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Adobe Illustrator vs Corel Draw

If you’re looking for good graphic design software, then two options to consider are Adobe Illustrator and Corel Draw. Part of the choice will be dictated by the operating system that you are running. Windows users can use either program, but Apple users will be limited to Illustrator.

Here are some of the key points of comparison to determine which option could be the right one for you.

1. Ease of use.

Illustrator is an intuitive program that is relatively easy to pick up and begin to work. Neither program is “simple,” but it does take more of a technical mind to master Corel Draw right away. Once you progress through the learning curve of both programs, they are about equal from the user standpoint. It becomes a matter of understanding which tools will serve you the best.

2. Interface or user dashboard.

From a purely aesthetic standpoint, Illustrator is easier to use. Everything is placed in a location that seems logical. The structure is quite orderly. With Corel Draw, you can align objects quickly so that your work can progress rapidly and in a logical format. You’re also able to work on several pages at the same time, which can be a struggle sometimes when trying to use Illustrator.

3. Hardware requirements.

Adobe Illustrator requires Windows users to have an Intel Pentium 4 or Athlon 64 processor at minimum. 2GB of RAM is required for 64-bit, but 8GB is recommended. Mac users for Illustrator need to be using Sierra or El Capitan, a multi-core Intel processor with 64-bit support, and the same RAM recommendations. Corel Draw requires Microsoft Windows 7 at minimum, works with 32-bit or 64-bit, and needs an Athlon 64 or Intel Core i-Series processor. You’ll need 2GB of RAM and 1GB of HDD space, along with Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 or higher.

4. Project requirements.

Illustrator is a good option for those who are looking to create print-ready designs for multiple forms of media, including digital publication. Corel Draw does a good job of handling specific print-ready designs for items like banners or billboards, but Illustrator can handle those designs as well. In this area of the Adobe Illustrator vs Corel Draw debate, both platforms are about equal.

5. Getting to know it.

Adobe Illustrator allows you to try the platform for up to 7 days from the day it is downloaded. From there, you can then convert your trial to a paid Creative Cloud membership at any time. You get to try all the features and updates that are on the latest version of the product. Corel Draw allows for a 15-day free trial and no credit card is required to use the professional tools, including the real-time LiveSketch drawing tool that is offered.

6. Cost.

Adobe Illustrator is part of the Creative Cloud suite of apps that is offered. You can subscribe to a single app for $19.99 or choose to subscribe to the entire suite of apps, which includes Illustrator, for $49.99. In return, users receive ongoing updates to the platform with their monthly subscription for no added charge. Corel Draw requires you to purchase the rights to use the software before it can be used. The current graphics suite for Corel Draw is $499, while the technical suite is $999. Mac users can choose CorelCAD for $699. A home and student version of Corel Draw is available for $130, but has limited features compared to the full package.

7. Graphic design uses.

Adobe Illustrator can help you to create vector art and you don’t lose your work because it routinely updates through the Cloud. For an added cost, you can link Illustrator to Adobe Stock for more than 40 million royalty-free images that can be used in your design. Files can be synced across Adobe platforms and the images can be resized to any format or file size. Corel Draw supports over 100 different file formats and works with Illustrator products. Photo editing, vector graphic resizing, and QR code creation are all possible on this platform as well.

In the Adobe Illustrator vs Corel Draw debate, you’ll find there both are good options that can help you to create the graphic designs you want. Both can be somewhat difficult to learn, especially if you’re new to the field, but Corel Draw is a little more technical in its approach. If you’re looking for something that is versatile and works with multiple Adobe software options, then choose Illustrator.

If you work on Windows and want plenty of compatibility options and file format choices, then choose Corel Draw.

Which software option do you prefer?

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