CorelDRAW X8 is a huge disappointment.

I just got a comment saying: "how can I say that after all it's only been out for a few hours?" Although that is correct, I have been using CorelDRAW since version 4 -not x4 but 4- professionally so I don't need more than a few hours to see what is new and what hasn't been touched. I like some of the improvements but they would be really really low on my priority list as compared to many other things that I'd like to see enhanced, fixed or added. I LOVE CorelDRAW a lot and will continue to use the program but I can't see many reasons to upgrade. However, I do like the new dark interface which is something I was hoping to see.

I also understand the need to offer scaling for 4k displays and I agree that this needed to be done but for those who use a standard 1080p resolution the program offers almost nothing to compel an upgrade. The new tools like Gaussian blur drop shadow or the new knife are nice but for professionals who know the program fairly well these offer very little enhancement and no new capabilities.

Yes, the lack of new useful features is underwhelming. There are hundreds of amazing macros out there that have could have been added as features.

The biggest missing update is a color replacing tool...like the macros out there.

Same old, same old:

• Find and replace (same as V9)
• Fit text on a path still not intuitive or as good as old versions
• Treat as filled still "on" at default install - ridiculous
• Background page color can't be saved in document settings
• Pattern fills are not useful (editing, etc)
• No wireframe button on main toolbar
• Outline thickness should be a up/down arrow like it used to be (you shouldn't have to type in a value)
• Using features of open type fonts not intuitive
• Default outline thickness does not stick when you save default settings - set to "none" and always reverts back to hairline
• Smart drawing tool still twitchy - doesn't fill where you click
• Training videos are lame - i can click on all the menus and see what they do...don't need a video to show me that
• Contour docker could be so much better
• Export dialog box still so damn clunky - takes forever and erases last color mode used every time, and stuff you need is buried at the bottom of dialog scroll window (transformation)

Been using Corel since version 5 and went from a novice to expert. I am amazed at the lack of truly usable features to make us more productive daily in each new version.

I have tested all new versions of Corel since version 5 and managed to crash them all within 10 minutes using just general feature testing. X8 has NOT crashed on me in a few hours of testing. (Using Windows 10)

Sorry Corel, there is no bang for your buck in this version. The knife tool is the only real valuable feature and maybe the monitor scaling thing but you should automatically do that to keep up with the technology...it doesn't make me more productive. Just saves my eyes from straining.