Special Edition Using CorelDRAW 9

Special Edition Using CorelDRAW 9 wastes no time in helping the reader get the most from Corel's vector drawing application. The book starts, on the inside front cover, with a quick reference legend pointing to tips and tricks, and the first four pages are a glossy tear-out section of keyboard shortcuts.

There are chapters covering what's new in this version, as well as how the interface works and the basics of using the program, but the book really shines when delving into more complex topics. Chapter 17, "Working with Color Fills," or chapter 21, "Demystifying Lenses and Transparency," are the real standouts. An especially nice touch is the troubleshooting section at the end of each chapter.

Written by an experienced author and illustrator, the 1,000+ pages of this volume are well-structured and packed with the know-how of someone who uses the program every day. (Every two or three pages has a sidebar with a special tip on the subject at hand.) The author's depth of knowledge, the clear examples and illustrations, and the overall layout of this book really put it at the top of its category.

This is an outstanding volume for anyone either currently using CorelDRAW or wanting to. It offers chapters on the print engine, including previewing your Postscript documents before sending them off to the printer, and provides instruction on customizing the interface and keyboard shortcuts for your particular needs.

For the novice or prospective CorelDRAW user, the CD-ROM is full of project files from the book, as well as 50 royalty-free pictures and a host of other graphics. Additionally, there is a fully working trial version of CorelDRAW 9, good for 30 days after installation, so that those without the program can fully evaluate it before making the investment. --Mike Caputo