A brief history of CorelDRAW

Imagine how dull documents would be if text and graphics could never be combined in the same file. Or, if you could imaginatively draw shapes, or carefully create diagrams, but never with the same program. Such was life on the PC before CorelDRAW...

CorelDRAW took the computer graphics world by storm in 1989, introducing a full-color vector illustration and layout program—the first of its kind. Two years later, Corel revolutionized the industry again, introducing the first all-in-one graphics suite with version 3, which combined vector illustration, page layout, photo editing and much more in a single package.

More than 25 years later, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite continues to deliver an innovative, one-of-a-kind graphics solution. We’ve met with our users from around the world and incorporated their feedback into our most powerful version to date—CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X7. With our latest version, we also continue to offer our users choice, with flexible payment options through our affordable Subscription and Membership plans.

1989 - CorelDRAW 1.0

CorelDRAW 1.0 revolutionized the graphic design industry, becoming the first graphics software for Windows®

1990 - CorelDRAW 1.1

CorelDRAW 1.11 added AutoCAD DXF® import/export support for working with 2D and 3D designs.

1991 - CorelDRAW 2

CorelDRAW 2 introduced Print Merge, for merging text files with graphics files and printing the result. This version also introduced Envelope, Blend, Extrusion and Perspective tools for distorting and blending objects and shapes.

1992 - CorelDRAW 3

CorelDRAW 3 added an Editable Preview Mode, providing the ability to work with objects displayed in full detail and in color. CorelDRAW 3 was also the first suite of graphics applications for Windows. It introduced Corel® PHOTO-PAINT™, adding the ability to create, edit or modify raster images.

1993 - CorelDRAW 4

CorelDRAW 4 introduced a multi-page capability, allowing documents to be created with as many as 999 pages. This version also introduced the Floating Toolbox, which could be moved out of the way to open up more workspace.

1994 - CorelDRAW 5

CorelDRAW 5 brought Postscript® and TrueType® font support to the program. A powerful color management system was also added, allowing users to customcalibrate a monitor, printer and scanner to achieve a more accurate on-screen representation of colors.

1995 - CorelDRAW 6

CorelDRAW 6 was released the same day that Microsoft launched Windows 95. CorelDRAW 6 was the first version with full 32-bit support. It also added a Graph Paper tool, and increased the maximum page size from 35" x 35" to 150 ft. X 150 ft.

1997 - CorelDRAW 7

CorelDRAW 7 added an interactive property bar that put essential tools at people's fingertips in one handy bar, streamlining the workflow. This version also added support for users to write scripts and automate functions. New writing tools were added, including the Automatic Spell Checker, Thesaurus and Grammar Checker.

1998 - CorelDRAW 8

CorelDRAW 8 introduced Multi-file Import, plus interactive Drop Shadow tools and interactive Vector tools for manipulating drop shadows, and Zipper and Twister tools for distorting lines and nodes.

1999 - CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 9

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 9 added multiple Color Palettes, letting users customize their workspace to display multiple color palettes simultaneously, for more speed and flexibility. A new Palette Editor made it possible to create custom color palettes or edit existing custom palettes.

2000 - CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 10

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 10 introduced Publish to PDF a function. The Page Sorter View let users view thumbnails of all pages in a document, and reorder pages by dragging and dropping them into new positions. Color Management was completely redesigned to combine essential options in one dialog box.

2002 - CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 11

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 11 introduced Symbols, letting users create objects and store them in a reusable library, to be referenced many times in a drawing.

2004 - CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 12

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 12 introduced enhanced text alignment tools and Dynamic Guides for precisely positioning, aligning and drawing objects relative to other objects. Unicode text support made it effortless to exchange files regardless of the language or operating system in which the file was created.

2006 - CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X3

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X3 introduced a new tracing engine, Corel PowerTRACE™, to convert bitmaps into vector graphics, a new Cut-Out lab in Corel® PHOTO-PAINT™, and a new Image Adjustment Lab to quickly improve digital photos. This version also added vector object cropping, previously only possible with bitmaps.

2008 - CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X4

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X4 introduced live text formatting for previewing text attributes before applying them to a document. Other new and enhanced features included interactive tables, additional file format support (including PDF 1.7 and Microsoft Publisher 2007), camera raw support for over 300 cameras, and independent page layers. Online services for collaboration (CorelDRAW ConceptShare™) and font identification were also introduced. In-keeping with market demand, this version was certified for Windows Vista®.

2010 - CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5 sped up the entire design process with significant workflow enhancements. It introduced Corel® CONNECT™, a built-in content organizer, a new color management engine for more accurate color control, new multi-core processing, expanded file compatibility, new drawing features like the option to lock toolbars in place, and new Web capabilities, including Web animation. This version was optimized for Windows 7 with new touch-screen support.

2012 - CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6 unveils a strong new version that offers a powerful new typography engine, versatile color harmony and style tools, improved performance with 64-bit and multi-core support, a complete design-it-yourself website tool, adaptable page layout tools, complex script support, and so many other ways to show your true design style!

2014 - CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X7

With a redesigned interface, new must-have tools and major feature enhancements, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X7 opens a world of new creative possibilities. Design your way, thanks to new, completely customizable workspaces. This version also introduces advanced fill and transparency controls, new font preview and special character options, seamless desktop and mobile integration, and easier ways to share and access content in the cloud.