CorelDRAW 9: The Official Guide - Instruction Manual

Introduction

This official guide provides comprehensive instructions for CorelDRAW 9, a powerful vector illustration software. It details the new features and tools introduced in CorelDRAW 9, explaining how to effectively use the graphics program to manipulate text and images, create bitmap effects, add layers and shadows, import digital photographs, and optimize color palettes. This manual serves as an essential reference for users ranging from intermediate to advanced levels.

Figure 1: Front cover of CorelDRAW 9: The Official Guide. This image displays the book's title, authors (Foster D. Coburn III and Peter McCormick), and key features highlighted on the cover, such as mastering CorelDRAW 9's powerful new features and the inclusion of a CD-ROM.

Key Features and Enhancements

CorelDRAW 9 introduces several enhancements designed to improve workflow and creative capabilities. This guide covers the following key features:

• Page Layout and Object Manipulation: Learn to set up page layouts, manipulate text, and shape objects with precision.
• Image Manipulation and Effects: Explore techniques for manipulating images, adding layers, and utilizing extrusion tools.
• Bitmap Effects: Create extraordinary bitmap effects directly within CorelDRAW.
• Preflight Features: Understand and utilize the new Preflight features that warn of potential printing errors in your files.
• Digital Camera Integration: Use the IXLA Digital Camera interface to import images from popular digital cameras.
• Interactive Drop Shadow Tool: Create realistic shadows with the new Interactive Drop Shadow tool.
• Mesh Fill Tool: Develop complex gradient fills using the new Mesh Fill tool.
• Filters and Plug-ins: Achieve spectacular special effects with CorelDRAW 9's filters and plug-ins.
• Color Palettes: Maximize the use of multiple on-screen color palettes for efficient design.
• Web Publishing Support: Publish designs on the web with CorelDRAW 9's advanced PDF and HTML support.

Setup and Installation

The CorelDRAW 9 software is typically provided on a CD-ROM included with this guide. Follow these general steps for installation:

1. System Requirements: Ensure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for CorelDRAW 9. Refer to the software packaging or the introductory sections of this guide for detailed specifications.
2. Insert CD-ROM: Insert the CorelDRAW 9 program disk into your computer's CD-ROM drive. The installation wizard should typically launch automatically. If not, navigate to the CD-ROM drive in 'My Computer' or 'This PC' and run the 'setup.exe' file.
3. Follow On-Screen Prompts: The installation wizard will guide you through the process. You will be prompted to accept the license agreement, choose an installation directory, and select components to install.
4. Enter Serial Number: During installation, you will be required to enter the serial number. This is typically found on the CD-ROM sleeve or a sticker on the CD itself.
5. Complete Installation: Allow the installation process to complete. This may take several minutes. Once finished, you may be prompted to restart your computer.
6. Install Training Disk (Optional): A separate training disk may be included. Insert this disk and follow its instructions to install additional tutorials or content.

Figure 2: CorelDRAW 9 software disks. This image shows two CD-ROMs: one labeled "Graphics Suite CorelDRAW 9" which is the program disk containing the software and requiring a serial number for installation, and another labeled "Special Edition using CorelDRAW 9" which is a training disk providing additional resources.

Operating CorelDRAW 9

This section provides an overview of fundamental operations within CorelDRAW 9. Detailed instructions for each feature are available in the respective chapters of the official guide.

Getting Started

• Launching CorelDRAW: Double-click the CorelDRAW 9 icon on your desktop or select it from the Start Menu.
• New Document: To create a new drawing, go to File > New. You can specify page size, orientation, and resolution.
• Opening Existing Files: Use File > Open to browse and open previously saved CorelDRAW files (.CDR) or other supported formats.

Basic Tools and Functions

• Pick Tool: Select, position, and transform objects.
• Shape Tool: Edit the shape of objects by manipulating nodes.
• Zoom Tool: Magnify or reduce the view of your drawing.
• Rectangle/Ellipse Tools: Draw basic geometric shapes.
• Text Tool: Create and edit artistic or paragraph text.
• Fill Tool: Apply uniform, fountain, pattern, or texture fills to objects.
• Outline Tool: Control the appearance of object outlines.

Working with Objects

• Grouping/Ungrouping: Combine multiple objects into a single group for easier manipulation, or separate them.
• Ordering Objects: Arrange objects in front of or behind others using the Arrange > Order menu.
• Transformations: Rotate, skew, mirror, and resize objects using the Property Bar or Arrange > Transformations.

Maintenance and Best Practices

To ensure optimal performance and stability when using CorelDRAW 9, consider the following maintenance tips:

• Regular Saving: Save your work frequently to prevent data loss. Use File > Save or File > Save As.
• Backup Files: Periodically back up your CorelDRAW files to an external drive or cloud storage.
• System Updates: Keep your operating system and graphics drivers updated to ensure compatibility and performance.
• Disk Space: Ensure sufficient free disk space on your system drive, as CorelDRAW can create large temporary files.
• Font Management: Manage your fonts efficiently. Too many installed fonts can slow down application performance.
• File Optimization: When saving, consider options to reduce file size, such as compressing bitmaps or converting text to curves if not needed for editing.

Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues encountered while using CorelDRAW 9. For more detailed troubleshooting, refer to the dedicated section in the official guide.

Common Issues and Solutions

• Application Crashing:
  • Ensure your system meets minimum requirements.
  • Update graphics drivers.
  • Try resetting CorelDRAW to default settings (consult the guide for specific steps).
  • Work on smaller sections of complex drawings.
• Slow Performance:
  • Close other demanding applications.
  • Increase virtual memory if possible.
  • Reduce the complexity of your drawing (e.g., fewer nodes, smaller bitmaps).
  • Disable real-time previews for complex effects.
• Printing Errors:
  • Utilize the Preflight feature to identify potential issues before printing.
  • Ensure correct printer drivers are installed and updated.
  • Check print settings within CorelDRAW (e.g., color management, resolution).
  • Export to PDF and print from a PDF viewer as an alternative.
• Missing Fonts:
  • Ensure all fonts used in the document are installed on your system.
  • If sharing files, convert text to curves to embed the font shape.

Specifications

The following specifications pertain to the CorelDRAW 9: The Official Guide book itself:

Additional Resources

For further assistance and information, refer to the following:

• Official Corel Website: Visit the official Corel website for software updates, patches, and additional resources.
• Online Forums and Communities: Engage with other CorelDRAW users in online forums for tips, tricks, and community support.
• CorelDRAW Help Files: The software itself includes comprehensive help documentation accessible via the Help menu.