Last Updated on January 5, 2023
Corel Corporation is a Canadian software company specializing in graphics processing. They are best known for developing CorelDRAW, a vector graphics editor. They are also notable for purchasing and developing AfterShot Pro, PaintShop Pro, Painter, Video Studio, MindManager, and WordPerfect.
Corel has dabbled with Linux over the years. For example they produced Corel Linux, a Debian-based distribution which bundled Corel WordPerfect Office for Linux. While Corel effectively abandoned its Linux business in 2001 they are not completely Linux-phobic. For example, AfterShot Pro has an up to date Linux version albeit its proprietary software.
This series looks at the best free and open source alternatives to products offered by Corel.
Corel MotionStudio 3D is a 3D titling, motion graphics and effects-in one complete package. It’s proprietary software and not available for Linux.
What are the best free and open source alternatives?
1. Natron
Natron is an open source, cross platform nodal compositing application. It is built around industry standard open source tech such as OpenFX, OpenEXR, OpenColorIO and OpenImageIO.
Its robust OIIO file formats and OpenFX architecture is what make Natron the most flexible open source compositor for the visual effects community. Natron offers a powerful keying, roto/rotopaint, 2D tracking tools that are staple for all current film production project that requires visual effects.
2. Blender
Blender is the free and open-source 3D creation suite. It supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing, video editing, and motion tracking.
Targeted at media professionals and artists, Blender can be used to create 3D visualizations, stills as well as broadcast and cinema quality video, whilst the incorporation of a real-time 3D engine allows for the creation of 3D interactive content for stand-alone playback
3. Talos
Talos is an open source, node based particle effect editor with a powerful interface that can be used in game development.
It offers an intuitive, drag-and-drop interface with the ability to import legacy LibGDX files for easy, visual editing.
All articles in this series:
| Alternatives to Corel's Products | |
|---|---|
 | AfterShot Pro is raw image processing software offering simple photo management, good workflow, and batch processing. |
 | CorelCAD is a computer-aided design application for 2D and 3D design which supports a variety of graphic formats including DWG, DXG, CDR, SHP, and others. |
 | CorelDRAW is vector-based designing software used to create logos, flexes, brochures, invitation cards, and any kind of vector designing. |
 | DVD Copy is simple-to-use software which allows you to copy DVDs, convert HD video, output to mobile devices, and more. |
 | MindManager is mind mapping software application. MindManager can be used to manage projects, organize information, and for brainstorming. |
| MotionStudio 3D is a 3D titling, motion graphics and effects-in one complete package. Generate 3D graphics, titles and animated text |
 | Painter is a raster-based digital art software which is used for canvas painting and offers photo-art tools. Sketch, paint, and illustrate. |
 | PaintShop Pro is a raster and vector graphics editor. It features an interface for automating tasks with scripts written in Python. |
 | PDF Document Writer lets users convert documents, emails, images and other file types into a PDF for viewing and sharing. |
 | PDF Fusion is an all-in-one PDF creator that lets you assemble, edit and create PDFs. |
 | Pinnacle Studio is a full-featured, near-pro-level video editing application without a steep learning curve. |
 | VideoStudio MyDVD is DVD authoring software. Make your menus more meaningful and use the powerful tools within VideoStudio MyDVD. |
 | VideoStudio Pro is a video editing software package that offers both storyboard and timeline-oriented editing. |
 | WinDVD Pro allows you to play DVDs and Blu-rays. The player can also be used to play videos and audio/music files in other formats. |
 | WinZip is a file archiver and compressor with tools for system integration. The software also bundles an image manager and backup functionality. |
 | WordPerfect Office is an all-in-one office suite and word processing software. Document, spreadsheet, and presentation applications. |