Corel vs. Flexi

[Jus' Roach]

I have already been creating images to try on my new SP-300 (due tomorrow)
I have both Corel and Flexi-Pro. I just learned to "power clip" in CorelDraw (kewl tool!). I can open .cdr files in Flexi, but the "clip" disappears, is ther a similar tool in Flexi? Plus, there are more fill options in Corel

So....
Do I forget all about Flexi for Rip/Print and stay with VersaRip and Corel until I generate enough revenue to get something else?

What is your prefered design software combination?

[Barry]

Originally Posted by Jus' Roach

I have already been creating images to try on my new SP-300 (due tomorrow)
I have both Corel and Flexi-Pro. I just learned to "power clip" in CorelDraw (kewl tool!). I can open .cdr files in Flexi, but the "clip" disappears, is ther a similar tool in Flexi? Plus, there are more fill options in Corel

So....
Do I forget all about Flexi for Rip/Print and stay with VersaRip and Corel until I generate enough revenue to get something else?

What is your prefered design software combination?

As much bad as I hear about versaworks your probably better off using it over flexi.

[Jus' Roach]

Yea, it looks like I posted prematurely
With the little I have tried already, I found I get better results just exporting files created in Flexi as .eps and running them thru Versaworks.

[GraphiXtreme]

I am on the verge of getting Flexi, but am not sure if I really NEED it. I feel that I am a pretty good CorelDraw user and like many things about it. Granted, every program has it's shortcomings, but I also don't want to spend a BUNCH of money on something that I don't really need. I have the ability to get Flexi-Pro for $1995 when I buy my 540v (not sure how long that "deal" is good for though). I am already planning on buying the Roland Edition of SoftRip as well. I know this is a HIGHLY subjective subject based on whatever you feel comfortable with, but what I am looking for is some pros and cons I guess.

I've also demoed SignLab and wasn't overly impressed, although I do like it's bevel features. Beyond that, I can't say that I see $2100 there. However, it may be a very good program and I just don't know it yet.

I guess what I'm asking is, if you were to spend about $2000 for design software, what would it be and why? Or, am I better off just sticking with Corel since I don't plan on using either SignLab OR Flexi for RIP? Thanks much!

[Barry]

Originally Posted by GraphiXtreme

I am on the verge of getting Flexi, but am not sure if I really NEED it. I feel that I am a pretty good CorelDraw user and like many things about it. Granted, every program has it's shortcomings, but I also don't want to spend a BUNCH of money on something that I don't really need. I have the ability to get Flexi-Pro for $1995 when I buy my 540v (not sure how long that "deal" is good for though). I am already planning on buying the Roland Edition of SoftRip as well. I know this is a HIGHLY subjective subject based on whatever you feel comfortable with, but what I am looking for is some pros and cons I guess.

I've also demoed SignLab and wasn't overly impressed, although I do like it's bevel features. Beyond that, I can't say that I see $2100 there. However, it may be a very good program and I just don't know it yet.

I guess what I'm asking is, if you were to spend about $2000 for design software, what would it be and why? Or, am I better off just sticking with Corel since I don't plan on using either SignLab OR Flexi for RIP? Thanks much!

Get in on the InsipreXP Pro contest and then you may not have to buy anything...

[Jus' Roach]

I started cutting with CASmate (Scanvec product) when it was a DOS version, gradually upgraded it thru the years until Scanvec/Amiable merged. I got Flexi-Pro (since they quit supporting CASmate) and do/did all my regular cutting & design thru Flexi.
In the middle of it all I got a PNC-5000 (junk) traded up for a PC-50 (not much better)and did all my thermal Print/Cut images using CorelDraw with a printer driver instead of a RIP
I traded up my ColorCamm last Thursday and got a SP-300 (and saving my money for a new RIP)

Summary:
Corel is GREAT Design Software
Flexi Is a GREAT sign CUTTING/design software
My little experience with the Flexi RIP....even VersaRIP is better


$.02

[Greg]

I've been using CorelDraw! since version 3 and have had the chance to use Flexi recently......and........I just don't get it. I'm sure its a wonderful program once you learn to use it but the learning curb is too steep for me to climb when I can do what I need to do in CorelDraw!

Most of the things that impress me are the "plug-ins" for lack of a better word that do things like create a stripe with gradually wider gradations (see, I can't even describe the effect). Anyway, I mean the things Flexi can do that require "tricks" in CorelDraw! I've not seen a manual for Flexi and the "Help" system is one of the worse I've ever seen. Who ever heard of "Help" being a PDF file?

Price is another issue entirely..........

[jayhawksigns]

To anyone who is using Corel as their primary design software, if you get the chance to try, or if you have Flexi, does changing the workspace to Corel make it any easier for you to use??

I know that when we were using Inspire and purchased Flexi, I installed Flexi, and within a week had uninstalled it and refused to use it for some time. Then I saw the workspace option, reinstalled it, set it to Inspire, and it made a world of difference for me, helping me adjust to the new software. Now I run in the default workspace and wouldn't go back.

[drivingforce]

I use Signlab 7.1 and have no complaints at all. It runs my 540ex way better than colorip and is much easier to use especially for multiples and decals. i also like the colors better. Corel isnt really a very good true signmaking software. I think you would find there are things that can be done so much faster in software that was designed specifically for signmaking.