A CDR format is a file that was created in Corel DRAW containing a raster or vector image. Corel uses this format in its own products, so it can also be opened by other Corel software. However, the most convenient software for working with CDR is Corel Draw, moreover, it has few competitors, and this despite the fact that the program costs a lot of money.
Today we will look at free analogues of Corel Draw, and also talk about their features in more detail.
Corel Draw
How can this be, because Corel Draw costs a lot of money, so why consider it, you say? There is one interesting feature here - you can download a trial version on the official website, which is valid for 30 days. That's why she made it onto our list.
Program features:
- This is an editor for both vector and raster graphics.
- Includes a program for converting raster images, for creating screenshots, and an e-book for working with the software.
- The ability to create any objects, from a logo to multi-page websites or brochures.
- Support for a huge number of different files, including those used by programs such as AutoCAD and Microsoft Word.
- It is possible to view PDF files that are password protected.
- The official online service allows users to exchange various images with each other.
- It is possible to recognize the font used in a bitmap image.
This, as you might have guessed, is only a small part of all the functions of Corel Draw. But the main problem is, of course, the high cost. The cheapest option I found costs about $600, and some stores sell the software for much more. But if you are a professional designer, then the costs will come back to you with interest.
Inkscape
The main feature of Inkscape is that it is an open tool that anyone can participate in creating and testing. The project has existed for several years now and is constantly being modernized. Quite easy to use, convenient and, most importantly, free.
Users claim that the Inkscape interface at first glance is much simpler than that of Corel Draw, so it seems that it has much less functionality, but in fact this is not entirely true. Indeed, the program lacks some functions, but you will have plenty of those available.
Advantages:
- Import and export of a huge number of various formats, including EPS, GIF, PCX, OpenDocument Draw, POV, XBM, etc.
- Working with contours.
- Availability of tools that will allow you to draw shapes faster.
- There is a raster image vectorizer.
- Ability to assign shortcut keys.
- Saving compressed documents using the gzip algorithm.
- Possibility of collective drawing.
OpenOffice.org Draw
As you might guess, Draw is part of the OpenOffice office suite, which I already discussed on the site. The program is literally tailored to the needs of the office, since here you will find tools for creating diagrams and presentations, libraries of various elements and symbols, etc. Of course, you can use this software at home - in this case it does not matter, since the entire package is distributed free of charge, including for organizations.
Features of Draw:
- Creation of vector images.
- Creation of three-dimensional objects (simple three-dimensional objects).
- Ability to create a grid or guides used as a guide.
- The ability to connect objects using connecting lines, which can be useful when creating some types of diagrams.
- There is a display of sizes.
- Possibility of using animation, sounds or other elements.
- Export images in the most popular formats.
DrawPlus Starter Edition
DrawPlus is a professional art studio for creating vector animation and graphics. Here you will find a lot of tools necessary for a designer, with which you can draw any element you need.
Program features:
- Creation and editing of vector images.
- Support for graphics tablets.
- Built-in calibrator.
- Export, import and edit PDF files.
- Tools for creating graphs, presentations and diagrams.
- Professional light control.
- Unusual effects that can be added to images.
- High color accuracy.
- Program performance.
This is, let's say, semi-free software, since after installation it requires mandatory registration. A full version of the program costs about $100.
Open file online
If you just need to open the file without editing it, then the easiest way is to use an online converter that converts CDR to another popular format, for example, JPEG or GIF.
Currently, there are several such services. The most convenient and popular of them is filespazz.com. You need to follow the link, upload the CDR file to the site, select the format you want to convert it to, add your email address and start the process. After a few minutes, a converted file will be sent to your email address, which you can open in a standard image viewing application. The maximum upload file size is no more than 10 MB.
The only downside that can be noted is the lack of Russian language, but this is not a problem - everything is clear on the site without unnecessary words.
