CorelDRAW vs. Adobe Illustrator
CorelDRAW and Illustrator are the most popular and sophisticated graphic design software in the world. Both of them are vector-based illustrators and are designed to meet the needs of professionals and amateur designers across the world. If you are interested in the field of graphic design or you want to pursue a career in it, then the knowledge of one or both of these software is valuable.
But they are quite similar, and if you are starting a new project, you can be confused about which of the two will work best for you. They seem the same, but our guide on CorelDRAW vs Illustrator 2024 will help you differentiate these two popular software and decide which one to use.
What Is CorelDRAW?
CorelDRAW is vector-based design software used to make logos, brochures, flexes, and other designs based on the lining. Owned by the Corel Corporation, there are, basically, 3 versions of CorelDRAW: Essentials, Standard, and Graphics Suite. The best and the most popular of these versions is CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2020.
Since it is vector-based, it is commonly used when editing two-dimensional images like posters and logos.
The latest update came with new features such as photo perspective adjustment and applying an envelope to bitmaps.
Features of CorelDRAW
1. Vector Shape Tools – CorelDRAW has numerous tools for creating vector shapes, such as the Bezier tool, Freehand tool, and Pen tool. It also features simple vector shapes like ellipse, polygon, and rectangle.
Vector Tool in CorelDRAW – ‘Dragon Queen' Speed Drawing by Rogelio Hernandez Garcia
CorelDRAW Speed Drawing Completed – by Rogelio Hernandez Garcia
2. Mesh Fill Tool – This is a powerful tool that allows users to paint with gradients and create perfect shapes that can be recolored or resized. The tool allows you to create perfect prototypes or objects that are nearly realistic.
3. CorelDRAW Online – This is an application that allows you to make drawings remotely. With Corel Cloud, you can access your creations anywhere, and collaborators can also access them and make comments below them. This integration with the Corel Cloud enables you to store your saved projects online.
4. Color Harmonies – This will help change your artwork's color scheme as you can link similar colors and allow modification of the pallet using the current color, retain existing color harmonies while coming up with a new look.
5. Corel Font Manager – It's available in the graphic suite and enables you to manage your library and save your favorite fonts.
6. Topography Editing – Manage your projects well and adjust their fill, alignment, kerning, and more.
7. Powerful Upsampling – The feature enables you to improve the pixelated images to make the work more appealing and lets you maintain the quality of enlarged images. In other words, the enlarged image retains the same resolution as the smaller image.
Original Small Image
Enlarged Image with the Same Resolution
8. PowerTrace Features – Create beautiful illustrations from images with ease. You can also adjust the final vector image in preview before deciding on the final look. The result will be more accurate and stunning vector images.
9. Right to Left Typesetting – Necessary for Arabic, Hebrew, Urdu, and Persian.
10. Corel Photo Paint – Corel Photo – paint is a sister app that integrates with CorelDRAW well. It will help you to edit photographs.
11. Capture – The feature enables you to save screenshots of your screen.
Corel is Good for:
If you need the perfect software for making the best vector illustrations or edited photos, then CorelDRAW is your ultimate match. It is ideal for anyone who wants to venture into logo design, photo editing, brochure designing, and more. Since it allows the editing of two-dimensional images, it is commonly used in vector-based images and especially in the media industry.
If you are planning to pursue an advanced graphic designer career, then this application is your best match. According to a survey by Coursevidya Institute, about 60% of the graphic design industry use CorelDRAW software because it's friendly to beginners. These statistics also indicate that finding employment is easier with CorelDRAW than Illustrator.
According to us, good command and knowledge of either CorelDRAW or Illustrator don’t matter much to a graphic designer. Instead, the graphic design's sound understanding and the particular designer's creativity will play a pivotal role. But if a designer understands both software, he will have higher chances of a better remuneration package in the graphic design field.
Pros
1. It is easier to move graphics around in the program
2. It's ideal for making custom designs, especially on merchandise and signs
3. It boasts of a solid functionality
4. It has an easy-to-use interface
5. It loads and operates fast
6. Integration with CorelPhoto within the platform
Cons
Whenever a new version is out, you may need to upgrade the software
What Is Adobe Illustrator?
Adobe Illustrator is a software application that enables you to create illustrations, drawings, and artwork using a computer. The first version was launched in 1987, and since then, many updates have been rolled out on Windows Computers.
This software is popular among graphic designers, visual artists, web designers, and illustrators worldwide who rely on it to handle their world. It has many sophisticated drawing tools that will help you save time when creating illustrations.
Features of Adobe Illustrator?
– It has cut, copy, and paste features for the artboard and different documents
– It features enhanced product stability than alternative software in the market
– Has a spelling error highlighter
– The latest version can repair any damaged documents.
– It supports faster rendering when using some features like Drop Shadow, Inner, and Outer Glow
– It allows for Adobe Stock Marketplace Integration
– It has shape builder tools for subtracting mode/freeform merge
– It is available for Windows and macOS operating systems
– Has custom colors, brushes, and graphics
Illustrator is Good for:
If you spend most of your time creating an array of digital cartoons, charts, images, and illustrations, then this software is designed for you. Additionally, it is ideal when you:
– Want to use imported photographs as a guide for any object tracing
– When you need software that can create sketch-like appearances or recolor
Differences between Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW
1. Year Founded and Creator
Adobe Illustrator was launched in 1987, while CorelDRAW was launched in 1989. The creators of Adobe Illustrator are Adobe Systems, while Corel Corporation created CorelDRAW.
2. Uses – Is Illustrator Better than CorelDRAW?
Adobe Illustrator is a popular vector graphics editor that enables professionals to design logos, draw maps, package designs, illustrations, etc. This program is versatile when handling vector-based work and has attracted many designers who enjoy its amazing features, and functions that enable them to explore their creativity.
On the other hand, CorelDRAW is mainly used when creating varied types of documents such as brochures, visiting cards, and big hoardings. This software is useful when designing vector projects and is also popular across the world. Thus, it is a good Illustrator alternative.
When it comes to the software that will work best with your project, it all narrows down to your needs as they are both high-quality and come with incredible features.
3. Learning Curve
CorelDRAW is a user-friendly software that has a shorter learning curve, i.e., it's ideal for beginners as they can easily identify the three-point curves in the program for the width, height, and length, enabling them to create different types of shapes such as circular, symmetrical and arches without touching original points (nodes). They can also control these curves with ease using the “Ctrl” and “Shift” buttons. Additionally, there are many online tutorials which one will find helpful when learning the program.
On the other hand, though Adobe Illustrator is viewed as popular software, it has a steeper learning curve. This is because of its numerous toolsets and curves which must be controlled via the Curvature tool. However, once you understand how it works, it will be easier to make different points and make shapes by joining these points.
Despite the numerous tutorials on the internet, one will still need proper training from an accredited graphic design institute to understand Illustrator well. This software is quite complex, has many features, tools, and functionalities, and it's hard to use it without proper training.
If you compare CorelDRAW and Illustrator based on usage, then CorelDRAW takes the day.
4. Functionality
When it comes to the functionality part, you will find both tools handy based on their multipurpose and versatile nature. But though they look good and have amazing features and functionalities, it's easier to draw when using CorelDRAW.
Experts have also mentioned that it’s easier to create and manipulate vector work when using CorelDRAW than with Illustrator. However, Corel lacks many Adobe Illustrator features, but it's easier to use and takes less time.
Adobe Illustrator can be very fun to use for the users since it comes with many variable features such as colors, gradients, vectors, and more that are important when creating illustrations.
If a designer tries both applications, there are higher chances he will be more satisfied with CorelDRAW compared to Illustrator as it features a smoother working style and is easier to use. It is also compatible with a number of modern motion graphics, design, and video editing applications.
5. Symbol Library
Both Illustrator and CorelDRAW have a fantastic collection of symbols. Using them, you can easily create and edit different types of symbols. But when you use both tools, you will notice CorelDRAW contains many useful libraries.
Symbols in CorelDRAW
Symbols in Illustrator
6. Color Preview
There is no much difference between CorelDRAW’s Print preview and that of Adobe Illustrator. However, it is slightly more accurate in CorelDRAW which makes it ideal for printing.
7. Device Compatibility
Both Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW have apps for both PC (Windows) and macOS. Therefore, the two are, more or less, at par here.
8. Apps Compatibility
Well, as you might already know, Adobe makes some other apps like InDesign, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, etc. So you know Illustrator takes the day when it comes to compatibility with most apps. Additionally, it has a better user interface and ensures more file exchange, making it a more reliable tool than CorelDRAW.
9. Economy
Illustrator would be more affordable for individuals or companies already using other Adobe applications such as Photoshop and InDesign, etc. But if you are not using any Adobe application now, it will be wiser and more affordable to use CorelDRAW.
Using Adobe Illustrator with CorelDRAW
There is now a better synergy between the two programs to allow for smooth movement or importation of files from Adobe Illustrator to CorelDRAW or vice versa. For instance, you can easily import CS6, PDF, PSD, curves, texts and more from Illustrator to CorelDRAW and still preserve all the imported effects along with the files.
CorelDRAW vs Illustrator (for Screen Printing)
Both software is user-friendly in terms of functionality, but CorelDRAW features a stronger command on screen printing, text tools, and editing while also supporting numerous file formats. On the other hand, the strength of Illustrator lies in coloring, shape editing, and 3D effects.
Related: Best Resin 3D Printers
Pros
1. Illustrator gives you multiple tons for the creation of work.; if you think of any 2D design works, you can recreate them using Illustrator.
2. Illustrator works with .pdf files and many types of image files. Therefore, if you are working on different files, you won't experience compatibility issues.
3. Once you learn how to use the software basically, you will enjoy many easy-to-use tools that will enable you to make even better creations. This software is complex and has many ways in which you can achieve your design goals.
4. It works virtually with all systems.
5. Integrates well with other Adobe products.
Cons
Its learning curve can be steep for many.
CorelDRAW vs Illustrator (Which Is the Best)
Well, the best graphic design software between Illustrator and CorelDraw will depend on your needs and preferences. Each comes with its advantages and drawbacks, and your project requirements and how you use the software will determine your perfect match.
But you must possess technical skills for you to utilize the advanced features of both programs. Before you choose the software to use, analyze your technical skills, and for what purpose either of the two programs will be put to use versus other graphic design software on the market. That way, you will decide which one works best for you.
Additionally, if you want to design from scratch, you will need good graphic design software to ensure you have the best design. Be on the lookout for the latest graphic design trends to help you make the right decision.
I won’t pick the best software in this Illustrator vs CoreDRAW review, but instead, this unbiased review will enable you to make the best decision. But since there is no all-in-one design software, use one that handles your needs.
