Not sure if this is the correct forum, so if it's not I apologize in advance, but it seemed the most logical.

Suppose you have several thousand files that were originally done in Micrografx Graphics Suite 2.0 (*.dsf files), and are finally looking to upgrade into a newer program. Both CorelDraw and Designer are able to open / use the *.dsf format so what is the pros and cons of each product compared to the other in handling files of this nature, other than a ~$300 or so price difference? Any information that you can provide me to assist in my decision making will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Glenn Arceneaux

in short I would say it will depend on what your wanting to do with these files. Corel is more of a graphics prog and I would say more in tune with creating art, illustrations. and Designer is more in tune with technical designs. Yes both will support the files type and offer the ability to create the same images (per say) yet each prog has better abilities for certain types of designs.

Download the trials and see which will work best for you. I do not use Designer yet have been seriously contemplating it asI  have heard of some aspects working easier and more logical than DRAW yet my go to prog will always be DRAW, bar none

I am sure someone with more expierence with Designer will chime in but wanted to offer a suggestion until then

To summarize the differences between CorelDRAW Graphics Suite and Corel DESIGNER Technical Suite, the first one is designed with the creation of crative graphics in mind (logos, flyers, brochures, signs, ...) while the second product is focusing on technical graphics and illustrations (graphics for parts manuals, working with CAD files, ...).

Corel DESIGNER Technical Suite extends CorelDRAW Graphics Suite with enhanced filter support for CAD file formats, DSF files, ... and adds features such as projected drawing (to create 2.5D Isometric drawings), call-outs, dimensioning, precision drawing tools. 

As a side note, we currently have the pre-release technology preview of the next version of Corel DESIGNER Technical Suite (X4) available as an exclusive for the CorelDRAW.com members. You can find all the details under http://DESIGNER.com/preview. A few things that we are working on for DESIGNER X4 are 3D CAD formats support, improved DSF compatibility, enhanced diagramming tools, ... 

Gérard