CorelDraw into Indesign

[slrhine]

I am trying to convert CorelDraw manuals into InDesign. Can someone shed some light on how to do images or send me to links, I am coming up empty handed. Thanks!!!!!
Stephanie

[Broacher]

[must control maniacal fits of laughter]

Interesting problem. Assuming that it's a multi-page manual, I would say that the only way you're going to get even marginally close with this is Corel>PDF>???

The last part is murky because 'as yet' there is no sure fire way to directly open a PDF into a layout app. But that might not be true for much longer...

Depending on what level of complexity these manuals are, I have some other ideas, but it all depends. In the vast majority of cases, you are probably looking at a complete rebuild. Can you post a 'typical' page from the manual to give me an idea of what we're dealing with here?

[slrhine]

Do you have direct email that I can send you something to. I figured how to do the text and some graphics, its a bit tedious.
Thanks!

[Broacher]

Sorry, I'd prefer it if you could just show me a basic page here. Others would then be able to offer suggestions as well. Just do a screen capture, doesn't even have to be a full zoom, and upload it to a reply here.

The things I'd be on the lookout for:

-Text over background images
-Any transparent effects
-Any Corel specific effects
-Artistic type/paragraph type distribution
-general layout structure

[slrhine]

I'm new to this forum, I'm trying to do what you requested. I'm on a new pc.

[SurfPark]

Save the CorelDraw files to version 10. Open the CorelDraw files in Adobe Illustrator and save in native (.ai) format. Place each Illustrator file on one page within the InDesign document. Only do this option if you need to edit the manual.

[Broacher]

If Adobe Illustrator is an option (I was presuming not), then that could work. Though even there, you have a LOT of potholes to keep an eye out for, and specifically, anything that uses an exclusively Corel-based effect. Which is why I'd like to see a sample page. If the Corel-fx are too intense, then you have to work within the even narrower confines of PDF editing.

Remember also to shut off all saving compression options when saving off to Corel 10 files --AI won't open the files otherwise.

And, if you're just looking for a direct route to copy/paste from Corel to InDesign, believe it or not, there is a way. If you go to oberonplace.com, you'll see a set of CorelDraw macros that in effect, converts the CorelDraw clipboard into an Adobe one, which allows you to copy and paste to and fro from AI and ID. You have to make sure your ID/AI clipboard prefs are set right to accept this, but it does work pretty well. Now, as far as paragraph text... I don't think it will work that simply-- but for vector and shape stuff, it works very well.