Sancho Text Docker for X5

I still wonder what Corel was thinking when they removed the Format Text dialog box in CorelDRAW X3 and replaced it with not one but two Dockers. Whenever I need to do some text formatting, I always have to make changes in both Dockers. This is an incredibly inefficient workflow.

The good news is that the custom Docker technology allows third parties to rectify things like this since it could be years before Corel sees the err of their ways. The Sancho Text Docker for X5 does everything you can do in the two separate Dockers that Corel provides and more. Best of all, you can add them to your copy of CorelDRAW for free!

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Brian Davies Layers for X4 and X5

If you regularly use Layers in CorelDRAW X4 or X5, you'll want to get a copy of the free Brian Davies Layers for X4 and X5. Corel made numerous changes to how layers work from previous versions and some of the other tasks are harder to complete without this macro. Not only will you have those old abilities, you'll have other layer-related functionality.

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Table Preset Docker

One of the new features introduced in CorelDRAW X4 was the ability for developers to create custom Dockers. Hendrik Wagenaar wrote a blog post detailing the process of creating custom Dockers. If you are a developer, you'll love all the information presented. Regular users will be most interested in the Docker he uses as an example.

The Table Preset Docker makes it much easier to apply some pretty cool formatting to tables in CorelDRAW. You can either use one of the saved presets or you can define your own formatting. These Dockers are version specific so Hendrik just posted an updated blog post linking to an X5 version of the Table Preset Docker. Also note that instructions for where to place the files for the Docker are included in his posts. And yes, the Docker is free.

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John-Dan Key's Random Macro

If you have a bunch of shapes on screen that all have the same properties, you may not be getting the effect you desire. What if you could select all those shapes and have them move randomly by a small amount. Or maybe you want the objects to have a random color assigned. That's exactly the kinds of things you can do with John-Dan Key's Random Macro. Give it a look as I think you'll find it quite useful.

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CSV Reorder

I guess technically CSV Reorder isn't really a macro since it runs outside of CorelDRAW. Yet it can be very useful for massaging a data file that you plan to use with CorelDRAW's print merge feature. When dealing with badges, postcards, tickets and other smaller pieces; you'll often want to print multiple pieces on a single sheet of paper. Yet you want the data to remain in a particular order when the stacks of paper are cut. CSV Reorder works with a CSV data file and can reorder the data in whatever order you need for the finished output.

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Jeff's Magic Erase

Not a day goes by without someone asking that infamous question, how to cut an image out of a background. Many times the process is fairly simple and Jeff Harrison has created a macro to make it even easier. This macro is for images where the background to be removed is primarily a solid color. The more complex the background, the less likely this macro will help. Check out Jeff's Magic Erase and see if it is something useful to you. You'll find a demonstration movie on the page to show you exactly how it works.

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MonsterMerge Variable Imaging Suite

I've told you about the MonsterMerge Variable Imaging Suite before and I decided to talk about it again because it provides features that are useful to so many CorelDRAW users. One thing I should make clear is that CorelDRAW X4 is required to run it. Why not on the older versions? Quite simply because Corel added the ability to merge to a new file in CorelDRAW X4. That feature alone is worth upgrading if you use Print Merge in CorelDRAW. Yes, CorelDRAW's native Print Merge is very powerful at merging text. But it doesn't give you the ability to merge graphics.

MonsterMerge adds the ability to merge graphics as well as a built-in imposition system. Let's use name badges as an example. It is easy to create name badges customized with a person's name, their company, their location and other textual information. But what if you want to put the person's picture on the name badge? Or maybe a graphic related to their category of business? You'd have to do that manually without MonsterMerge. If you had MonsterMerge, you would put the name of the graphic file on the graphic and then MonsterMerge would swap that name with the actual graphic. It support a wide variety of graphic formats.

This is just one example of the many things that MonsterMerge can do. Examples of some projects are posted on the Web site and more are found in the supplied help files. If you do Print Merge, you'll find MonsterMerge to be a valuable addition!

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Hendrik's Startnode

Need to find the first node on each path or subpath in your drawing? Hendrik's Startnode will make this process easier for you. To make the process even quicker, assign the macro to a button or shortcut key. Best of all, it is a free download.

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Lev's Toggleview

Some macros do such a simple task that it is really difficult for me to write much about them. Lev's Toggleview is one of those macros. It toggles between two different views in CorelDRAW. By default they are wireframe and enhanced with overprints though you can change to other views if you want. Best of all, it is a free download.

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Jeff's Trim and Crop

Do you have pixels of a solid color around an image? Adobe Photoshop has a trim command to remove them automatically. Jeff's Trim and Crop includes a macro for Corel PHOTO-PAINT that will do the same thing. Jeff has left a five pixel border around the image so it isn't cropped too tightly. Speaking of cropping, the macro also includes a tool that allows you to crop images to an exact number of pixels. Together these two macros can save you a lot of time when using Corel PHOTO-PAINT.

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GDG SSSS Macro

Just looking at the name of today's macro, GDG SSSS, is quite confusing. When you realize that each S stands for something, it makes a bit more sense. First is Stripe It and it creates a series of stripes. You specify the number, width, spacing and more. Next up is Split It which divides a curve into equal segments. After that comes Space It for spacing a series of objects. Last is Size It where you can size various objects based on the height or width or other objects. More details are found in the screen shots provided on the product page. Check them out and see if this macro would be useful to you.

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GDG Easy Dim & Sample

Each Monday I tell you all about a macro for CorelDRAW or Corel PHOTO-PAINT. Some of these macros only do one thing, but they do it really well. Others are more complex. Today's macro has probably the biggest dialog box I've ever seen for a macro. GDG Easy Dim & Sample will automatically add dimensions to selected shapes. Along with that, it will make up to three sample proofs for you. You have numerous choices related to the dimensions and each of the sample proofs. That's where the massive dialog comes into play. Give it a look and see if this macro is something that will improve your workflow.

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Jeff's Info Helper

As you are creating your files in CorelDRAW, there are times that you need to have some specific information included. Jeff's Info Helper allows you to easily insert some of those pieces of information. It will insert the date, time, file path or file name. You can even click a button and update any of the information already existing in the file. Of course you can change the fonts, colors and positions to whatever you may need. It is certainly easier than manually inserting and updating the information in your files.

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GDG Vinyl Easy Weed Helper

When many people think about weeding, they think about annoying yardwork. In the world of sign-making, weeding many something different. It is the process of removing the excess vinyl so that only the desired parts are left.


GDG Vinyl Easy Weed Helper makes it easier to prepare artwork for output to a vinyl cutter. With the artwork selected, you can easily calculate how many copies will fit in a defined width. Once calculated, it can tile the artwork to give the most efficient output. And given the name, it can also create weed borders in a number of ways. If you are in the vinyl cutting business, you'll want to check out this macro.

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Krasbit Layouter

Normally I talk about one macro each Monday. Of course that macro may have a few different features included with it. Today we are going to talk about a whole group of macros that are packaged together as Krasbit Layouter. I always recommend that you read all of the details about a macro carefully before trying it. The same applies here as there are several requirements for these macros. It also notes quite clearly that some of the macros will not work in CorelDRAW X4.

As for the features included: project content optimization/prepress, quick export, object swapping, copying and pasting sets of properties, finding and grouping a specific type of objects, advanced import options, advanced bitmap and link manager, fixing broken links, automatic line breaking, smart grouping, exporting of slice objects and much more. Again, read all of the details about these macros. Of course you are probably wondering about the cost. In this case, the macros are released as freeware right now. So get a copy while you can.

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Hatch Fill

CorelDRAW includes a wide variety of fills in its arsenal. One type of fill that has been curiously missing is the hatch fill. It is included as part of Corel DESIGNER (download a free trial), but I've asked and Corel intends to keep it there. That means you have to turn to macros if you want the ability to fill objects with hatch fills. Today's macro, HatchFill, does exactly that. When you run the macro, you have several choices to make about the hatch to be created. Adjust the spacing, width of the lines, angle and colors. Best of all, you can download it for free.

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GDG Click-It! Contours and Shadows

When you are working with Contours in CorelDRAW, the options provided don't give you a choice for the type of corners you want. GDG Click It! Contours & Shadows allows you to choose between rounded and beveled corners. You can also apply a Contour to multiple shapes at the same time instead of being limited to only a single object. This gives you more flexibility and allows you to work faster than the built-in options. On top of that are three different options for adding shadows to objects. That's a lot of great features in one package!

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eCut for CorelDRAW

Do you cut vinyl from artwork you've created in CorelDRAW? While some cutters can be driven directly, most of them will benefit by having software to optimize the artwork before sending to the cutter. eCut for CorelDRAW is a new add-on for CorelDRAW that will do just that. It handles nesting, perimeter and area calculations, cost calculations and much more. If you are cutting vinyl, you want to check out this new add-on!

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Noisia Applications Color Spectrum Pro

When you are printing something for a client, it can sometimes be tough to match the exact color they desire. Even if you select a specific set of CMYK values or a Pantone color, the output may not be the color wanted by your client. That's where Noisia Applications Color Spectrum Pro will come to the rescue.

Select the color you are trying to match and this macro will generate a series of color swatches near the selected color. If the original color doesn't match, the idea is that one of the nearby colors may do the trick. For those who need an exact color, this macro could be a job saver.

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Save Old Version

If you have multiple versions of CorelDRAW installed in your office or you have clients with older versions, it may be handy to automatically save your files to an older version. The Save Old Version macro will do exactly that and it is free.

Now I'm going to caution you about using this macro unless you know the downsides. No, the macro doesn't do anything wrong. The problem is not having a copy of the file saved in the current version. With each new version of CorelDRAW, the file format changes and features are added. When you save backwards, you are permanently losing those new features. Yesterday I had a user ask me about this macro and his office is a mix between CorelDRAW X4 and CorelDRAW 10. If all files were automatically saved backwards to v10, all of the features added in the last four versions are lost. My suggestion was to save the file in CorelDRAW X4 and then save a second copy (under a separate file name) to v10 using Save As. This isn't as efficient as using this macro, but could save you from potential disaster if too much is lost by saving backwards.

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wOxxOm Patch CorelDRAW X3/X4

If you simply look at the name of this tool, you'll likely think it is a service pack for CorelDRAW. I've already suggested to the folks at MacroMonster that it should be renamed to TweakCDR as this is a tool that makes it easy to change some defaults in CorelDRAW by modifying the Windows registry for you.

wOxxOm Patch CorelDRAW X3/X4 gives you a number of functions. For example, you can change the size and color of nodes. Or maybe you want to disable the reading and saving of color styles. How about changing the size of the Navigator window. These are just a few of the many settings that can easily be changed. Best of all, you can download it for free.

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Shelby's Live Fillet / Scallop / Chamfer Updated

One of the best new features of CorelDRAW X3 was the addition of the Fillet/Scallop/Chamfer Docker. Today's macro takes that feature to new heights by allowing you to make live changes. Shelby's Live Fillet / Scallop / Chamfer macro let's you easily make changes to entire objects or even to selected nodes. One thing it also adds is the ability to do an offset chamfer. If you have already purchased this macro, you can download the new update for free.

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Shelby's Autosize

Do you take photos of real world objects, like buildings, where you need to resize the photo to the real size of the object? If so, you need to check out Shelby's Autosize. It can automatically straighten an image. Or draw a line between two points on the photo where you know the real measurement and the photo will be resized to the exact size. These are only a few of the features. Check out all of the features in this macro.

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Jeff's Sooper Dooper Must Have Macros V2

It is really hard to tell just how much hundreds or even thousands of macros exist for CorelDRAW. The number of "publically available" macros is definitely in the hundreds and I'm sure there are many more than users have created for themselves or their companies that are never made public.

Jeff Harrison has put together collections of some of his most popular macros and today I'm focused on Jeff's Sooper Dooper "Must Have" Macros V2. Look over the list of the six macros in this package won't show you anything earth shattering. Yet that is why they can be so powerful. Each of them provide a way to accomplish an every day type of task faster than doing it without the macro. Jeff has even put together a movie that shows each of the macros in action so you can see exactly what they do. Look over the list and see if any of the included macros can shave time off of your project's workflow.

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Brian Davies Quick Margins Redux

Three weeks ago I told you about Brian Davies Quick Margins. There have been some important modifications to the macro since that post. The first change allows you to assign the colors of your choice to the guidelines. Then came a second change allowing the macro to work with drawings displayed in facing pages. Even with these changes, you can still download the macro for free. Further testing of the macro has shown that it only works with CorelDRAW X4. This is just one more reason why it is a good idea to keep your copy of CorelDRAW up to date.

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Brian Davies Before and After

How many times have you looked at a image and seen a before and after version. Whoever created that image probably had to spend some time to put the two versions side by side. Brian Davies Before and After makes it easier for you to put those two images together. No matter your starting image, the paper size will be modified to twice the original size and everything in the image will be copied side by side. Should you need to Undo, it can be done with a single click. Give it a try as this is a free macro.

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Shelby's Hotel Text

Users will often ask how they can create "hotel text" in CorelDRAW. This type of text gets its name because many times a hotel will have its sign with letters stacked on top of each other. There is no automatic feature to do this in CorelDRAW, but that doesn't mean it can't be done. Shelby's Hotel Text will automatically convert a string of Artistic Text to "hotel text" with a single click and it will convert it back with another click. Best of all, you can download it for free.

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Brian Davies Quick Margins

I'm a big fan of using guidelines in CorelDRAW. When I'm laying out a flyer or brochure or something like that, one of the first things I'll do is add guidelines around the edge of the page so that I have some visible margins. Of course I can also snap things to those margins. That's why I really like today's macro, Brian Davies Quick Margins, because it creates guidelines for margins automatically. Just type in the size of the margin you want and push a button. Want to get rid of them? One click will do that too. Best of all, it is a freebie!

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Jeff's Select Same

When you are trying to change an attribute of several objects, often the hardest part is selecting all of those objects. Jeff's Select Same is a macro that can automate the task for you. Select an object, run the macro and choose what attributes you want to match and click the Select Same button. It really is that simple.

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Alexander Penkin's Charting

I've always wondered why an easy way to create graphs in CorelDRAW hadn't been developed. I don't have to wonder any longer because Alexander Penkin's Charting macro makes it easy to create a wide variety of graphs (see animated samples below).

Data for the graphs can be drawn directly from text in the CorelDRAW file or imported from a CSV file. This means you can easily export data from a spreadsheet to be used to create custom charts with this macro.

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Creating a New VBA Macro

Last week I gave you the basics of how to install macros for CorelDRAW. Today I'm going to provide you the basics for creating your own new VBA macro in CorelDRAW. If you don't have a programming background, I know this may sound a little bit scary. While I don't expect a novice to create an extremely complicated macro, I do think they can easily automate several steps to simply their workflow. Read the tutorial for creating a new VBA macro and give it a whirl. If you create something interesting, please leave a comment and let us know!

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The Basics of Macros

For the last year I've been providing you with a new macro each week. Today I'm going to step back and talk about the basics of downloading and using macros.

Some commercial macros, like EZ Metrics, come with an installer that will put all the files in the right place and add a toolbar and button to run the macro.

Other macros will require you to put files in the correct place. Then you can either navigate various menus and dialog boxes to run it or you can customize your workspace to add a button or shortcut key.

Those of you running Vista will need to put the GMS files in a folder similar to the one below:
C:\Users\Your Name\AppData\Roaming\Corel\Graphics14\User Draw\GMS

For Windows XP users, look inside of the Documents and Settings folder to find the relevant subfolders.

Replace "Your Name" with your user name. "Graphics14" represents CorelDRAW X4, so you may also need to change the number based on the version you are using.

An alternative is to put the files directly in a folder below where you installed CorelDRAW. If you installed in the default folder, it should be something like the location below:
C:\Program Files\Corel\CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X4\Draw\GMS

If you installed in a different folder, look in that folder for the subfolders listed above. Again, you'll put the GMS file in that folder. Personally I find this the best way to install macros. Keep in mind that if you uninstall CorelDRAW, you may also uninstall the macros. In that case, make sure you have a backup copy of any macros so you don't lose them.

Once you have the macro files in the right place and you have restarted CorelDRAW, select Tools | Macro | Run Macro in CorelDRAW X4 or Tools | VBA | Play in previous versions of CorelDRAW. Once in the dialog box, select the macro you want to run and press the Run button. If you have a lot of macros, it may take a while to find the one you want.

A better way is to use Tools | Customization to add a custom button or shortcut key to run the macro for you.

Now that I've explained most of it, I'm going to suggest you go to the MacroMonster.com site where you'll find a movie showing you the complete process and a sample macro that you may want to have. While on the site, look around and you may find a number of macros you want to add to your copy of CorelDRAW.

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CADinTools 4.0 for CorelDRAW and CorelDESIGNER

A new version of CADinTools 4.0 for CorelDRAW and CorelDESIGNER was recently released. It adds an extra toolbar to CorelDRAW 11, 12, X3 and X4 as well as CorelDESIGNER 10, 12 and X4. For those creating technical illustrations, it offers a number of features not found in CorelDRAW and simplifies other tasks. Features include: scale, information between two points, transformation of shapes and nodes, drawing lines and arcs, isometric, surface development, calculations and more.



To better understand all the features, download a fully functional 15-day trial version. Or you can simply order a copy. If CADinTools offers the CAD-like features you need, it is an absolute bargain compared to the cost and learning curve of a full-fledged CAD application.

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iShadow

When you create a drop shadow in Corel PHOTO-PAINT, it is solid shadow that fades at the edges. Today's macro, iShadow, allows you to create shadows based on the translucency of the original object. The interface allows you to adjust the shadow in a number of ways. Sure, you'll want the solid shadows on some occasions. But with iShadow you'll have a different option.

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Sancho CDR Preflight 5

When you output a file, how much does it cost you if the first attempt fails? And the second attempt? Clearly the costs can add up quickly if you are wasting time and materials. If you could prevent those errors, it would clearly save you both time and money.

Today's macro, Sancho CDR Preflight 5, gives you the ability to take a detailed look at files to find the problems that could occur during output. It will probably pay for itself the first time you save yourself from output failures by fixing the problems in advance. To get all of the details, download the help file and read it over.

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Jeff's Extract Alpha

For me, there is no feature more important in Corel PHOTO-PAINT than masking. It is something I always emphasize when teaching users how to be as productive as possible. Today's macro is something that can help you when working with masks and objects. It will extract the alpha channel (just another name for a mask) from either a masked area or from a floating object in Corel PHOTO-PAINT. Jeff's Extract Alpha doesn't have a huge feature list, but it does make one task very easy.

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LineArt

I still remember the Christmas where I received a Spirograph. I flipped through the book that came with it and was fascinated with all of the cool patterns that could be created. The sad reality is that I never once was able to complete any of the patterns without the gear slipping or the pen running dry. I even scuffed up my knuckles a few times as they rubbed against the edge of the gears. In reading the reviews of the current version, the current version seems to still be cursed with the same problem.

The good news is that we can now create even better patterns with CorelDRAW. They work every time and your knuckles aren't any worse for the wear. To automate the process even further, give the free LineArt macro a try. Now if you click on that link, you may be a little lost since the site is in Russian. Luckily Google can translate the pages into English for those of us who don't understand Russian.

As you can see from the screen shots on the Web site, there are four different types of mathematical patterns that can be created. Each of the patterns allows you to adjust some variable to create a nearly endless supply of patterns. I wish I could tell what the words on the four tabs are in English so that we could all better understand what the variables might do. If any of you understand Russian, please post a comment with the translations.

The Web site claims the macro is for CorelDRAW X4. I have not tested it in earlier versions, but it is possible that it may work in them as well. If anyone tries in an earlier version and has success (or failure), post a comment and let us know.

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Alexander Penkin's LED Tool 2

Everywhere you turn is yet another product filled with LED lights. So who is the person in charge of designing where to place each of the tiny lights? I can only imagine the difficulty of such a job. At least until now. With Alexander Penkin's LED Tool 2 macro, you can put LED lights along a path or fill an area and much more. You can even pick the color of the LED to be used in your graphic. Definitely a cool tool if you are working with LED lights. I have a feeling that this might be useful for those of you in the sign business.

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Macro Monday: Coupon Creator

If you have ever tried to create the border for a coupon in CorelDRAW, you might have gotten very frustrated. When using the dashed lines, it is extremely difficult to get the corners to line up perfectly. I created a coupon for CorelDRAW Unleashed Boot Camp by thinking outside the box and not using outlines at all. If you want the coupon, it comes inside my CorelDRAW X4 Unleashed book.

The folks at MacroMonster.com have come to the rescue with the Coupon Creator macro. It will create perfect corners on your coupon every time. It will end round the line caps on the dashes! Do you want a fill in the background? It can create the background rectangle for you! Do you want a scissors icon? Yes, you can do that too!

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Macro Monday: GridDraw

Need to create a series of grids in CorelDRAW? Vertical lines and horizontal lines in any pattern you desire with any fill you desire. That's the premise of GridDraw. It is a macro for CorelDRAW 9-X4. Make sure to check out the samples page to see many of the things you can create with it.

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Macro Monday: EZ Metrics

In all the posts I've done about macros, I've yet to talk about EZ Metrics. I find it odd since it is one of the oldest macros around for CorelDRAW. Don't worry, that doesn't make it any less capable, it has just been around since the days of CorelDRAW 7. Unlike many macros, it installs as an add-on to CorelDRAW so it will feel almost as if it was built in to CorelDRAW.

The short description of EZ Metrics is that it will take orthographic views of artwork and convert them to axonometric views, for example isometric. Sorry if that sounds like big scary words. It takes flat views and converts them to pseudo 3D views. For those creating technical illustrations, these features are very useful. Even signmakers will find them useful for taking a sign and putting it into the proper perspective on a building.

You can download a 15-day trial for free. If you aren't sure it is for you, give it a test drive and find out!

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Macro Monday: Alexander Penkin's Highlights

When working with bitmaps, there are a number of effects and plug-ins that give text a 3D look. Doing it with vector art is a bit trickier. One way to do it is to trick the eye into seeing highlights and/or shadows. Alexander Penkin's Highlights make it very easy to create vector highlights on an objects, including live text. And did I mention you can get it for free? Enjoy!

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Macro Monday: Patti Anderson's Gradient Map Tones

One of the new features Corel introduced in PHOTO-PAINT X4 is the Gradient Map Lens. This makes it easy for you to assign a range of colors to your photo. The free Patti Anderson's Gradient Map Tones macro makes it easy for you to assign one of several gradients. Even after you have selected one of the presets, you can edit the Lens to adjust the colors further. Since this macro requires a feature introduced in PHOTO-PAINT X4, you'll need to be running X4 to use this macro.

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Macro Monday: Gridliner

If you look at Web graphics, you'll often see a series of grid lines running across the background. If you try to create that effect manually, it will take you quite a while. That's where the Gridliner macro for Corel PHOTO-PAINT comes into play. If you just need lines, no problem. Want a grid of boxes? Again, not a problem. You can even specify the thickness of the lines, colors, gradients and much more. Definitely a very handy tool to have in your design arsenal.

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Macro Monday: Shelby's SuperStitch

Draw two rectangles in CorelDRAW and set them side by side. At first glance, it looks just fine. But for some of you, the fact that there are two lines where the rectangles touch would be a problem. That is exactly the reason for today's macro, Shelby's SuperStitch. With a click, this macro will remove all of the overlapping lines from your illustration. Best of all, it's free!

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Macro Monday: Brian Davies Copy Shape Size

Today's macro has a fairly simple function, but it can save you a lot of time. Copy Shape Size will let you grab the height or width of a shape and easily apply it to other shapes. I wish there was more to describe, but this is what we call a one trick pony. It does one thing and does it quite well.

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Macro Monday: Jeff's SuperFill

I've always felt that the Full Color Pattern Fills and the Bitmap Pattern Fills in CorelDRAW are underused. A big part of that is that many users aren't aware they exist or how useful they can be. Users who have found them may still not use them because of the less than useful patterns that are supplied with CorelDRAW.

Jeff's SuperFill makes it much easier to use any graphics in CorelDRAW as a fill with just a couple of clicks. In that respect, it doesn't add any functionality, it just makes it easier. That alone is worth something. But the real power is that this macro can do things you can't do with the built-in fill types. Those features don't support all types of objects and definitely don't support transparency. Jeff's SuperFill supports anything you can create in CorelDRAW. That makes it even more valuable. If you want to create some really cool fills, you'll love this macro.

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Macro Monday: Shelby's Palette Link Professional

I'm constantly using different palettes with the files I create and edit. Often I have to open and close palettes so that I have the right one available for the file I have open. Shelby's Palette Link Professional allows you to link a specific palette to a CorelDRAW file. That way when you open the file, the palette will also be opened. Note that the palette is not embedded so it does require that the needed palette is available. If you are like me and use a lot of different palettes, you might find this macro very useful.

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Macro Monday: Brian Davies Copymaster

When you are working with multi-page documents, are there elements that you need to copy to several pages? If so then you need to download a copy of Brian Davies Copymaster.

With this macro, you can name the layer where you want the objects copied, specify which pages receive a copy and much more. Even better, it is a free download!

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Monday Macro: wOxxOm Curve Channel Mixer

Os is probably the most prolific macro writer for CorelDRAW and Corel PHOTO-PAINT. Even those who have communicated with him know very little about him. Yet he keeps putting out some incredibly useful macros, many of them with no cost.

The latest, wOxxOm Curve Channel Mixer, allows you to easily adjust the CMYK values of selected vector artwork. If the art isn't already in CMYK, it will make the conversion for you. This is great if you are working with clipart images.

The dialog at right gives you an idea of how it works. Note that I've downsized it to half size so it will not be as clear as when you are running the macro. Given that the macro is free, you definitely want to download it and give it a try to see how it can help your workflow.

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Macro Monday: Jeff's PHOTO-PAINT Tools

When you are doing production work in Corel PHOTO-PAINT, it is often necessary to perform some functions quite often. None of them is particularly difficult, but it may take several steps to accomplish each task. Jeff's PHOTO-PAINT Tools makes all of these functions easier by reducing the tasks to a single click. I think you'll find that having these features available with a click is something you just won't be able to go without.

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Macro Monday: Orbytool

Some macros automate a tedious task with many steps. While today's choice may automate a number of steps, it creates really cool effects in the process. Orbytool is a macro that works in Corel PHOTO-PAINT versions 7-X4. If you are wanting to create some sort of a round object, like a Web button, this is a tool you'll really love. There are a number of presets from which to choose and you can even customize the choices with your own settings. It really does make it easy to create orbs of all types.

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Macro Monday: wOxxOm Big Options Dialogs

Do you find some of the dialog boxes in CorelDRAW smaller than you'd like? wOxxOm Big Options Dialogs will enlarge nine of them in CorelDRAW 11-X4. Actually it isn't really a macro as much as a modification to the software. But for those with larger screens, this patch could come in quite handy.

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Macro Monday: Shelby's Bitmap Border Creator

After all of the traveling for the cruise, trade shows and sporting events the past few weeks, I can finally settle back into my daily routine and get back to work. Sometimes work is fun and sometimes it is really tedious. This is especially true when you have to repeat the same process over and over. Shelby's Bitmap Border Creator can relieve the tedium if you have a number of bitmaps in your file and need a border around them. Just select the bitmaps that need a border and run this macro. By default, it creates a 2 point border around every selected bitmap. But a really cool feature is that the borders stay selected so you can go into the Outline Pen dialog box and change them to whatever you like. Oh yea, it is a free download!

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Monday Macro: Lev's Macro Solutions Web Graph

Later this morning I'll be attending the first day of the SGS show in Rancho Bernardo, California. It is geared towards sign professionals and I can't wait to learn more and meet others in the industry. When I think of creating a graph, I'm usually talking about creating some boring business graphic. But using today's macro, Lev's Macro Solutions Web Graph, you can create some really cool designs as well. Even better, it is a free download!

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Macro Monday: Brian Davies World Scale

The ship is nearing the end of the Baja Peninsula and we will stop later today in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico on the third day of the CorelDRAW Unleashed Boot Camp Cruise. Since I'm out seeing the world and teaching an international group of students, I thought that Brian Davies World Scale would be an appropriate macro for today. It provides a quick way for you to change the scale in your workspace without having to go to the Tools Options dialog box.

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Macro Monday: wOxxOm Text Spacing

Do you work with text a lot? Does that work involve changing the various aspects of the spacing? If so, you'll want to check out wOxxOm Text Spacing. It allows you to change interline spacing, before, after and much more using only shortcut keys. This allows you to quickly make changes visually rather than having to bring up the Paragraph Formatting Docker.

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Macro Monday: Unleashed FX

Some of the macros I discuss do one thing really well other others have a number of functions. Today's macro, Unleashed FX, is a mix of the two. It does 300 effects very well. Just so you aren't confused, Unleashed FX only runs in Corel PHOTO-PAINT. It does not work in CorelDRAW or any other software. It is also very version dependent. There are versions that run in Corel PHOTO-PAINT 11, 12, X3 and X4. Trial version of the first three are available and Unleashed FX X4 Lite is now available for Corel PHOTO-PAINT X4. It allows you to use ten of the effects for an unlimited amount of time. If you want more effects, you can purchase the full version which gives you 300 really cool effects.

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Macro Monday: Roll Your Own Macros

My weekly posts up until now have always talked about macros that are already in existence. Today we're going to do something a little bit different. I'm going to give you a brief overview of how to create your own macros. Don't worry, every user of CorelDRAW can create a macro with just a couple of extra button pushes.

Why would you want to create a macro? Quite simply to save time! If you have a repetitive task that you have to complete on a regular basis? Record the steps and you can reduce those steps to a single click or keystroke.

Start out by selecting Tools | Macros | Start Recording (note that the exact command may vary a bit depending on which version you are using. Next a dialog box will appear asking you where to save the macro. I'd suggest GlobalMacros. Click OK and start going through the steps of your process. After you go through all the steps, select Tools | Macros | Stop Recording. That's it, you've written a macro. It may be a very basic macro, but it is still a macro.

Now that you know the process, start thinking of tasks you might want to automate. I bet you can find quite a few if you think about it. Once you have a few recorded, you can learn a bit more about editing the macros and even adding a dialog box or two. We'll save that information for a future post.

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Macro Monday: CADinTools

If you are needing to create 2D CAD drawings in CorelDRAW, you'll definitely want to give this set of macros a long look. It features Selection, Scale, Information, Curve edition, Transform, Line/Arcs, Isometric, Development, Origin, Calculator and more. You'll find that it works in CorelDRAW 11, 12, X3 and X4 as well as in Corel Designer 10, 12 and X4.

Download a trial version and put it to use for fifteen days before deciding if it is something you need. If you are ready to buy, you can buy it online.

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Macro Monday: Oberon Function Plotter

When I was in school, my math classes would occasionally require me to create a graph showing various data points of an equation plotted. I even remember writing a program on our Univac 1100 showing the plot of a sine wave. Both of those projects were a lot of work.

Now there is an easy way to plot most any mathematical equation in CorelDRAW. You might not need this for homework. Instead, it may just help you to create a cool graphic. Oberon Function Plotter allows you to type in the equation and it will output the results of a CorelDRAW graphic. It even allows you to bring in a data table from Microsoft Excel and have it plotted. I only wish this was able to help me with my homework oh so many years ago.

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Macro Monday: Hendrik's Startnode

There was a change in functionality in the way that the Combine command works in CorelDRAW. Now you have to dig pretty deep to find out exactly how things were changed as it involves the winding rule on objects. The main thing you'll notice is that sometimes combining may not cut out areas as you've seen in older versions.

OK, let's first describe the winding rule so you'll understand it a bit. If you have a simple horizontal straight line, it can be drawn in two ways. You can draw from right to left or from left to right. The winding rule defines which way the line is drawn. Of course this gets a bit more complex with long curves and lots of nodes.

Users doing things like vinyl cutting probably know the winding rule well as it determines the direction of the knife when cutting the vinyl. This can be very important on some designs. There is even a button on the Property Bar when node editing that allows you to change the direction of the curve.

If that feature still isn't enough, check out Hendrik's Startnode as it can automate even more of the process. Even better, it is free!

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Macro Monday: Hotfolders

How organized are the files on your hard drive? Do you have several folders where you store all of your working projects? I do this, but I also find that it can often be a hassle to move between the various folders when working in CorelDRAW. MacroMonster.com Hotfolders strives to solve that problem by allowing you to define the folders you use most often and then making those folders easy to visit.

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Macro Monday: Dizzy: RasterControl

One of the great features about the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite is that bitmaps in CorelDRAW are linked to Corel PHOTO-PAINT. Simply select the bitmap in CorelDRAW, click Edit Bitmap and the file is sent to Corel PHOTO-PAINT for editing. This works great for those of us who work with Corel PHOTO-PAINT exclusively. But what about those who are using Adobe Photoshop? Until now, you've just been out of luck if you wanted this easy round-trip editing.

With the release of Dizzy: RasterControl, you can link bitmaps in CorelDRAW to Adobe Photoshop for round-trip editing. There are a number of other features in the package as well. In the short term those other features are unsupported and undocumented. That should change in the near future. Check it out as this little macro has a lot to offer.

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Macro Monday: Table Preset Docker

CorelDRAW X4 introduced tables to CorelDRAW. If you have a larger table that you want to format in a specific graphic style, it can take a while to select each row or column and apply the desired formatting. One of Corel's programmers developed a custom Docker that makes it very easy to format a table in one shot. Along the way, he always describes how any developer can create a custom Docker. The Table Preset Docker can be downloaded for free. A sample screenshot is found at the top of the page while the link for downloading is at the very bottom of the page.

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Macro Monday: Gridmaster

CorelDRAW has the ability to create grids. The grids live on a special layer and can make it easier for you to draw objects of a desired size or to line things up. To enhance the regular grid function, you might want to give the free Brian Davies Gridmaster a try. It uses the built-in grid functionality to create a grid to your specifications.

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Macro Monday: Jeff's Curvelength

Often users will ask for a way to find out the length of a curve in CorelDRAW. There are some powerful tools that will do this and much more. Curveworks is exactly that. But if you only need the length of curves, it is certainly overkill. Jeff's Curvelength will just measure the length of a curve and it is free. Give it a try!

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Macro Monday: Sancho DocNav

For those of you working with multi-page CorelDRAW files, it can be a little time consuming to navigate to the first or last pages. Sancho DocNav can help you with that. Assign the functions of DocNav to shortcut keys and you are one keypress away from the first or last page. This macro is pretty simple and yet can save you time if you have long complex documents. Best of all, it is free!

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Macro Monday: Brian Davies Rectangle Creator

Brian Davies has created several cool (yet free) macros. His latest allows you to create rectangles at exact sizes. It is great for creating border rectangles around your page. At this price, it is definitely worth a download!

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Macro Monday: Navigator Remote

The Navigator in Corel PHOTO-PAINT is a great way to move around a large photo. Unfortunately you have to bring it up every time you want to use it. Today's macro provides a variation on the Navigator that stays on screen at all times. Navigator Remote is available for Corel PHOTO-PAINT 11, 12, X3 and X4. Even better, it is a free download.

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Macro Monday: Alfred's New Skin

How many times has someone asked you to improve their skin in a picture you are editing? Maybe there is a blemish or a few too many wrinkles. Today's macro, Alfred's New Skin, allows you to easily correct those problems while still making the photo look natural.

The macro works in both Corel PHOTO-PAINT X3 and X4 and it is completely free. You will need to have at least some knowledge of using Corel PHOTO-PAINT, but the included PDF tutorial will help you to use the macro. Enjoy!

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Macro Monday: Shelby's Object Order

The stacking order of objects in CorelDRAW can be very important. Objects can be hidden if they are behind other objects. And you also may be in a production environment where the stacking order determines which objects are cut or produced first.

Today's macro, Shelby's Object Order, simplifies the process of changing the stacking order for numerous objects. A simple movie on the page shows how the process works. Check it out!

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Macro Monday: Draw Color Helper

I guess this one doesn't technically count as a macro since it is a standalone EXE file. But the main function of the program is to allow you to more easily enter both decimal and hex colors in CorelDRAW. Separate versions are available for CorelDRAW 11, CorelDRAW 12, CorelDRAW X3 and CorelDRAW X4.

Draw Color Helper is a free download. Read the instructions provided to learn how to install and use the program. Since Corel doesn't give us the ability to work directly with hex colors in CorelDRAW, this is a tool that will fill in until Corel gives us the feature. Enjoy!

If you have suggestions for macros that I should feature, please drop me a comment and make suggestions.

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Monday Macro: Dizzy: Channels

Do you work with color separations in CorelDRAW? If so, today's macro could be just what you need. Dizzy: Channels allows you to quickly turn various colors on and off so that you can preview the separations using that color right on screen.

After installing, you'll find that it gives you a small dialog box on screen listing each of the colors used in your document. Just like the Layers Docker in CorelDRAW, you can turn colors on and off by clicking on an eyeball icon. This makes it super easy to preview the color separations right on screen. Even if this saves you making one error on press, the macro has easily paid for itself.

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Monday Macro: Brian Davies Layers for X4

One of the big new features in CorelDRAW X4 was the ability to have different layers on each page of your document. Some uses have really appreciated this functionality, others have been very frustrated by it.

Brian Davies wanted to see if he could give users the ability to work with Layers as they had been in previous versions as well as the new functionality added in CorelDRAW X4. It also gives you functionality that wasn't available until now. Best of all, Brian Davies Layers for X4 is a free download.

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Macro Monday: Oberon Fit Objects to Path

Sometimes requests for a particular feature come in bunches. One that I've seen a lot recently is to have the ability to put objects on a path just like you can put text on a path in CorelDRAW. There is a way using Blend on a Path if the objects are more or less the same.

Unfortunately that won't do the trick if you have a number of different shapes you want on a path. That's where today's macro comes into play. Oberon's Fit Objects to Path gives you the ability to place selected objects along the path of your choice. Give it a try, it might be just what you need.

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Macro Monday: PP Macro Collection

Typically I provide you information about a single macro each Monday. Today I'm going to link to a whole collection of macros for Corel PHOTO-PAINT X3 and X4.

James Aswell is one of the most prolific writers of macros for Corel PHOTO-PAINT. He has put together a collection of some of the most useful macros in a single GMS file. It is appropriately titled PP Macro Collection and can be downloaded for free.

It includes useful effects, utilities and workarounds for some of the most common problems in Corel PHOTO-PAINT. If you aren't familiar with how to install a GMS file, there are instructions on the page for setup and usage of the macro.

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Macro Monday: Shelby's QuickFill/Outline

Today's macro, Shelby's QuickFill/Outline doesn't just have one function, it has a number of different functions related to fills and outlines. You can select all objects with the same fill color easily and you can even move them all to the same layer. The same can be done with outlines. It can also convert outlines to objects while also deleting the original object.

It also has a number of functions that works with both outlines and fills at the same time. Those include converting them to black and white, converting them to wireframe, deleting all objects with no fill or outline, swapping fill and outline colors and selecting all objects with same fill and outline as the currently selected object. In short, lots of productivity enhancing features. If you are a coder, the macro is also unlocked so that you can modify the code if needed.

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Macro Monday: wOxxOm Hex Color

Anyone designing graphics for the Web can certainly appreciate the need to specify RGB color values as hexadecimal numbers. When you use color on a Web page, you use hex numbers. Yet when you are working in CorelDRAW, the colors are all specified as decimal numbers. In the end you get the same color, but translating between the two numbering systems can be quite frustrating.

That's where today's macro, wOxxOm Hex Color, can really save you time and trouble. It allows you to easily specify fill or outline colors using hex values. To get a better understanding of how the macro works, watch the movie showing it in action. For those developing art for the Web, Hex Color is a real lifesaver of a tool.

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Macro Monday: Image Watermark

With the era of digital pictures upon us, there are pictures everywhere. Many users mistakenly think that if they can download an image that they have the rights to do whatever they want with it. This means that someone could be using your images without your permission.

That's where today's macro comes into play. The Image Watermark macro for Corel PHOTO-PAINT can automatically put a watermarked image onto a photograph. Even better, you can use it with the Batch Process function to add the image watermark to hundreds of photos. There are versions of the macro available for Corel PHOTO-PAINT 11, 12, X3 and X4.

Using this macro won't protect your images completely, but it might make someone think twice before they just download and start using your images.

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Macro Monday: Oberon Curveworks

If you regularly work with files loaded with lots of curve object and nodes, you should definitely check out the Oberon Curveworks macro. It contains a number of different functions that you might find useful.

• Remove Overlap and Remove Intersections
• Connect Curves and Join Curves
• Fuse Curves
• Explode
• Cut Curves
• Fillet and Chamfer
• Cleanup Nodes
• Curve Statistics

Even if one of these functions solves a problem for you, the macro is worth buying. Most likely, you'll find a number of the functions will save you time and trouble. Give it a look!

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Macro Monday: Jeff's Text to Curves

One of the most frustrating things that can happen when you pass your design to another user is that font substitution will change the font you've chosen to something that just isn't right. One option is to embed the fonts inside the drawing. Unfortunately not all fonts allow embedding and there are times it just doesn't work. The other option is to go through your project and convert each piece of text to curves. If there are only 8-10 pieces of text, this isn't a big deal. But what happens when you have hundreds of pieces of text?

That's where today's macro will come to the rescue. Jeff's Text to Curves will find all text in your document, even if it is inside of a PowerClip, and convert it to curves. So let's say you do have exactly 100 pieces of text in your drawing. It takes you 20 seconds to select each piece and press Ctrl + Q to convert it to curves. That's over half an hour. Even if you are really fast, it still takes over ten minutes. This macro will accomplish the same task in mere seconds. So while it isn't free, it will only need to be used 2-3 times for it to pay for itself.

How much would it cost you to reprint a job if there was font substitution? Yet another reason this macro should be part of any designer's arsenal. Give Jeff's Text to Curves a look, I think you'll find it is really useful!

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