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.
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. It’s only available for macOS and Windows operating systems and released under a proprietary license. What are the best free and open source alternatives?
1. QCAD
QCAD is an application for 2D computer aided drafting.
QCAD enables users to create technical drawings such as plans for buildings, interiors, mechanical parts or schemas and diagrams.
It uses DXF as its standard file format. While other CAD packages are often complicated to use, QCad tries to be different.
2. FreeCAD
FreeCAD is a 3D-Solid and general purpose design CAD/CAE.
FreeCAD is aimed directly at mechanical engineering and product design but also fits in a wider range of uses around engineering, such as architecture or other engineering specialities.
3. BRL-CAD
The BRL-CAD package is a powerful Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG) solid modeling system.
BRL-CAD includes an interactive 3D solid geometry editor, a network-distributed symmetric multiprocessing high-performance ray-tracer, network-distributed framebuffer support, image and signal-processing tools, ray-tracing support for rendering and geometric analysis, path-tracing and photon mapping support for realistic image synthesis, animation capabilities, ray-tracing and numerical processing libraries, a system performance analysis benchmark suite, an embedded scripting interface, and a robust high-performance geometric representation and analysis library.
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. |