CorelDRAW save and open between versions

42 Comments

1. Hi, is there a way of setting the default save to version 14?

   1. Hi, What you have to think about is that each new version comes with tools and features older versions can not open. You can save to older versions, but some features and tools are version specific in newer versions. SO I wouldnt recomend that. And Corel intentionally for security dont add that feature. But there is always a macro out there, and here is one you could try http://www.gdgmacros.com/details.php?prodId=40

2. Hi Stefan, thanks for the reply, I’ll have a go at the macro when I get time.

   The only reason for wanting to save in V14 is the size of the file, a simple few lines of text in V16 generates a file of 1,365 KB, saved as V14 it’s only 24 KB, are we doing something wrong!
   Again thanks for your interest.

   Alan

   1. Hi Alan, Embed Colour Profile and Embed Fonts is what you like to look at. Its a farily new feature that we can easily in the Save as dialog Embed Color Profiles and Fonts. What they do is increasing the file size. And the more the merrier 🙂 So just uncheck those and the size will shrink rapidly.

      I chatted with John who creates the macro in question. As he says its not covering all, but works great for most users in various industries. But again, always remember that new versions such as X5, X6 and now X7 have features not possible in X4 and older versions.

3. is there is a way to open x7 files in x6 as on vista x7 is not supported

   1. If you have CorelDRAW X7 then you have to back save the X7 file to X6.
      You do so in: Save As / And in that Save as dialog look for Saving/choosing old file format. Choose X6.

      1. What if you dont have x7 on your computer and have only x6?

         1. Ask someone to help you. Place a question for help at http://community.coreldraw.com

   2. And you should see that clearly actually in my blog post you just commented on 🙂
      It is quite clear actually. JUst look at the attached image as welll.
      In the picture, printscreen, you see it says ”version 16.0”. X6 means 16.0.

4. @Stefan (or another enthusiast),

   Is this possible without opening the file in x7? I used a trial version for x7 and now I’m trialing the technical suite (which has x6, unfortunately). The fact that the trial ended means I can’t open it with x7 anymore, but my saves aren’t compatible yet (I didn’t realise it when saving).

   Another question: What would you recommend, the graphic suite (with coreldraw x7) or the technical suite (with designer, but coreldraw x6)? I use it for my work as an industrial design student, which doesn’t involve a lot of designer yet, but I can imagine the possibilities with the combination with SolidWorks (which we use a lot).

   By the way I like your blog and keep up the good work!

   Jelmer

   1. Hi Jelmer,

      Thank you! Glad you like my blog.

      To open your X7 files in X6 or any other previous/older version, you simply have to have another X7. I would suggest you download X7 trial onto another computer temporarily, and bring your X7 files to that other computer. Open in X7, and then in X7 do this: Go to File > Save as > and in the Save as dialog look for ”Version”, just over the ”Save” button. It says 17.0. Click the arrow next to 17.0 and choose 16.0 which is X6 and so forth. This will solve your problem. Its the only easy way. Unless you upgrade to X7.

      I have CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X7 and Technical Suite X6. I dont know if Technical Suite will come as a X7 version. But generally it always does.

      I prefer the Graphics Suite X7´s NEW and improved version, over X6. But I still like X6 UI as well.

      What will be best for you? It depends on what type of tools you need in your technical illustration work. I work with Technical illustration as well as other type of illustrations. And one Technical illustrator I have interviewd, also uses Graphics Suite. (You can read the interview and see his work for reference to see if he does the same type of work as you do. http://canvas.nu/stefanlindblad-blog/?p=2206 )

      Attention: if you currently have a license of X6 Graphics Suite, then ONLY buy the TechPack for Technical Suite X6. 1) you save lots of money 2) More importantly you can not install The full package of Technical Suite X6 if the Graphics Sutie X6 is installed as well. But no worries, the Tech Pack, see the tab on the Technical Suite page, is the full program.

      Here is an official comparison matrix Corel have published concerning CorelDRAW Tech X6 & Graphics suite X6. Worth looking at http://www.coreldraw.com/static/product_content/cdts/x6/cdtsx6_cdgsx6_comparison_matrix_en.pdf

      Both suites have their strong sides. And of course X7 graphics Suite have way more Pro´s to X6 Graphics suite. Just be reminded that X6 Technical suite, and future X7 Technical suite have certain technical illustration tools and features you might need, or not need. The both suites share the same engine and the UI is basically the same, but the also differ. I prefer working mostly in the graphics suite X7, but for some technical illustration work I use Tech suite. The preference issue is higly personal on how the UI (user interface) differ slighlty on the toolbar for example. Very minor issues. BUT as said, I prefer X7´s NEW and improved version.

      If you would buy the full suite of either X7 Graphics Suite or X6/X7 Technical Suite, then the Graphics Suite is cheaper to buy.

      1. Thanks for your (quick) answer.

         I will try to find a computer to install x7, probably the only way of getting my files.

         And on the technical/graphic suite topic: I will probably go for the x7 graphics suite. The choice is between x7 graphics or x6 technical. It doesn’t differ in price a lot, where I’m getting them.

         And because I’m not sure how often I will actually use designer and the other extra software, I’m leaning towards the newer version (so the x7 graphics suite).

         Again, thanks for replying.

         1. Good decision! I really enjoy X7. Make sure to install all updates

5. How can you tell which version to back save as? I’m using X6 and the version default shows version 16 and i’m trying to share files with a user using X4. The drop down box in the version doesn’t really show…. X4…. Any help here.

   1. Hi, 16.0 means X6. So 14.0 equals/means X4. Hope that helps

6. Hi, without using again X7 version, is there any posibility of open a x7 file in x6 version.

   1. No. Just like I wrote, unless you in CorelDRAW X7 back-save the file to X6 version.

7. Hello Stefan,

   A whole day spent preparing two sets of images for cutting on a laser bed cutter, using Corel Draw X7, and we have just been told that the laser only works with Corel Draw X5.

   I believe that is an earlier version of CorelDraw. Is there any way to ’devolutionise’ our files? They are a series of images, with red cutlines around them.

   We learnt to use CorelDraw X7 yesterday as amateurs, so simple instructions only please!

   Thanks in advance,

   Pandora

   1. Hello Pandora,

      Sorry to hear the Laser Cutter only supports CorelDRAW X5. Yes X5 is an older version. 2 versions back. Current is X7. If you havent contacted the Laser Cutter company support, and ask for updated drivers for your Laser Cutter, log on to http://community.coreldraw.com and place a question in that official forum. Many people in the sign business, who use Laser Cutters, which I dont, can possibly help you even more. Add your Laser Cutter model and so on.

      The files you have made with X7, simply back save them to older version X5. So I need to ask you to read my blog post again, because I do write how to solve this. Also look at the image in the same blog post article.

8. Hello Stefan,

   I spend 2 weeks in preparing my logo in corel draw X4 & now it has expired it’s free trial, now i wanted to finish is, I have saved it but can I open this file in Corel Draw X6 trial verson?

   1. Hello rv, Yes you can. X6 is a newer version than X4. So it´s a yes. . But if you whent the opposite, it wouldnt be possible. So, again, yes, open the logo you made in X4, and open it in X6. But why not simply BUY any version of CorelDRAW Graphics Suite. You wont be able to always use Trial versions, if you are going to work professionally with CorelDRAW. Corel currenlty have a fantastic offer for upgrade prices. Even those with the very first version 1.0, can upgrade to X7. Thats like a almost not heard of these days.

      Also, you can always buy a Home & Student version of CorelDRAW. The Home & Student cost, today at least, only $99 US. http://www.coreldraw.com/us/product/home-student/

      And the full version, cost much more. $399 for an upgrade. in the US & Canada. If you live there that is. I live in europe myself.
      http://www.coreldraw.com/us/product/graphic-design-software/

      If you on the other hand live and work, for example in India, there is a great company in India selling CorelDRAW
      http://www.corelinsight.com/ Owned by a fellow CorelDRAW Master. Highly recommended!

      Cheers
      Stefan

9. So in conclusion is there a way to set the ’save as’ in a backward compatible format such as x4 from x7 so i dont have to remember to change that every time???

   1. Hi

      No. Unless you record a Macro yourself inside CorelDRAW. Or if you buy a Macro that do this.

      This is done by purpose. Because each new version of CorelDRAW have new tools and effects. And CDR file format hence is being ”rewritten” by the devolperß. Please read this link attached. And read the answer given by Tony Severenuk, from Corel.

      http://community.coreldraw.com/talk/coreldraw_graphics_suite_x7/f/810/t/45167

   2. If you use On the other hand Corel PHOTO-PAINT, you can much more easy assign a Macro to do this. Use the Docker Record and record script. Then open the files and the script in the Batch Process. Skmply because vector and bitmap images/docu8are different in file creation

      But on the other hand, you don’t have to actually, because PHOTO-PAINT file format CPT can be opened in old and new versions with almost no problems

10. Hai there, whenever i open a file saved in X3 version in X8, it takes much time about half an hour to get it open. Is there any way to open such files quickly? Please help…..

    1. Hello

       Very difficult to sat what the issue at hand is, but a few things to consider is the amount of fonts you have installed. If you have X8, consider learning the new program addition to X8 version: Corel Font Manager. Learn how great that program is, and you won’t have to have too many fonts installed to view them and use them.

       Why Fonts?
       Because too many fonts installed can at times slow down ones system.

       I found this link I recommend you read. Rikk Flohr and Ariel Garaza Diaz, give great suggestions.
       http://community.coreldraw.com/talk/coreldraw_community/f/29/t/2877

11. Hi,

    This is very helpful. but i dont have x7. than how can i open this in x6. because if i have x7 than no need to open any file into x6. i can only install x7 on trail basic (app 30day).

    or is there any option to save all file into x6 by using x7

    Thanks

    1. Hello,

       Glad it was helpful. If you read again, and watch the images attached to this blog article, you clearly can see that, yes, you back-save to older versions in the ”Save As” dialog.

       The ONLY way to open a X7 file in a X7 file format of CorelDRAW, is to use X7 or X8 or future versions of CorelDRAW.

       The OTHER way to do it, is, to either buy, or install a Trial, or collegues CorelDRAW X7 or X8 version, and save to X6 version. Just like I say in this blog article. If you look at the images and read again, you clearly see how it is done.

       In other words: YES, you can save to X6 versions from inside CorelDRAW X7 or X8 or future versions.

       Hope this helps

12. I am having X6 version and I want to save my file for X7 version

    1. Hello,

       Simply read my blog article again, the answer is there already 🙂
       But basically, Start CorelDRAW X7. Inside X7, go to File / Open/ and choose the CorelDRAW X6 file.

    2. Can not be done fromX6. You can not save to a newer version than you have, in corelDRAW. But, if you have a Corel PHOTO-PAINT file, it could be done, in that the file extension for Photo-Paint, CPT, is not in need to be rewritten as a file format for each new version of CorelDRAW Graphics Suite.

13. I have some old version 9 files (back from my college tshirt design days) that folks are requesting. If I purchase CorelDRAW x8 can the version 9 files be opened with out issue?

    1. Hi Blake, I believe version 9.0 might be too old. Maybe X5 or X6 (15.0 and 16.0) possibly opened older version like 9.0

14. You are claiming to have a solution, when you do not. The reason persons are having the issue is because they do not own a copy of the higher program are are looking to save time from downloading and installing a program they are not ready of authorised to pay for.

15. Hi
    But is there really a way to know the version a CDR was saved as?
    I was trying to open a coreldraw file on my CorelDraw X3, but no success, and there is no way of knowing the exact version, since it still has CorelDraw X3 when I right-click the file properties.
    Knowing the exact version might help me know what version to upgrade to.

    Rgds

    1. A way would be to install a Trial version from http://www.coreldraw.com that works for 15 days. Open the file in question the latest version. It will tell you which version it is.

16. What of if you save a file with the new version, and the new version corrupt, how will you be able to open the file to convert it to the old version in order to open it.
    Please Help Me..!!!

    1. Hi, Tricky question. I wouoldnt no really. If you have the original file, then use that. Always make a copy of a file before trying that. See to that you have a backup, like in cases like yours. place a question at http://community.coreldraw.com

17. Please help me convert CorelDraw X8 simple vector or EPS to open into a older version of CorelDraw 8. I have attempted to save as, it doesn’t allow me to save to a earlier version. And X8 EPS files don’t open .cdr v8.
    Thanks

    1. Hi Dave, My hourly rate, for specifically converting, is $65.

18. hi sir can u have a corel DRAW x8 for windows xp sp2 32bit

    1. Hi, No. XP is too old OS.

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