CorelDRAW 8 Basics Level 1 Training -- Welcome

Conventions used in this training manual

This training manual is offered as an adjunct to the CorelDRAW Reference manuals so as much as possible we have tried to use terminology and conventions consistent with the Reference manual.

Menu Commands

"Choose" when used in reference to commands means to carry out the command by clicking it with the mouse or by using the keyboard equivalents.

Whenever a menu command is requested, the format will be MENU TITLE/Menu Command. For example, "Choose FILE/Save As" means to choose the "Save As..." command from the File menu.

Tabbed Dialog Boxes

CorelDRAW makes frequent use of nested or tabbed dialog boxes. With tabbed dialog boxes you access secondary dialog boxes from the primary dialog box. For example, the ARRANGE/Align and Distribute... dialog box is shown below. The top dialog box shows the dialog box as it originally opens, with the Align tab active. The bottom dialog box has the Distribute tab active. This is a "tabbed" or "nested" dialog box, that is, one dialog box within another.

Whenever a tabbed menu command is requested, the format will be MENU TITLE/Menu Command>>Tab. Thus, the example shown on the right would be indicated choose ARRANGE/Align and Distribute>>Distribute.

Directory Abbreviation

By default, our setup diskette places all the samples which we provide in a C:\COREL80\SAMPLES directory. We will abbreviate this C:\..SAMPLES directory. Our setup also creates a C:\COREL80\SAMPLES\TRAIN directory for you to place all the samples which you create. We will abbreviate this C:\..TRAIN directory.

Filenames Long & Short

Although Win 95 supports long filenames, we will use standard DOS filename and extension conventions for the sake of backward compatibility.

Screen and Dialog Box References

A reference to an on-screen item or dialog box will appear Screen Item or Dialog Option. For example, you may see, "the Status Bar says Rectangle on Layer 1."

Exercises vs. Explorations

An Exploration is a special variation of the standard exercise. An Exploration is an exercise which involves opening and "exploring" a dialog box while performing the exercise.

Relevant Shortcuts

Mouse Conventions

CorelDRAW uses both mouse buttons. Consistent with the CorelDRAW reference manual, we have assumed the left mouse button to be the primary mouse button. Whenever a procedure requires you to use the secondary mouse button, the manual refers to it as the "right" mouse button.

Right Mouse Button

CorelDRAW makes frequent use of the right mouse button to evoke a context sensitive menu. Whenever the Right Mouse is called for, it will be indicated "choose RM/Menu Command."

Keyboard Conventions

Carrying out commands with the keyboard usually involves pressing two or three keys either together or in succession (using a comma). For example,

Windows 95 Know-how

A basic knowledge of Windows95, including Clipboard function, mouse function and common Windows features is assumed in this manual.

CorelDRAW versus CorelDRAW

There are actually two CorelDRAWs and this requires some clarification. The box you bought is titled CorelDRAW! Inside the box you'll find three full featured applications:

In addition, there are a number of companion utility applications. Here is a partial list:

Add to this more than 40,000 pieces of clipart and 1000 fonts, 1000 photos and you can see why CorelDRAW is undoubtedly the best dollar value on the market. But there are 2 CorelDRAWs, the box and the software itself! CorelDRAW (the software) is the heart of the package and the focus of this introductory manual. Many features of CorelDRAW are shared by its companion products.

A Philosophical Note: What is Basic and what is beyond Basic

CorelDRAW provides wonderfully sophisticated drawing capabilities. These advanced capabilities are built upon basic building blocks. In learning CorelDRAW, we feel you must walk before you run. There are instances when we skip a feature because the basic understanding to use that feature has not been established. This is for your benefit as it would only confuse you to jump to an advanced feature.

For example, you can start a new drawing by choosing FILE/New or FILE/New From Template. However, you can not understand a template until you appreciate the basics of drawing graphics, creating text styles, etc.

When a feature is beyond the scope of this manual, we will simply indicate as such. At the same time, we want you to be aware that an advanced feature exists because it may be just the thing you need to make your particular work easier and more efficient. Therefore, when appropriate we have included sections indicated as "Advanced Feature Preview" to inform you that the feature exists. You may choose to explore the feature on your own time after the basics are mastered.

Trust Us! Don't worry, you'll learn more than enough to do most, if not all, of what you want to accomplish. Our task is not only to teach you the tools of the program but to teach you to think and visualize in terms of the program. In this way, you'll feel comfortable playing on your own after the 2 day program is complete.

Intermediate/Advanced Training

Additional training is available. Our experience is that 2 days generally "maxes" people out. We recommend that you review the materials in the manual on your own after you finish the class. Set aside a certain amount of time each day to practice and explore. In 3-4 weeks, you might consider intermediate/advanced training when you are comfortable with the basics and at which point you'll have real user issues.

This document is Copyright � 1998 by Retlab Graphics Inc used with permission by Unleashed Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part of these documents shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from Retlab Graphics Inc. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, the publisher and authors assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. For information, address Retlab Graphics Inc., 1972 W. Foster Ave., Chicago, IL 60640.