Is Corel good enough for professional design?

[Esh]

I'm considering purchasing Corels new 'creative suite' and learning it, simply because its more affordable and I can't afford the Adobe version, and don't want to use pirate (which I could easily get hold of). My only problem with this is that I can't use it on a Mac, and so I'd have to buy a PC!

Most people always say that I can't use Corel for professional design, but why not?
I know Adobe is 'industry standard' and I was taught to use it at college, but they sure don't make it easy for people to buy!

I want to create things like identities, print design and packaging. Is Corel upto the job here or is it really as 'bad' as people make out?

Do any professional designers on here use this software, that can vouch for it?

Thanks

[Boss Hog]

I know lots of freelance designers who still use Corel and as far as I am aware it produces all the files they need, however, if you choose to use/learn Corel and ignore Adobe then you will struggle should you want to get a job in a design studio as Adobe is the industry standard...and does loads more e.g. InDesign etc.

[Esh]

Thanks for swift reply.

I guess I could use a *cough, cough* copy of Adobe to keep my skills up, but have a full copy of Corel to be legal.

I know I could also create the work on Adobes and make out it was created on Corels if legal issues arose, but I just wouldn't feel right using *cough* software for paid for work!

You're quite right about jobs requiring Adobe skills. I wouldn't abandon it altogether, but its just too expensive.

[SparkCreative]

Adobe every time. Printers will hate you for using Corel. And you'll end up having to learn Adobe anyway because it does a LOT more.

If you really want to run Corel, you could run it on windows on a Mac.

[djb]

I bit the bullet and bought CS5 - not regretting it for a minute.

To be honest the last time I heard of Corel was over 10 years ago but then I’m maybe a tad out of touch.

[Esh]

Thanks guys.

Thats pretty much the feeling I get from elsewhere. I can use Adobes software pretty fluently, it's only the price-tag that has been putting me off to be honest. I've looked into purchasing older copies of the creative suite (i.e. CS2-3), and I can't find many for sale that are unused.

I know they're older but surely somewhere stocks the boxed version. Is anyone aware that I could get hold of CS2-3 or are they complete history now? When I do think I've found something, it turns out to be a book or tutorial DVD or the like.

Thanks

[Esh]

Sorry to nag...Please ignore the question I asked as I've just found a couple of places I can get CS4 within my budget. Will try and contact them ASAP! Getting excited now! Thanks

[djb]

I’ve no idea if the upgrade offer is still valid, but I bought CS4 and got upgraded to CS5 for free.

Certainly worth looking into.

Have a look here.

[Esh]

Thank you, I'll have a look at it now

[Eagle]

I've used Corel for well over ten years. I've regularly had work selected and published by industry peers (Logolounge). :icon_thumbup: