I build windows for historic properties and provide shop drawings for my clients. I've had Corel for years and it does a fine job with this task. However, I'm getting busier and I'd like to automate the task since the only difference between windows is the height and width or in other words the length of the stiles and rails. I'd like to find a program or add-on that will allow me to store the dims of the components (stiles, rails, sills etc.) then just plug in the unit height and width and have the drawing automatically generated. Is there a function in corel for this or is there an add-on you know of? Also, can anyone describe what I'm asking for - like parametric desgin or something cool like that?
Cheers
Are you using the MacOS version of CorelDRAW?
Nope, PC. Does it matter? Can you tell me what I'm asking for? I don't have the words to express it.
You posted this in the "CorelDRAW 2019 Store Edition for Mac" forum.
I am familiar with some aspects of automation in CorelDRAW on Windows, but not on MacOS, and I didn't want to offer an answer that would not apply to your situation. Everything I write for CorelDRAW, for example, is done using Visual Basic for Applications - and so doesn't apply to the MacOS version.
I think I have a pretty good idea of what you are asking for. I imagine something where you would have a diagram for a particular style of window, with some user interface for specifying the values to use for certain dimensions.You specify the values, and CorelDRAW would create content based on those values.
As an example of something that works that way, see this: #27 - Macro - "Windowpaner".
I'm not offering that as a solution to your specific need; just as an example of something that creates CorelDRAW content "from the numbers".
PDF attachments work, but the forum software doesn't accept .CDR files. You could put it in a .ZIP file, or you could put it somewhere online and share a link.
If you were discussing this as an automation project with someone, I think that part of it would be you coming up with a complete list of all the parameters needed to define the drawing, and a diagram showing where all of those parameters come into play in the drawing.
There is a Developer area here on this site. On occasion, I have seen people posting in the discussion area there looking for someone to do coding.
Eskimo, I'll try that if necessary (posting another file). You'd think a Corel forum KingSD_EskimoExample.zipwould accept CDR!In the ideal world I'd create the fixed parameters, identify the variables and do it myself with a corel add-on. But if that's not practical, I'd be willing to hire someone to develop it for my use, hopefully with some instruction so I can take over from there, since my business is scaling up.
A word of warning, any 3rd party automation my require you to test any new CorelDRAW versions or even CorelDRAW updates on a SAFE MACHINE before implementing them on your design workstation.
This has nothing to do with the 3rd party programming it's just that Corel is notorious for it's lack of support for 3rd party support companies.
Automation is great but hanging yourself and losing money stinks.
You sound like you speak from experience. Thanks! Do you have any suggestions on how to proceed with my objective. How about a simple 2D program you could recommend. I just wanted to modify corel since I'm already very comfortable with it.
My experiance has been observation over the last 25 years which is partially why I do not use 3rd party utilities. The other reason is 99% of my work is always custom with almost zero redundancy.
Any workflow that utilizes 3rd party utilities places a demand on you to be committed to the workflow in which you developed the CorelDRAW 3rd party utility relationship.
Also to be committed to totally controlling the work environment, Windows updates, new software, Corel updates and even new Macros. You WILL be smart to have an identical test system and a production system. Nothing moves to the production system without passing tests on the test system, because sometimes things can't be undone.
There are decent people who write Macros on this forum who may be able and willing for a price to help you. However it's your commitment that will bring success.
Jeff or Eskimo are better suited for that task.