- Performance Issues: For slow performance, close other demanding applications, reduce the complexity of your document, or adjust performance settings within CorelDRAW.
- File Corruption: Regularly save incremental versions of your files to prevent data loss due to file corruption.
- Missing Features/Tools: Verify that your software is fully activated and that all necessary components were installed. Refer to the official guide for tool locations.
Specifications
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Publisher | McGraw Hill |
| Publication Date | August 14, 2012 |
| Edition | 1st Edition |
| Language | English |
| Print Length | 864 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0071790071 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0071790079 |
| Item Weight | 1.43 kg |
| Dimensions | 18.8 x 4.32 x 23.37 cm |
| Series | The Official Guide (2 books) |
Warranty and Support
This guide is published by McGraw Hill. For support related to the CorelDRAW X6 software itself, please refer to Corel's official support channels.
- Publisher Support: For inquiries regarding the book's content or accompanying resources, contact McGraw Hill.
- Online Resources: The book includes online access to over 30 video tutorials by the author, CorelDRAW native files, stock images for tutorials in Corel PHOTO-PAINT, and custom typefaces. These resources are designed to supplement your learning experience.
- Corel Official Support: For technical support concerning CorelDRAW X6 software, visit the official Corel website for documentation, FAQs, and customer service contacts.




