Ability to import CorelDraw .CDR files directly into VectorStyler
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Ability to import CorelDraw .CDR files into VS
Since CorelDraw has switched to Subscription with version 2022,
a move I have been expecting for a while.The ability to import .CDR files directly into VS could bring VectorStyler new users
from the Corel side. As surely many Corel users will now be looking for a alternative.
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@Subpath said in Ability to import CorelDraw .CDR files directly into VectorStyler:
Ability to import CorelDraw .CDR files into VS
@Subpath This is a very difficult issue, but it has been in the original backlog. If I find more info in the future then maybe.
The CDR format is a proprietary binary format using the RIFF structure, but the various records are not documented.
There was some documentation on CMX a very long time ago (a simplified version for CDR) but not available anymore, and I don't know if CMX is still used.
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@Subpath I saw some CDR importer apps in the App Store. I tested one a few years ago and it had trouble with text (didn't import it), but other than that it was decent.
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@vectoradmin said in Ability to import CorelDraw .CDR files directly into VectorStyler:
@Subpath said in Ability to import CorelDraw .CDR files directly into VectorStyler:
Ability to import CorelDraw .CDR files into VS
@Subpath This is a very difficult issue, but it has been in the original backlog. If I find more info in the future then maybe.
The CDR format is a proprietary binary format using the RIFF structure, but the various records are not documented.
There was some documentation on CMX a very long time ago (a simplified version for CDR) but not available anymore, and I don't know if CMX is still used.Yes, I already thought that this could be difficult to do.
Personally, I don't need such a function. Just an Idea.But former Corel users surely have older CDR files they would like
to open in VectorStyler.I know .cmx, because sometimes I used it to transfer files between
Magix Graphics Designer (Xara) and CorelDraw.
(Corel bought Xara for a while).
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@b77 said in Ability to import CorelDraw .CDR files directly into VectorStyler:
@Subpath I saw some CDR importer apps in the App Store. I tested one a few years ago and it had trouble with text (didn't import it), but other than that it was decent.
I know that such Tools exist. And i think there is also an Online Tool that could do that.
Found one here:
https://www.zamzar.com/convert/cdr-to-ai/There also mention on there Website that:
" The open source LibreOffice will also open CDR files if you do
not have access to CorelDraw. " but i think only older Cdr Formats.
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"The open source LibreOffice will also open CDR files if you do
not have access to CorelDraw. " but I think only older CDR Formats.Didn't know about LibreOffice opening .CDRs. Nice, it might prove useful.
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@b77 said in Ability to import CorelDraw .CDR files directly into VectorStyler:
Didn't know about LibreOffice opening .CDRs. Nice, it might prove useful.
From what I know (but could be wrong), the opensource libcdr implementation is very basic, and suitable for flattened vector art only.
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@vectoradmin said in Ability to import CorelDraw .CDR files directly into VectorStyler:
@b77 said in Ability to import CorelDraw .CDR files directly into VectorStyler:
Didn't know about LibreOffice opening .CDRs. Nice, it might prove useful.
From what I know (but could be wrong), the opensource libcdr implementation is very basic, and suitable for flattened vector art only.
Adobe perhaps threw some resources into reverse engineering the tricky file format but I have seen no importers doing a great job. Saw a few of them abandoned. I think all time thrown into making a new attempt even if building upon open source code will result in another partly working ho-hum importer.
Chances are that former Corel users will have to export to PDF or AI to get a decent result in Illustrator or whatever other program anyway so it is probably better to invest time and money in making a new great alternative for them.
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@Subpath said in Ability to import CorelDraw .CDR files directly into VectorStyler:
Found one here:
https://www.zamzar.com/convert/cdr-to-ai/I've been using zamzar for years to convert client cdr files to PDF or illustrator files. It's always done a good job
Looks like coreldraw offers an option to buy the program outright or get a subscription.
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@Boldline , interesting to hear
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@vectoradmin,
I think you are probably right, that is my guess as well.
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@Ingolf So basically all the new 2022 features are available for subscription only, and the 2021 would be the last version with regular license?
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I wonder if those updates get added to the standalone purchase next year and subscription users get it instantly. that would make the most sense.
Corel is in a tough spot because most of their updates are not exciting enough to tempt someone to switch to subscription. I can see a model with the main core program being a paid update annually for improvements and then offering access to bonus materials for a small subscription - brushes, guides, templates, dynamic (as in always available and updated) assets
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That is exactly my thought.
In my eyes, it's pure greed that's driving Corel to this step.
They were already constantly bugging me already with promotional
messages with the 2020 version.I wonder how long Corel will get away with it.
Because I can't imagine what improvements they will have to offer
in the long run. To keep the users happy.
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@vectoradmin said in Ability to import CorelDraw .CDR files directly into VectorStyler:
@Ingolf So basically all the new 2022 features are available for subscription only, and the 2021 would be the last version with regular license?
I am not sure. Maybe. Interesting where it goes.
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Being available with a traditional license model is a major selling point, so I doubt Corel will shoot themselves in the foot by going subscription-only.
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@b77 said in Ability to import CorelDraw .CDR files directly into VectorStyler:
Being available with a traditional license model is a major selling point, so I doubt Corel will shoot themselves in the foot by going subscription-only.
Are you meaning Corel will shoot themselves in the foot by potentially going subscription only because there is a great value in being non-subscription?
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@Boldline Yes. If I’m not mistaken, a major part of CDR’s market is the developing countries where even paying ~500€ for a perpetual license every three years is difficult for some. If they would go subscription-only it would be regarded as a money-grabbing move by the accountants.
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read a while ago that in India / Asia is a big corel user base.
if you search for Corel Tutorials on Youtube you will note that.
