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I try not to get too excited about new releases of software. So much vaporware was released in the past by some companies that I put up a shield. But…….. CorelDRAW's X3, the newest version of CorelDRAW as it is called, is almost more than I could ask for (I’ll remove the almost when a better version of Print Merge for the laser is released.)
I was overwhelmed when I saw a reference to rotary engravers. Maybe next time well see laser engraver since as there are more of these users using CorelDRAW. Anyway, this version is the best version I have ever seen, PERIOD!!!
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Yes, CorelDRAW has been listening. This version will make the engraving and sign industry feel like we are someone. Unlike version 10, when we were all being forced to be web designers, X3 really adds features the laser operator can use. Here’s a quick list of the greatest and best. And this is assuming you are coming from 12.
- A Trace function that is lightning fast, uses fewer nodes, and is built into the main program.
- Text to Path – totally rewritten. Very intuitive and smooth. You can place multiple text objects on the same path quick and easily.
- Curve Smoothness - reduces nodes and retains the integrity of the artwork. Much……better.
- Contour Function uses less nodes [Example].
- Improved file compatibility with many industry-standard file formats, including better import of EPS files
- Fillet/Scallops/Chamfer Dockers – now you can round, scallop and chamfer your corners with precision. Want a .26 rounded corner? It’s quick and easy [Tutorial/Example].
- A new function ‘Create Boundary’. If you have a vector logo or clipart, just click on it with this new function and makes an outline for creating key lines or cut lines. Now you can cut out a logo with a single click. It's under the Effects -> Create Boundary menu [Example].
- Hints Docker – click on a tool, and hints on how to use the option appears in a Docker, complete with tips on how to use the tool [Examples].
- Smart Fill Tool – this may be the sleeper. Click you ‘paint bucket’ in an area. This Tool creates a vector object of the area that is being ‘filled’ [Examples].
- Artistic Text properties bars with icons to mirrored horizontally or vertically. And inches display - now works as a display unit for Text. No more points and picas unless you want them [Examples].
- Better Options for displaying font styles on your Font List.
- In the Shape Tool, handles on nodes to let you know when you have two or more nodes in the same position. Plus a new tools for better selection of nodes.
- New Star Tool – before you had to create a star through the Polygon tool, and if you got lucky, it worked. Now, if you want a star, you get a star. [Example].
- Extend Curve to Close appears to close Paths better.
- A Cropping Tool that works for both vector and bitmap images [Examples].
- A Step and Repeat Docker for doing multiples. Similar function as the Transformation Docker, but in an easier to use format [Example].
- Other things include a Duplicate option that asks the Duplicate distance before duplicating. [Example]. And an enhanced Arrange/Order command lets you easily change the stacking order of objects on a layer or page.
- Lots of new artwork and fonts [Examples].
And a new feature that I've never seen in any program ---. Go to the Help section and you can click on 'Highlights -What's new'. Then click on the last version you have used, and the program will highlight all of the features (menus, toolbars, properties bars) with those new functions since you last updated [Examples].
You can now try X3 for free – yes, for free and now! Just go to Corel.com. This is just a short feature list of some of the options I like. More to follow, and a complete examples to follow here soon. And, it works great on the Universal Laser.
Configuring X3 For Your Universal
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