|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,274
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,274 |
Here's the situation: I'm looking for a "safe" download site for CorelDraw X3. I have the full, boxed program with all the disks, manuals, etc., but it's home in Canada. I'm "snowbirding" in Arizona, but I've found that I need the program. I contacted my daughter back home and she sent me the Activation Code, now I'd like to download the program. In doing some checking on the web, all of the download sites I've found have been known to push out spamware and I'm loathe to take a chance on them. This site http://www.howtogeek.com/207692/yes-every-freeware-download-site-is-serving-crapware-heres-the-proof/lists those places that include "crapware" (their word). I'm looking for alternate suggestions. Help! Thanks! LLOYD S
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 3
Newbie
|
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 3 |
I would contact Corel. They may have a way you can d/l a demo of that version and use your code to fully activate it. Even if it's not on their site they may have an old link that is still active.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,778
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,778 |
Lloyd, go to the Corel.com and open your account. You will find every program that you have registered available for download. I found some of my really old programs still available, like programs from 2003. Maybe with some luck Draw X3 will be there for you.
I hope this works out for ya and good luck.
Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.
When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,274
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,274 |
I can see what the CorelDraw site looks like but I'm not very hopeful. The version I have is "legitimate", in that I have the entire boxed set with all the manuals, disks etc. but I doubt if it was ever "registered".
It was given to me by my former employer when I retired, as CorelDraw would not be used there after I left.
The plot thickens ... I'd still like to find a reputable download site if anyone knows of one.
Thanks for the tips! LLOYD S
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,274
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,274 |
Just contacted CorelDraw. My X3 won't work on this laptop anyway (so I'm told) as it is running Windows 10.
Oh well, it was worth a shot <grin>. Thanks all! LLOYD S
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,631
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,631 |
Looks like you may have to Gimp along .. <grin> https://www.gimp.org/ Another decent freebie is Paint.net These days they probably do 99% of anything Corel could do back then.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,274
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,274 |
I'd never heard of Gimp before. I'll have to check them out. It may be all I need. Thanks rharv! LLOYD S
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
One thing Corel he going for it WAY back in the day was the ability to go back and forth between bitmap and vector objects on the same layer. This was in the late 80's. You could take a bitmap and Corel would turn it into a vector graphic for editing primarily of the outline. I use paint.net now and am not aware of that capability. One of my friends was an illustrator for Hallmark cards and recent user of late versions of Corel Draw for work on PCs. I will see what he currently uses. He is out of country for the next couple weeks. Send me a PM if you would like me to contact him.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,334
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,334 |
Another decent freebie is Paint.net. These days they probably do 99% of anything Corel could do back then. I'd also recommend Paint.net. I've used it for the last 4-5 years cleaning up and cropping photos for my (2) music CD covers/artworks and my DVD cover/artwork. The price point is a plus. Carry on....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,778
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,778 |
Just contacted CorelDraw. My X3 won't work on this laptop anyway (so I'm told) as it is running Windows 10.
Oh well, it was worth a shot <grin>. Thanks all! LLOYD S Are you sure that it can't run on Win 10 in compatibility mode? I ask because I was told that MS Office 97 wouldn't run on Win 10 but I have it running perfectly. I also have Corel PhotoPaint 7, a Win 95 program that I was told wouldn't run on Win 10, up and running perfectly. Thus it might be worth it to have the program sent to you so you could give it a try. But as always YMMV.
Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.
When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,274
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,274 |
Rockstar: watch for my PM chulaivet: I'm working mainly with vectors so I'm not sure a paint program would work.
Mario: the Live Chat person I had with Corel, when I asked him point blank if X3 would run on Win10 he said no. So I won't pursue that end. I think I will try it though when I get home, as I said, I have the disks for it.
In the meantime, I'll check out gimp.
Thanks all !! Lloyd S
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,031
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,031 |
If you are mainly working with vectors then I would also suggest taking a look at InkScape which is vector based (and free). Kevin 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,058
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,058 |
Will one of you post a link to paint.net please. Everytime I put paint.net as a search term I keep getting links to warrenpaint.com. Nevermind. ++ FOUND IT! ++ It helps once you find out paint.net ain't the name of the website, the website name is getpaint.net.
Last edited by Jim Fogle; 12/14/16 08:33 AM. Reason: Added link.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,274
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,274 |
Kevin:
I will take a look at Inkscape. I downloaded and tried gimp but it seems geared towards working with bitmaps.
Thanks for the tip! LLOYD S
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,932
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,932 |
In doing some checking on the web, all of the download sites I've found have been known to push out spamware and I'm loathe to take a chance on them. I just wanted to comment on the point about download sites. Generally these are extremely dangerous to the health of your PC! First, they are usually offering illegal downloads which can get you in serious trouble. Second, even if the legality issue doesn't bother you, as you correctly pointed out, these sites (and their downloads) are riddled with SPAM. Finally, SPAM may be the very least of your problems. Downloads like this can contain malware, viruses and even ransomware! I have a colleague who downloaded a "free" program like this and his entire system was compromised and encrypted with a message that his data would not be released until he paid the ransom. They further threatened to publicly publish his content if he did not pay the ransom! And some of the more devious ransom infections are now offering to free your data in exchange for you infecting other people!
Last edited by JohnJohnJohn; 12/14/16 10:33 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,274
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,274 |
John:
The download that I wanted, CorelDraw X3 isn't illegal in itself, as you have to have the activation code before you can run it (unless you're interested in an illegal "hack", which I wasn't).
I agree about the download sites though, and that's why I wondered if anyone knew of a "safe" one.
On the subject of the content I was looking for, I tried Kevin's suggestion of Inkscape. It seems to be the closest I've come to CorelDraw, and I'm pretty sure I can get it to do what I need.
Thanks again to Kevin and all those who chimed in with suggestions. Much appreciated.
LLOYD S
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,631
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,631 |
Well, for the record, GIMP and PAINT.NET have good reputations after many years and can be downloaded from a reputable site. Yes, Inkscape is a good one for vectors, didn't know that was a requirement Lloyd, or I'd have suggested it earlier. I found out about it a couple years ago when I had to handle some complex SVG files in a web app. Inkscape isn't intuitive for images/photos, but for some things it's great (and it's free!). May be boring; We layered SVGs on PNG files and kept the SVGs resizable and spinnable on ipods/Androids, both files were then sent separately, including position data (basically XML), to a server that emailed a combined/layered image to the user, saved it and then copied to another server that handled sales leads, and the separate files/data were finally copied over to another corporate server .. app distributed through Apple (for androids we made a downloadable installer). Apple Apps .. what a pain for developers. In contrast once I put the (free) ImageMagick library on the main server, it took about 8 lines of code to handle all the graphics work! To add to the freebie list; PhotoFiltre (free fast basic image editor that will run from a thumb drive, meaning no real install needed) and FastStone Image Resizer. Weak point with PhotoFiltre is transparency and layers. But it's fast for basic stuff. FastStone does batch conversions with high quality and lots of options. http://www.photofiltre-studio.com/pf7-en.htmhttp://www.faststone.org/FSResizerDetail.htm
Last edited by rharv; 12/14/16 03:03 PM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,274
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,274 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,309
Posts803,136
Members40,090
| |
Most Online64,515 Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|