When You First Open CorelDRAW--Chapter 2

We'll introduce you to the details of the screen in the next chapter, but first we'll take you through a bit of screenplay exercises just to get you acclimated to an ever-changing interface. This will involve simply clicking on various parts of the screen and observing what happens.

As you do so, you may be surprised to discover that the interface changes dynamically depending on what you are doing! Although this may be a bit intimidating, it is actually a very important benefit which makes CorelDRAW 8 very easy to use. In addition, CorelDRAW 8 provides you with some helpful tools to get you started, such as hints and balloon help.

In the following exercises, you'll get a feel for the CorelDRAW screen. Along the way, you'll learn the names of a few different parts of the screen:

1. The Hints Window.
2. The Standard Toolbar.
3. The Property Bar.
4. The Toolbox and a few of its components.

The very first time

If you are opening CorelDRAW 8 for the very first time, you should notice on the screen a hints window. (If not present, see Exercise 1 on the next page.) Hints represent a short instruction set. There is a hint for just about every function. Hints can be turned on in the Standard Toolbar.

In addition, CorelDRAW 8 presents a Property Bar. As you'll see in the following exercises, the Property Bar also changes dynamically with the function.

On the left hand side of the screen is the Toolbox where you'll find your drawing tools and other operative tools.

To make you more comfortable with an ever changing screen, we offer these simple exercises. For now, don't worry about memorizing anything...just have a little fun.

Exercise 1: Screen Play

1. If the Hints window isn't open, click on the button in the Standard Toolbar.

Observe!

• This button turns the hints on.
2. Slowly, move the mouse over each button in the Toolbar, pausing over each button.

Baloon pop-outs identify the too and/or its function.

Observe!

Note If the balloon help isn't active, ensure that the Show Tooltips option is selected in the TOOLS/Options > > Workspace > > Display dialog box.

• Corel provides a balloon pop-out providing you with the name or function of the button.
3. Move the mouse over the Property Bar and each of the tools in the Toolbox.

Observe!

• Again, each button is supported with a balloon pop-out.

Exercise 2: An ever-changing screen

Watch what happens as you click on different tools in the toolbar.

1. The tool on the left is called the Pick tool. Click on it to select it.

Observe!

• The Hints window is dedicated to the tool.

2. The tool on the left is called the Zoom tool. Click on the tool.

Observe!

• Both the Hints and Property Bar change to reflect the function of the tool.

Note This dynamic interface allows Corel to present to you, as the user, the most common commands associated with your task. It makes for terrific ease in usability.

3. Now click on the Text tool.

Observe!

• As you can see, the interface changes depending on which tool you select.
4. Click on the button in the Hints window to close it.

Observe!

• Hey! You're taking this class. We'll do a much more thorough job of teaching you how things work than those hints will!

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