A Print merge example in CorelDRAW X4

March 30th, 2009 Val

Today I was creating nametags and folder lables for an upcoming church retreat for the women of the church. Last time I did this, I was using X3, so today I decided I’d try the Merge to New Document feature in X4 just to see what it did.

The retreat chairman sent me a list of the women’s names that we know are attending at this point. I stuck them into a .txt file and added “First, Last” to the top of the list, then put a comma between each woman’s first name and her last name. Now my data file was all set up and the whole thing for 30 women took only about 60 seconds. I’d designed the logo for the retreat brochure from clipart back in the fall. I simply resized it to fit the two kinds of labels I needed.

Now my normal procedure is to use the Avery label page set up, add a Master layer for the logo or byline that has to go on every page, then do the print merge onto those labels I have names for. Then I print a few more blank labels with just the generic stuff and names will be added with markers whenever we know who they belong to. It’s kind of a print twice procedure, because you never know if those with longer names are going to actually fit in the label area until you go to print. Either that, or you’ve got to design your label around the longest name you know. We teach this procedure in the CorelDRAW Introductory classes at http://lvsonline.com .

With the Merge to New Document feature in X4, I can see – and adjust – the names so they all not only fit, but look right on the label without having to type them all in and risk typing someone’s name wrong. That’s great! The labels and the name tags were two different sized labels, so with CorelDRAW, it was super easy to adjust everything to fit each size. (And I didn’t have to type it all in correctly TWICE!)

What I didn’t expect was that when the merge is done, the logo Master layer jumps to a plain layer on each label page. (Those of you who have taken my classes or are familiar with how the label page setup works will remember that each label is a “page” and the imposition is done for you automatically.)

The solution to get the extra blank labels with just the logo on them was to duplicate the last page using layers and contents, delete the name on it, then duplicate again to fill the extra “pages” on my label sheet.

Here’s my nametag. Maybe not the absolute best quality design, but the ladies will think it’s more than fine.

A finished label
A finished name tag.

Have fun!

Val P.

Posted in CorelDRAW | 2 Comments »

How do you use CorelDRAW???

March 21st, 2009 Val

I started using CorelDRAW for simple illustration because it was just as easy to use for the amateur (me) as the professional, and was easier on the budget than the alternatives available at the time. (I started with version 3.0) I’ve
continued using it because I haven’t found anything better out there for
all the different kinds of things I use it for. Vector and text
manipulation are both easily accomplished and I can switch back and
forth between projects designed for the web and projects designed for
home printers or professional printers without having to change
programs.

Since I’ve been teaching CorelDRAW, my students use CorelDRAW for a wide diversity of business applications including signs, embroidery, quilting, jewelry
design, advertising, web design, logo design, and fine arts and crafts
of all sorts. Others have been hobbyists using it to build ship models,
label home brew bottles, and create school and charity event posters.
I’ve had all ages from teens to retirees who enjoyed using the program.
I can’t think of anything outside of an office suite that has more to
offer to more kinds of people.

Who would think that something called CorelDRAW (honestly, who pays attention to the Graphics Suite part on the box and what does that mean to consumers anyway?) would be good for producing newsletters, name tags business cards and birthday cards, doing photo retouching, or managing the thousands of fonts folks end up with these days? Amateurs pay lots of money to buy the competing products because they just don’t know that CDGS can do the same sorts of things only better and often cheaper.

So I’m asking the question. What do YOU use CorelDRAW for?

Have fun!
Val P.

Posted in CorelDRAW | 10 Comments »

Register now for CorelDRAW classes for newbies!

March 6th, 2009 Val

If you’re having trouble learning CorelDRAW, you’re not alone. It’s a huge program and a lot to learn all at once. Where do you start? In my introductory classes, we don’t assume you know much at all except basic Windows skills. (And you can get those from the FREE Windows class I also teach!)

Each week a new lesson is posted on the “classroom” page with exercises and assignments for you to work through. There’s a message board for you to ask questions and free web hosting if you need it to upload your assignments. We don’t use complicated video or telephone methods, or even chat sessions, so you can work at your own speed completing each lesson sometime during the week.

Do plan on spending a three or four hours a week working through the lessons. Each PDF is 30-50 pages long! When all six lessons are over, you get to keep the PDFs to refer back to later. That’s like getting a whole textbook included with the course price of only $25US for six lessons.

If you’ve taken the introductory lessons (there are two sets for CorelDRAW X4), you can sign up for the newly updated CorelDRAW – Continuing the Adventure where we go into more depth on some tools that will surely increase your productivity and spur your creativity.

Here are the links for the class descriptions. Sign up right from these pages!

CorelDRAW X3 Introduction

CorelDRAW X4 Introduction Part 1
CorelDRAW X4 Introduction Part 2

CorelDRAW – Continuing the Adventure

Free Windows XP class

Free Vista class

The classrooms open on Monday, March 9 and the first lesson is posted Saturday March 14. That gives you time to figure out the classroom and discussion boards and meet your fellow students before you really get to work.

Come have fun with us!
Val P.

Posted in CorelDRAW, CorelDRAW Continued, CorelDRAW Intro | 2 Comments »