CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5 [Old Version]

This is my first time using CorelDraw. I have used other drawing media in the past...mostly Design software, but this is so much easier to use. I downloaded the free trial version directly from Corel and once I tried it, I new I had to buy it...that and a Wacom tablet...of course you don't need a tablet to use CorelDraw, but it gives it a better feel if you are actually drawing or using the Corel Photo-Paint software that normally comes included with Corel Draw. I used both CorelDraw and Corel Photo-Paint to create my first two logos. I was amazed at the simplicity of the tools. They come with step by step tips on how to use the tools available and that is a great thing for people who tend to forget all what a given tool can do. My only complaint is that the disc I received from the vendor selling it here at Amazon, was scratched...I kind of got stuck with it because I am currently deployed and could not just go to the store and pick up another one. By the way, if you want to buy a Wacom Draw Tablet, I would suggest you buy it as a package that includes the software (Corel Draw, Photo Paint, Corel Capture and whatever else they offer as a package...you will save lots of money that way, trust me). Another thing is, if you want to use it only to draw and nothing else, then buy the Wacom Tablet included with Illustrator from Corel...another great product.

This was sold as a new program. After receiving it and installing it, Corel contacted me and informed me that it had been registered and used before, so, at least according to Corel, it was a pirated copy. Maybe someone bought it, and then put it on their computer, and then sent it back, but Corel registers all of these individually and they are cracking down on pirated copies. I paid a significant price for this from this vendor, and was quite upset to find this from corel. Corel offered to sell me a "real" copy, which I downloaded for a lot less than I purchase this pirated copy for. I did return it and get my money back, but this is bad business all around. Seems it's safer to buy one directly from Corel than a vendor, even on Amazon. Thankfully, I got a full refund.The program is great, does what I want, and Corel support is fine; it was just that the disc and package I received was pirated. I should have known; it didn't have any paperwork or the booklet that is supposed to come in the box!

Corel Draw is telling me this is NOT their product it’s an illegal version.

I needed the old version of this software to prepare a template for a CD project I was doing so checked out Amazon and selected a well-rated vendor for a lower cost "open box" copy of the software (with activation codes and license). After it arrived I installed it and registered it with Corel. Shortly thereafter Corel informed me that it was a pirated copy and I paid a license fee to continue to use it. The lesson is that things that seem too good to be true usually aren't true. I am only surprised that Amazon would ally itself with a vendor that sells pirated software.

It was all about learning a new program..fast that sealed the deal. The CD from Amazon was defective. I had to call Corel and for another $35 including support they mailed me another one. Support was very good. Other than that, I love this CorelDraw program. I had the old Macromedia (now Adobe) Fireworks (yep...really old) and replaced it with the CorelDraw X5, because the conclusion based on many internet reviewsand ratings was that CorelDRaw has less of a learning curve than the latest Adobe program. There were some basic tools in my old Fireworks program that I found to be far ahead of this, but nothing I can't live with and adjust to.

I was still using X3 but had installed Win 7 and Win 8 (dual boot) on my notebook. I figured it was time for an upgrade. The seller had the price low enough that it was cheaper to buy this and upgrade to X6 than to buy the full X6. I have yet to upgrade. Everything works on Windows 7; a few things don't work in Win 8. CorelDraw does, but I can't open a .cpt (PhotoPaint) file by double clicking it, however I can start PhotoPaint and open the file. I had occasion to try Corel Capture which I think replaced Corel Trace, which converted raster to vector. Trace worked well for simple shapes, not so well for complex. In my case, Capture wouldn't start at all in Windows 8. I spend 85% of my time in DRAW, 14% in PhotoPaint and about 1% in the rest of the suite. If I get really desperate, I can always boot into Win 7 and run the balky components there. I can't ding Corel for the Windows 8 problems because it came out before Win 8 was introduced. When you install the program, they indicate it's not fully compatible. Right now there's not a big impetus to upgrade. Oh, the Bitstream Font Navigator works well.

I was still using CorelDraw version 12 when I made this purchase. I wanted to upgrade to X6 but version 12 is old enough that it does not qualify. So rather than purchase the full version of X6, I bought X5 and the X6 upgrade. As silly as this seems, it was cheaper than buying the full version of X6. Now as a bonus, I can put X5 on my laptop for those times I'm on the road. What a great deal on a great program.

I experienced a bit of a glitch with the serial number that came with Corel Draw, without the correct number the program would not install. I contacted CyberMall and explained the problem. I didn't anticipate hearing from them until Monday as this was on the weekend. I was very surprised to hear back within hours, they promised a replacement CD would be shipped on Monday. Early Sunday morning I received an email from them promising a new key so I could begin using the program. The correct serial number arrived shortly after! This is customer service at it's best!!