Web Graphics Suite
I have been a devoted fan of Corel Products
for quite some time. I have reviewed Corel Draw through several upgrades and I am always
amazed how much value is built into every upgrade I received.
When I heard that Corel was offering a web page package, I just had to get a copy to
review. I started producing my web page with WordPerfect Suite 7, which includes a very
easy-to-use web page publishing module.
In fact, I was able to produce a web pages using WordPerfect in about an hour.
The WEB. GRAPHICS SUITE is the penultimate product for serious web page construction.
Several of the modules may be purchased separately.
Corel Web Designer
This is the heart of the WEB. GRAPHICS SUITE package. It resembles a word processor, and
acts like one as well. If you are comfortable with adding graphics to documents, then you
will know how to use the program in minutes, as I did. I experimented with the various
Icons on the toolbars to see what they did. My "Acid Test" for ease of use, is
to run the program right out of the box without looking at the documentation.
In fact, the documentation is in a word, modest. It consists of about 22 pages of
instructions on how to use the modules, and the vast majority (200+pages) is dedicated to
the graphics offered in the program.
For an old hand like me, the documentation is adequate. I was able to create a web page
like this in less than a half hour. For a novice, it's going to take a bit longer but the
time is definitely worth the effort considering the terrific pages you can create with the
program. In addition, there is an on screen help-tutorial for each module that will allow
you to step through the program.
The outstanding feature of the WEB.DESIGNER module is the terrific templates that allow
you to create a full blown web page in mere minutes. My home page is newsletter #3 with
some customization from me.
Some of the designs are breathtaking! The coffee Homepage is beautiful. Beans are in the
background, and it makes you want a cup of coffee--NOW!
Templates are well thought out, and would fill the needs of any user. Unfortunately, the
documentation does not show you the templates and you have to either use a program like
thumbnails plus to view them quickly or just go through them one-at-a-time. I would
suggest that extra pages are added to the manual showing the terrific templates included
in the program.
If you want a great home page in a very short time, templates are the way to go. You can
add graphics from any sources in GIF or JPEG formats.
If your creative needs demand your own artistic touch, then WEB.DESIGNER will delight you
with its ability to deliver a web page as good as your graphic talents will allow you to
create.
Corel Web.Gallery
Corel WEB.GALLERY is a collection of outstanding graphics elements which will allow you to
use the various images to help you build a high impact home page. Included are bullets,
backgrounds, photos, buttons, icons, dividers, alphabets, Clipart and a host of other
graphic tools. The colors of the buttons are dazzling. More than 120 matching theme sets
are included. Dividers can be matched to bullets, banners, buttons and dividers. Several
examples are shown below.
Outstanding clip art is included as well. Two colorful examples are shown below.
See what I mean? Imagine what you can create?
WEB.GALLERY contains well over 7500 Internet-Ready Clipart Images. The program integrates
all the modules into a special toolbar, so you can access the graphics without having to
leave the WEB.DESIGNER.
Linking documents to a master page is a snap. Just highlight the element you want to have
act as a trigger, e.g. a button, bar, icon etc., hit the toolbar button that looks like
this: H and you easily create a Hypertext Link. The same technique is used to link to
another page on the web, or to create a reply E-Mail hot button like the one below.
Sounds easy? It is! No need to learn HTML. If you like to dabble in the HTML language, you
can do so with WEB.DESIGNER.
Corel Web.Transit
This module allows you to create HTML pages from any popular word processor such as
WordPerfect, Microsoft Word & Ami Pro. In essence you can use your word processor to
create your own templates and then convert them to HTML documents with Web.Transit.
Web.Transit provides for file splitting and creates an automatic table of contents. It
also provides for the automatic insertion of navigational links.
Corel WEB.MOVE
If you want graphics that move, the Corel WEB>MOVE module provides you with the ability
to create action animations. Over 2000 actors, props and sounds are included. Imagine a
special effects web page! You can control the entrance and exit of the animation with just
clicking and dragging.
Corel Web.DRAW
If you want to create your own Internet-Ready Illustrations & graphic designs, then
Corel WEB.DRAW will satisfy your creative needs. If you are familiar with Corel Draw, you
will know how to use Corel WEB.DRAW The module has full Java support, Vector Based
Hyperlinks and text to graphics combining capability. Utilize text and graphic effects to
enhance your web page. Special effects include 3D extrusions and Blends.
COREL WEB.WORLD
Want to create your own 3D world? You can do it with Corel WEB.WORLD. You can create
virtual walking tours in a 3D environment. An interactive preview window shows instant
results. More than 100 pre-designed models are included. Use wallpaper textures, drag and
drop images, etc. You can also integrate music, voice, movies, music and text. You can
also link worlds in your web site or link to other web pages or worlds on the net.
By now you are wondering how much all this power costs. Corel WEB. GRAPHICS
has a list
price of $299.00
If you want a terrific basic design package you can opt for the WEB.DESIGNER package which
includes WEB.DESIGNER, Web.Transit and WEB.GALLERY. This package lists for $99.00. I've
tried three other products including Incontext Spider, Web Author and DeltaPoint's
QuickSite. My choice is COREL WEB. GRAPHICS SUITE.
Visit the Corel Web Site at.....
www.corel.com
Date Page Last Updated 04/25/07