CorelDRAW Open/Import & Save As/Export/Publish

May 24th, 2008 Val

One of the things that frequently confuses new users of CorelDRAW is that there are at least two different ways to get documents into the program (not counting copy/paste) and at least another three to get documents from the program out to data storage. Let’s look at getting existing documents INTO CorelDRAW to start out with.

CorelDRAW can open gobs of file formats. If you install CorelDRAW without using the custom install, you may not have the full set. Even if you did install the full set, you can turn some of them off and on in the Tools/Options Global -> Filters dialog. Feel free to explore that list sometime, but right now, we’re headed to the File menu.

In the File menu are two kinds of document open commands. The first is File/Open (Ctrl+O). Use Open to open formats that CorelDRAW thinks of as primarily VECTOR files. This list will vary depending on your version of CorelDRAW, but includes not only the native CDR and CMX files, but AI, EPS, PDF (in some versions) DWG, PUB, WMF and a bunch of others that you may or may not think of as primarily vector in nature.

The second menu command is File/Import (Ctrl+I). One thing you need to know about this one is that you must have an already open document in CorelDRAW to import a file. The file being imported will be placed into that open document rather than as an independent document. When you Import a document, you’ll get a little cursor showing where the top left of your file will go. Attached to that cursor will be some descriptive information about your imported file and some hints about where to put it. You can place the imported file with your mouse by moving that corner cursor to where you want it and simply click to place the file at it’s full size there. Alternatively, you can tap your Enter key and that will place your file centered on the page. Finally, you can click and drag to resize your file proportionally. For some files, pressing the Space bar will place the file centered on the page. For others, it will place the file wherever it was originally placed on a page in it’s original formatted file.

The Import command, unlike the Open command, is not limited to just Vector files or just Bitmap files. You can import a JPG image (or most other bitmaps) or you can import a multipage CDR file (or most of the other vector formats that CorelDRAW can open). If you import a file that has multiple pages, the pages will be created for you in your open file provided they don’t already exist. Layers are also created on the fly during the import process. Depending on the complexity of the file, Importing a file can take a bit of time, so be patient.

The one thing you cannot do in either Open or Import is to acquire a file that was created in a newer version of a program than was in existence when your version of CorelDRAW came out. This isn’t just true in CorelDRAW, but in just about any program out there. Older programs have no idea what to do with the features in newer programs. Also, in general, newer versions of CorelDRAW are more successful importing files in non-CorelDRAW Graphics suite formats.

As to those output options? If you want the file saved as a vector format, choose Save or Save As. If you need it in GIF, TIF, JPG, or PNG or any of several other bitmap formats, use the Export command. If you need a PDF, choose Publish to PDF. If you are creating an image map for the web, use the Publish to the Web option.

Also, keep in mind that though you may see what you’d normally think of as a vector file in the Export list, just about everything exported ends up as a bitmap. If you want vector, use Save As.

You CAN create a simple GIF or JPG using the Publish to the Web option, but in general, it’s more of a pain than it’s worth since you need to be working in 1:1 zoom mode if you want your graphics to be any specific size.

Well, I know I’ve probably oversimplified some things (and possibly made others more complex than they need to be) but I’d love to hear from you about your tips for getting images and documents into and out of CorelDRAW.

Have fun!

Val P.

Posted in CorelDRAW, CorelDRAW Intro | No Comments »

Time to register for May classes at LVS

April 28th, 2008 Val

My apologies for being absent so long from the blogosphere. I was out of town for a while, then came down with a nasty stomach virus. Fortunately, I’m starting to feel more human again. Meanwhile, I’m trying to get my house ready for sale so we can move in June AND write a new Introduction to CorelDRAW X4 class for September. Meanwhile, here’s a reminder that the May session is coming at LVS!

Registration for the May LVS session is closing soon, but there is still time to register for the Intro to CorelDRAW classes at LVS. We have self study intro classes for CorelDRAW 9-12 and an instructor led
class for CorelDRAW X3. I wrote the version 12 and X3 classes and can promise you’ll get your money’s worth.
http://www.lvsassociates.com/register/product_info.php?products_id=186

If you’ve already taken that class and want more, try the CorelDRAW - Continuing the Adventure class. It’s always a small class, so you get lots of individual attention.
http://www.lvsassociates.com/register/product_info.php?products_id=208

I’ll have a class on the new CorelDRAW X4 coming in September for anyone who has upgraded!

Also, new last session I’ve created a new Intro to Windows Vista class. It’s aimed at those who are brand new to computing, but just about anyone who has used Windows, even for years, can benefit from
the class.
http://www.lvsassociates.com/register/product_info.php?products_id=255

And don’t forget the FREE Intro to Windows class for Windows 98,ME, and XP. It’s a bit outdated, but if your first computer (or your mother’s first computer) is an older model, you certainly can’t beat
the price.
http://www.lvsassociates.com/register/product_info.php?products_id=68

All instructor led classes are $25 US, $20 for returning students. This includes all instructional materials, (not the CorelDRAW or Windows software, of course) a message board to ask questions and post
assignments to, free webhosting for your class assignments if needed, and the ability to ask the instructor any questions you want for six weeks plus a little.

Self study classes are $11.50 US and are just as good, but you don’t get the instructor. ;) The exception is the Intro to Windows 98-XP class which is not only FREE but I also pop in to answer any questions
you may have.

All contain six downloadable lessons jammed packed with information you can save or print out for you to use after the class is over.

Of course, if you’ve taken all of my classes, do check out the other classes offered by LVS. There is sure to be something you’ll want to learn!
http://www.lvsonline.com/schedule.shtml

Have fun!

Val P.
Instructor, LVS Associates - Where Learning Is Fun!
Authorized Corel Training Partner

Posted in CorelDRAW, CorelDRAW Continued, CorelDRAW Intro, Windows Vista | No Comments »

Spring is coming! (and so is the Spring session of LVS!)

February 22nd, 2008 Val

This is just a friendly reminder that registration for the March session of LVS will be coming to a close on March 3. That’s right around the corner!

LVS has some great new courses this session, including my own Intro to Windows Vista. http://www.lvsassociates.com/register/product_info.php?products_id=255

And of course, many of the oldies but goodies are back again, including CorelDRAW X3 Intro

http://www.lvsassociates.com/register/product_info.php?cPath=1_12&products_id=186

and CorelDRAW - Continuing the Adventure.

http://www.lvsassociates.com/register/product_info.php?cPath=1_12&products_id=208

Every course is six weeks long. You download one lesson each week, then use a discussion board for questions and participation in class and there’s a free webhosting service for students to upload their assignments each week. Work at your own pace and log into the message board at any time of day or night to get help. (OK, I won’t be checking the boards 24/7, but I usually do check them several times a day.) You get six PDF lessons to download and use on your computer or print out as you wish. Each lesson is between 20 and 40 pages with plenty of screenshots to help you through. All of this is only $25 US - a bargain at twice the price! Returning students get a discount. :)

Be sure and tell all your friends to check out http://www.lvsonline.com for all sorts of great courses. We have over 200 courses and our excellent instructors and students are from all over the world and span all age brackets. Besides our full instructor led courses, we also have self study courses and a good handful of free tutorials.

Hope to see you in the “halls” of LVS, Where Learning Is Fun!

Val P.

Posted in CorelDRAW | No Comments »

New Intro to Vista Course

February 18th, 2008 Val

Right now I’m madly finishing up the new Introduction to Vista course for LVS. If you’ve just upgraded to Vista from XP or if you or someone you know is just getting started with a computer running Vista, this course is for you and your friends and family. The lessons are written specifically for the first time computer user - like your mother or aunt. For instance, I explain all those strange computer terms, and go into detail on how to use a mouse. However, even if you’re a long time Windows user, you’ll more than likely learn something you didn’t know in the first couple of lessons.

Check it out here:

http://www.lvsassociates.com/register/product_info.php?products_id=255

What? You haven’t upgraded to Vista and don’t know anyone who’s using it but still need help with Windows XP? LVS has a FREE Introduction to Windows course that covers Windows 98, ME, and XP. Even though that course is a bit outdated and TOTALLY FREE, I’ll still be there to help in the friendly class discussion boards.

Sign up for the free class here:

http://www.lvsassociates.com/register/product_info.php?products_id=68

Registration is open right now for the LVS six week session starting March 3. Don’t wait!

Remember, one of these two classes is a prerequisite for taking any of the CorelDRAW classes and most of the other classes at LVS. Now, what are you waiting for???

Have fun!

Val P.

Posted in Windows Vista | No Comments »