CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2019 is available now, while making its glorious return to the Mac after nearly 20 years

Photo by Corel 

This might be important news for our colleagues out there using vector-based software, such as Adobe Illustrator CC or Affinity Designer, to produce the studio version of their visual documentation. If you have a Windows PC, you are probably familiar with Corel’s excellent software solutions regarding photo modification and vector illustration, called CorelDRAW Graphics Suite. Nonetheless, Mac users will also be happy to hear that CorelDraw is no longer a Windows-exclusive design software. Long-time followers of Corel might remember that their graphics suite used to be available on the Mac as well, before it was discontinued in 2001. With its 2019 version, Corel rebuilt and retooled its programs to provide a “true native Mac experience" that is identical to their Windows release with a few Mac-exclusive twists, such as support for Dark Mode on macOS Mojave and the Touch Bar on the latest MacBook Pro models, providing quick access to layout settings, text controls, and more. Naturally, the Mac specific tools include menus, windows and views, fields and labels, and buttons all with the familiar Mac look, feel, and behavior. 

CorelDRAW for Mac interface (Photo by Corel)

Corel also rolled out a lightweight web version of their graphics suite called CorelDRAW.app. This alternate version is designed to be accessible from any web browser and aims to make it easier for creators to work on and share projects on the go. digitalEPIGRAPHY especially considers this to be a worthwhile option for those of us working on tablets and desktop computers simultaneously, but we have yet to see how it compares to Adobe’s similar solution when Photoshop for iPad comes out later this year. Although CorelDRAW is best known for vector graphic design and illustration, it can also be used for layer-based photo editing, RAW image processing, indexing and organizing font libraries or to create page layouts and more. 

CorelDRAW 2019 has a few new workflow enhancements to help you stay organized when working on complex art. The redesigned Object Docker gives users a thumbnail view to see instantly what is on a certain layer. New organization options help designers work with more complex files. The update also adds a search bar for finding a specific item from the Object Docker, which includes a find-and-replace tool for faster updates for repeating design elements. Pixel Grid is a new tool that aligns graphics to the edge of the pixels. This alignment can help digital designs appear sharper because the color ends in a sharp line at the end of a pixel, instead of a color gradation to the edge of the pixel. Also, the Effects Tab now allows designers to work with both bitmap and vector designs nondestructively, allowing users to go back to make an adjustment without the need to undo previous additions. Finally, Corel has added the ability to add, mix, and modify effects in both vector and bitmaps through non-destructive effects.

Photo by Corel 

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2019 for Mac is available now for a $499 (€699/£599.99) one-time purchase or $198 (€239.40/£199.99) per year ($30 for 30 days) on a subscription basis via Corel's online store in the United States. The suite can also be downloaded from the Mac App Store and activated via in-app purchase. There is the option to try out CorelDRAW, Corel PHOTO-PAINT, PowerTrace, AfterShot and Corel Font Manager (which are all included in the Suite) for two weeks for free before making your commitment. Access to the new web-based CorelDRAW.app is also included with your purchase.