CorelDraw X4: The Official Guide

DESCRIPTION

The Only Corel-Authorized Guide to CorelDRAW X4

Create fine art and commercial graphics with one powerful tool! CorelDRAW X4: The Official Guide shows you how to get a visual message across with impact and style; edit photos; build captivating layouts; and compose scenes in a clean, attention-getting style. Learn how to illustrate like the pros, justify and flow text around shapes, and truly understand digital color. You'll also discover how to create 3D objects, apply special effects, and integrate different media to build outstanding graphics. Packed with expert tips and techniques for creating professional-level art, this is your one-stop CorelDRAW X4 resource.

Create drawings that mimic traditional oils and acrylics using Artistic Media, Smudge, and Roughen brushes

Lay out complete page designs with layers, multi-page options, and preset page and label templates

Import and format text, flow text around illustrations, and add drop caps

Use CorelDRAW as a desktop publishing program

Import and edit digital photos, including camera RAW files, and incorporate them into your designs

Add special effects to your illustrations including dynamic lens effects and transparency

Create 3D objects with the Extrude tool

Includes an all-new 8-page full-color section

Table of Contents

Pt. I CorelDRAW X4 Quick Start Guide

1 What's New in CorelDRAW X4? 3
2 Exploring Your Workspace 17
3 Examining the Palettes, Cruising the Menus 37
4 The X4 Test Drive 71

Pt. II Getting Started with CorelDRAW X4

5 Working with Single- and Multi-Page Documents 97
6 Measuring and Drawing Helpers 117
7 Views, Zooming, Navigating Your Work 149
8 Moving, Scaling, Rotating: Basic Transformations 167

Pt. III Working with Object Tools

9 Creating Basic Shapes 191
10 Using the Pen Tools 217
11 Editing Objects 251
12 Arranging and Organizing Objects 275

Pt. IV Working with Text

13 Typography Rules and Conventions 321
14 Working with Text 345
15 Creating Your Own Font 381
16 Getting Your Words Perfect 407

Pt. V Attributes for Objects and Lines

17 Filling Objects 437
18 Outline Attributes 471
19 Digital Color Theory Put to Practice 491

Pt. VI Creating Special Effects

20 Envelope and Distortion Effects 525
21 Blends and Contours 551
22 Lens Effects and Transparency 589
23 Embellishments: Bevels, PowerClips, and Shadows 623

Pt. VII Creating the Illusion of 3D Objects

24 Working with Perspective 653
25 Extruding Objects 667

Pt. VIII Thinking Outside the (Tool)Box

26 Bitmap Boot Camp: Working with Photographs 697
27 Image-ination: Advanced Photography Techniques 723
28 Printing: Professional Output 753
29 Basic HTML Page Layout and Publishing 795
30 Automating Tasks and Visual Basic for Applications 827

Appendix: Shortcut Keys 855

Index 865