Attention CorelDRAW Users
Did you know that serious problems arise when CorelDRAW files are published as an AI (Illustrator file) or EPS/PSD? If you use DRAW, especially for logo designs, it is crucial that you completely understand its drawbacks. You do not want to provide clients with incorrect or corrupt files.
The Problem
Although DRAW is a vector program, files are handled differently than other programs, particularly in areas of transparencies and gradients. When a design is exported out of DRAW as an AI or EPS, certain effects get rasterized.
For example, conical and square gradients are NOT supported by Illustrator which results in jagged and rasterized edges. Here is an example of a JPEG saved in CorelDRAW… it looks fine:
However, this is the same design published as an AI file:
Unfortunately for CorelDRAW users, more and more clients are demanding Illustrator files. Why? Because most printing companies AND designers do not support or use CorelDRAW — they only use Adobe programs.
This could be a future problem if your client wants to edit their design and their in-house designer tells them, “I can’t do anything with this file unless I re-design it in Illustrator.” How irritating would that be?
The “Solution”
The “solution” is neither simple nor direct. It seems that publishing your file as Acrobat 8, while making sure the flattening settings are NOT enabled results in a smooth, printable design. However, having a printable design still leaves a problem when your client demands an AI or EPS editable-file.
Here are a few ways you can ensure your clients receive correct, editable files:
1. Limit your CorelDRAW effects – if you are thinking of sharing a DRAW created file with an Illustrator user, then you’ll have to use the Illustrator standard. For example, only use linear and radial gradients and do NOT use conical and square gradients
2. Use CorelDRAW and Illustrator – we talked to a few designers that still love DRAW and don’t want to give it up completely. They construct their designs in DRAW, then publish it as an AI file and finish their effects within Illustrator
3. Train yourself in Illustrator - as a modern-day designer, it’s important to keep up with demand by learning new programs and providing your clients with their desired files
Are you a CorelDRAW user? How do you provide clients with correct EPS and AI files? Please provide your feedback in the comments below!
Did you know that serious problems arise when CorelDRAW files are published as an AI (Illustrator file) or EPS/PSD? If you use DRAW, especially for logo designs, it is crucial that you completely understand its drawbacks. You do not want to provide clients with incorrect or corrupt files.
The Problem
Although DRAW is a vector program, files are handled differently than other programs, particularly in areas of transparencies and gradients. When a design is exported out of DRAW as an AI or EPS, certain effects get rasterized.
For example, conical and square gradients are NOT supported by Illustrator which results in jagged and rasterized edges. Here is an example of a JPEG saved in CorelDRAW… it looks fine:
More examples of CorelDRAW files published as AI or EPS:
This could be a future problem if your client wants to edit their design and their in-house designer tells them, “I can’t do anything with this file unless I re-design it in Illustrator.” How irritating would that be?
The “Solution”
The “solution” is neither simple nor direct. It seems that publishing your file as Acrobat 8, while making sure the flattening settings are NOT enabled results in a smooth, printable design. However, having a printable design still leaves a problem when your client demands an AI or EPS editable-file.
Here are a few ways you can ensure your clients receive correct, editable files:
1. Limit your CorelDRAW effects – if you are thinking of sharing a DRAW created file with an Illustrator user, then you’ll have to use the Illustrator standard. For example, only use linear and radial gradients and do NOT use conical and square gradients
2. Use CorelDRAW and Illustrator – we talked to a few designers that still love DRAW and don’t want to give it up completely. They construct their designs in DRAW, then publish it as an AI file and finish their effects within Illustrator
3. Train yourself in Illustrator - as a modern-day designer, it’s important to keep up with demand by learning new programs and providing your clients with their desired files
Are you a CorelDRAW user? How do you provide clients with correct EPS and AI files? Please provide your feedback in the comments below!
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