CorelDRAW vs Adobe Illustrator for Drawing Tablets

If you are a graphic designer, you have probably asked yourself the question of which is better in a Corel Draw vs. Adobe Illustrator contest. 

Well, the answer coming from me may be a little biased as a regular Illustrator user. However, I have made sure to compare all aspects of both of them and let you make the decision.

You can use Illustrator to create shapes, draw, design posters, flyers, banners, and many similar graphics. Corel Draw is similar software that will allow you to do the same things Illustrator would.

CorelDRAW vs. Adobe Illustrator: A Detailed Comparison

Below are some of the key similarities and differences between CorelDraw and Illustrator based on pricing, user interface, compatibility, learning ease, and support availability.

Both Illustrator and CorelDraw allow you to draw free-hand vector graphics, although using different tools. 

CorelDRAW vs. Adobe Illustrator Comparison Table

Features

Illustrator uses the pen tool, brush, smooth, and pencil tools, while CorelDraw combines these four tools into one tool, which is the Live Paint tool.

When it comes to features, CorelDraw generally offers a wide range of tools and features for drawing and vector graphics. Illustrator offers more comprehensive tools that help in creating logos, icons, and illustrations.

The drawing process on both programs can be made easier by including a drawing tablet in your drawing gear.

CorelDraw has a simpler interface and is considered to be more user-friendly. Illustrator, on the other hand, is a little more professional and complicated in terms of the user interface. It may be intimidating for most beginners.

Compatibility and Integration

Earlier versions of CorelDraw were not compatible with MacOS. That has, however, since changed. You can now use Corel on Mac. Both applications are compatible with Windows and macOS. You can use them either on a Laptop or Drawing tablet.

Illustrator also works with iOS, which is not compatible with CorelDraw. Similarly, Corel works with Linux, which is not compatible with Illustrator.

Illustrator works seamlessly with other software, such as Photoshop and other Adobe Creative Cloud apps. CorelDraw is a little less flexible when it comes to integrating with other apps.

Pricing Plans and Support

Older versions of Illustrator and CorelDraw used to offer one-off-buy options where they gave you a serial key for your software.

CorelDraw retains this system and adds a subscription-based purchase. You can either buy one off or a regular subscription. 

Illustrator is now offered on a monthly or annual subscription-only basis. You can choose from a number of subscription options for 19 dollars per month or 239.88 dollars per year.

Overall, Corel Draw is slightly more expensive than Illustrator, with a $22  per month and $269 per year subscription charge.

Adobe Illustrator only has a 7-day free trial while CorelDRAW allows a 15-day free trial period to test the software before you buy.

If you are looking for a free drawing application, ,we ,recommend Inkscape Software.

What is Inkscape used for

Inkscape is a free open source vector based software. This means that it comes with shape tools and drawing tools just like Adobe illustrator.

It is straightforward and easy to understand especially for beginner artists without background graphic design training.

You will basically be able to do most of what anyone with Adobe Illustrator can do. One key downside of using the free inkscape application is the lack of CMYK color mode when working.

CMYK color mode is the basis of pigment print production and you need to set it as you work on files intended to print.

Although inkscape will allow you to save a document as CMYK after you finish, the most important part toi set the colors is not after you finish but as you work.

This causes very big color problems and overall color variation. If you however do not intend to use your final files for printing, only digital use, you will have no problems.

CorelDRAW vs. Adobe Illustrator Vs Inkscape Conclusion

If you are a graphic designer, you might find yourself comparing Inkscape, Adobe Illustrator, and CorelDRAW to determine which tool best fits your needs. Here’s a detailed comparison based on various features, compatibility, pricing, learning curve, user interface, and support.

Inkscape is ideal for creating vector-based graphics, primarily for digital and online use, making it great for beginners and hobbyists. Adobe Illustrator, on the other hand, is best for professional graphic design, branding, vector logos, digital illustrations, and print marketing materials.

CorelDRAW is suitable for perspective drawing, graphic design, packaging, product design, and industrial design.

When it comes to compatibility, Inkscape is compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS but lacks support for iPad. Adobe Illustrator is compatible with Windows, macOS, and iPad, and it seamlessly integrates with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps. CorelDRAW is compatible with Windows and macOS (starting from recent versions), and also supports Linux.

Pricing varies significantly among the three tools. Inkscape is free and open-source. Adobe Illustrator follows a subscription-based pricing model at $20.99 per month or $52.99 per month for the Creative Cloud All Apps plan.

CorelDRAW offers a 15-day free trial with subscription plans including $16.58 per month or a one-time purchase of $399 for the Graphics Suite, and a $299 one-time purchase for CorelDRAW Standard.

The learning curve differs as well. Inkscape is easy to learn, especially for beginners without a background in graphic design. Adobe Illustrator has a steep learning curve, requiring more time and effort to master. CorelDRAW falls in between with a medium learning curve, making it relatively easy for new users to get up to speed.

The user interface of each software also varies. Inkscape has a simplified, old-school interface with fewer tools and customization options, making it user-friendly for beginners.

Adobe Illustrator boasts a complex and professional interface with extensive tools readily accessible, which can be intimidating for beginners. CorelDRAW offers a clean and simple interface, making it more user-friendly compared to Illustrator.

Feature-wise, Inkscape includes basic shape and drawing tools but offers fewer presets and customization options for brushes and lacks CMYK color mode for print production.

Adobe Illustrator, in contrast, provides advanced tools including Pen, Brush, Smooth, and Pencil tools, extensive customization for brushes, and supports both RGB and CMYK color modes, along with features like cloud storage and file recovery.

CorelDRAW combines multiple tools into the Live Paint tool and offers a wide range of drawing and vector graphic tools, generally considered more user-friendly.

Support options also vary. Inkscape relies on community support through forums and online resources. Adobe Illustrator provides extensive support options including Live Chat, Phone, Help Center, and Adobe Communities. CorelDRAW offers comprehensive support including Email, Live Chat, Phone, and a Help Center.

In terms of pricing plans and support, Inkscape remains free and open-source, making it highly accessible. Adobe Illustrator is subscription-based, with various monthly and annual plans. CorelDRAW offers both subscription and one-time purchase options, with a 30-day money-back guarantee and reliable customer support.

Each tool has its pros and cons. Inkscape’s advantages include being free, easy to learn, and supporting many file formats, while its disadvantages include not being ideal for print graphics, having an old-school interface, and a less user-friendly text tool.

Adobe Illustrator’s pros are its professional-grade capabilities for print and digital production, compatibility with iPad, extensive file format support, and cloud storage, but it is not free and has a steep learning curve.

CorelDRAW’s pros are its beginner-friendly nature, flexible pricing plans, and support for a wide range of graphic design tasks, though it is slightly more expensive than Illustrator and less flexible in integrating with other apps.

In conclusion, Inkscape is a great free alternative for beginners and hobbyists looking for basic vector graphic design tools. Adobe Illustrator is the top choice for professionals requiring comprehensive tools and seamless integration with other Adobe products.

CorelDRAW offers a balanced option with a user-friendly interface and flexible pricing plans, making it suitable for both beginners and professionals. Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific needs, workflow, and budget.

Trying out free trials of both CorelDRAW and Adobe Illustrator can help you decide which one suits your preferences better. If you want an overview on How to use Illustrator, check out our last post.

Adobe Illustrator Pros and Cons