Maybe it's just an issue for those of us with metered Internet and who use Windows as MS recommends, but my Documents folder syncs to the Cloud (default OneDrive configuration), so I can't have various temp files in there wasting my bandwidth for no reason, nor would I ever want ANY company to put a bunch of folders in my Documents directory. "Documents" means documents I have created, not templates or other stuff to be installed by the software vendor.
This is precisely why Windows includes the %appdata% folders: for companies to put files that may be user specific, but managed by the app, not the user. The Documents folder is intended ONLY for files managed and created by the user. I know it's hardly a matter of life and death, but it really rubs me the wrong way when companies act like they are so important they can override the OS to do things their own different (and in my case costly) way.
I've used Corel since the '90s, so I know this is not a new thing (Corel has always annoyed me with the folders it puts in my Documents folder), but the sheer number of folders and the inclusion of a "Working Files" directory (so now 2 new directories in the root of my Documents folder) seems to indicate the problem is getting worse, not better.
Is there any way to easily move ALL of the folders out of the Documents directory permanently and without having to edit over a dozen directories manually via Tools -> Global Options -> File Locations?
Thanks,Colin
Why in God's name would you configure your system like this?
I had posted a lengthy response detailing why. The forum default-blocked it as spam. While we await my appeal, to summarize:
1. It's the default for Office subscribers and OneDrive users, so not exactly a fringe config.
2. It's smart for the auto-backup, version history, and cross-platform always-sync'd data, especially for multi-PC users, and I use 3.
3. Windows provides other locations in the Users folder specifically for programs to create their own directories.
4. Live in rural area with satellite Internet (Starlink, which actually is not metered right now, but was for the past several months).
5. Conserving bandwidth by not syncing temp files is helpful, even if not on a metered connection.
6. Personal preference: I like to keep my Documents well-organized, b/c it's the default location for file dialogs.
So, with that in mind, is there an easy way to change the locations and then copy that config change (e.g., a registry export or INI or XML file) to all my PC's?
Those storage sites are for use by the program for multiple internal purposes. Those locations are location markers not file contents. I will post a capture of my file location dialog later today. A bit busy as PopPop and Nanny are hosting the mothers day festivities today.
After some thought I considered that you may be looking for file content source data, (I.E. the files you placed in your document) if so those by default are embedded in the CDR file. I believe after changes are made that the entire CDR file would need to be uploaded because of embedding.
Many graphics applications link the content rather than embed the content. However as an example an image file only edited in an image editor not only would need to be uploaded but the assembly applications native file would also need updatedl
Embedding is much simpler for file sharing, with that said by default Draw also embeds fonts, that's a dubious concept as not all fonts allow it and the concept is great for viewing but iffy for editing. I turn font embedding off as I find on occasion conflicts.
Draw does have a collect for output feature that you need to place on the toolbar which collects the fonts. I'll post instructions on how to place that on the tool bar. What I find easier is to simply make sure all 8 of my systems have identical fonts installed.
In practice, if you're working fron a OneDrive location, Draw will see it just like a folder on the local system. If you were working locally and want to update the OneDrive, all you need do is select save as and write to the OneDrive. If you just want to copy the file, (much faster) all you need is the cdr file and the fonts.
Draw gives you the ability to extract all document contents for editing in other applications if needed. Literally all you need is the cdr file and the fonts.
You can extract images by right clicking, edit bitmap which launches Photo-PAINT and you can save as many formats. Text can be extracted, places art can be extracted via exportation.
I double checked and the capture you posted are locations for Draw internal control data only the location does not change when you open files regardless of the file location.
David, thank for you posting a response, but either you don't understand my question or I don't understand your answer. It doesn't seem to have anything to do with my question, but I acknowledge that maybe it's my ignorance on something about how the CDGS works that's preventing me from seeing the connection you're making. My goal, as I've stated several times here, is to remove the folders Corel adds w/o my permission to my Documents folder. I'd also like to understand what those folders are used for, mainly to determine where I should put them after I move them. I DO save all my CDR and CPT files that I have created or am working on in my Documents directory. It's not MY folders or documents I'm asking about but the ones Corel puts there automatically as shown under Tools -> Options -> Global -> File Locations.
Because this thread appears to have devolved more into your opinions on how users should mimic your file behavior than anything related to my question (without even any give-or-take as one would expect in a discussion), I've started a separate thread limited to the precise question I'm trying to answer. Please don't respond to that one unless it's with an answer to the question, not your opinions.
Those folders are used internally to control the application, providing customization and other features, remove them and the application will not work. They are part of the installation and operating process it tells Draw where specific items (example: where your brushes are kept, editing preset, frames, blends and other items). You're stuck with them, in terms of files space it depends on how much customization you do especially user generated frames, fills and transparencies. In the case of heavy customization, you may want to share these between systems. In my opinion it's a fools errand.
Now I know that there are the stupid updated reminders and people struggle removing them, however these files are not those internal operating files for the application. They load on every system but are not required to be identical on each system to open a file correctly.
As long as you remap the final destination in CorelDRAW you should be able to move the folders out of the documents folder.
NOT ME!