Replace Corel Draw X4 our vector illistration package for D&T

[chazzy2501]

X4 doesn't work with Windows 10.. I need a vector tool for free that will allow us to create product packages (think flatpack cubes with pictures) and send 2d vectors to our laser cutter (you print to the laser cutter as long as it sees true vectors it will plot). The new version is just too expensive, serif is out of date and abandoned (we have the serif draw x4 and I can't get the laser printer to play well with it anyway)

 

I was looking at Inkscape but it looks more arty than design and technology.

 

 

ideas? cheers

[Arthur]

Our D&T department use 2D Design for packaging nets and cutting out shapes with the vinyl cutters.

 

The program looks like it was designed for Windows XP, but it works fine on Windows 10.

[chazzy2501]

We already have 2d design, I always install it, I never knew what it was. We have the V2 site license. It does look primitive but at least it still works I think they still want a Corel Draw x4 replacement though.

[Arthur]

I think they still want a Corel Draw x4 replacement though.

Affinity Designer perhaps? It's Serif's replacement for DrawPlus.

[themightymrp]

Sorry to drag up an old thread.

 

We currently have Corel Draw X3 and Solidworks 2013 in our DT department (ancient!). Neither particularly like Windows 10, especially Corel Draw. What software do other schools have in their Design departments? Is Corel still a worthwhile product? Should I be telling them to use Adobe Illustrator?? Would like an idea of what other people are using in order to decide on buying newer versions of the same or heading down a different path.

 

Cheers

[robyholmes]

Using Inkscape here, our DT teacher is very happy with it and it costs nothing.

[themightymrp]

Do you happen to use Inkscape with a laser cutter? I've had push back from our DT department saying Inkscape isn't any good?

[3s-gtech]

In theory Inkscape should work, at least in the initial design stages, as it’s a decent vector creation tool. It depends what your laser cutter will work with though - I know Corel will output directly to many of them.

[robyholmes]

Do you happen to use Inkscape with a laser cutter? I've had push back from our DT department saying Inkscape isn't any good?

 

 

In theory Inkscape should work, at least in the initial design stages, as it’s a decent vector creation tool. It depends what your laser cutter will work with though - I know Corel will output directly to many of them.

 

We only use it for the design stage and have a program called 'Aps-Ethos' for the cutter itself.

[themightymrp]

Thanks for the replies so far. I may post this question in another area on here as well in case people have missed it. I'm after as many opinions as possible. Thanks guys