News

Corel to Ship Updated Graphics Suite

• By Stuart J. Johnston
• January 18, 2006

Corel announced this week that it will ship the latest release of its graphics bundle in February.

CorelDraw Graphics Suite X3 will provide more than 40 new and enhanced features, including a new tool to convert bitmaps into editable vector graphics. The new feature, called PowerTrace, also enables users to choose which colors appear in the “traced” image, including spot colors, according to a statement from the Ottawa, Ontario developer.

A new image adjustment “lab” lets users correct color balance and contrast either manually or automatically, while a new Hints docker provides context-sensitive help on the currently selected tool.

Additionally, the suite also adds a new Bevel effect docker meant to shorten the time required to apply bevel effects to graphic or text objects. The package also includes both a new smart fill tool and a new cropping tool that works with both bitmapped and vector graphics.

Users can now set security on PDF output, controlling whether and to what extent a PDF file can be accessed, edited and reproduced.

The suite contains CorelDraw X3 and Photo-Paint X3, along with Pixmantec RawShooter a RAW workflow tool, and Corel Capture X3, which lets users capture images from their computer screens with a single click. It also includes a handbook as well as more than 10,000 clip art images.

CorelDraw Graphics Suite X3 will cost $399 in the United States.