Graphic Package: Corel Draw – SS3 Data Processing Lesson Note (Second Term)

A graphic package is software used for drawing, painting, editing pictures and manipulating graphics. CorelDRAW is an example of a graphic package.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define a graphic package and give examples.
2. State the uses of graphic packages such as CorelDRAW.
3. Name the two types of computer graphics.
4. Outline the features/components of the CorelDRAW window.
5. Describe the function of each component.

What is a graphic package?

A graphic package is a program used to create, edit and arrange pictures, drawings and designs on a computer.

• CorelDRAW: a drawing and design package, mostly used for logos, posters and layouts.
• Adobe Photoshop: a package mainly for editing photographs.
• Adobe Illustrator: a drawing package for illustrations and logos.
• Microsoft Paint: a simple painting program that comes with Windows.
• GIMP and Inkscape: free packages for image editing (GIMP) and drawing (Inkscape).

What are the types of computer graphics?

There are two types of computer graphics: vector graphics and raster (bitmap) graphics.

Vector graphics

• Definition: images built from lines, curves and shapes defined by mathematical instructions.
• Quality: they can be enlarged without becoming blurred.
• Package: CorelDRAW works mainly with vector graphics.

Raster (bitmap) graphics

• Definition: images made up of tiny coloured dots called pixels.
• Quality: they become blurred or blocky when enlarged too much.
• Example: a photograph taken with a phone camera.

What are the uses of graphic packages (CorelDRAW)?

Graphic packages are used to draw, paint, edit and design pictures on the computer.

• Drawing: creating shapes, lines and illustrations.
• Manipulation of graphics: resizing, rotating, stretching and arranging objects.
• Editing pictures: changing or improving existing images.
• Painting: filling objects and areas with colours.
• Special effects: applying effects such as shadows to graphics.
• Design work: making logos, posters, flyers, banners, business cards and school badges.

What are the features/components of CorelDRAW?

The CorelDRAW window has ten main parts, which students should be able to identify and describe.

1. Menu bar: the area containing a drop-down menu with commands grouped by category.
2. Property bar: a detachable bar with commands that relate to the active tool or objects.
3. Title bar: the area displaying the title of the currently open drawing.
4. Toolbar: a detachable bar that contains shortcuts to the menu and other commands, such as Save and New.
5. Drawing window: the area outside the drawing page, bordered by the scroll bars and application controls.
6. Drawing page: the rectangular area inside the drawing window. It is the printable area of your work area.
7. Rulers: horizontal and vertical borders that are used to determine the size and position of an object in a drawing.
8. Colour palette: a detachable bar that contains colours for quick application of fill or outline colours.
9. Page navigator or counter: the area at the bottom left of the application window that contains controls for moving between pages or adding pages.
10. Toolbox: a detachable bar with tools for creating, shaping, filling and modifying objects in the drawing.

Where are the components found on the screen?

In the usual layout, each component sits in a fixed part of the CorelDRAW window.

What are the common tools in the CorelDRAW toolbox?

The toolbox holds the tools used to create and change objects.

• Pick tool: selects, moves and resizes objects.
• Shape tool: edits the nodes and outline of an object.
• Zoom tool: enlarges or reduces the view of the page.
• Freehand tool: draws lines and curves by hand.
• Rectangle tool: draws rectangles and squares.
• Ellipse tool: draws ellipses and circles.
• Text tool: adds written text to the drawing.
• Fill tool: applies colour or patterns inside an object.

How do you draw and colour a simple shape in CorelDRAW?

A simple shape is drawn by choosing a tool, dragging on the drawing page and applying colour.

1. Open CorelDRAW and start a new blank drawing.
2. Click the Rectangle tool in the toolbox.
3. Click and drag on the drawing page to draw the shape.
4. Click a colour in the colour palette to fill the shape.
5. Right-click a colour in the palette to set the outline colour.
6. Use the property bar to adjust the size of the object.
7. Click File, then Save, to keep the drawing.

Evaluation

1. Define a graphic package and give two examples.
2. State four uses of CorelDRAW.
3. Name the two types of computer graphics and state one difference between them.
4. List and explain five features/components of CorelDRAW.
5. State the function of the colour palette and the rulers.

Assignment

Draw the CorelDRAW window layout in your notebook. Label the title bar, menu bar, toolbox, colour palette and drawing page, and state one function of each.

Teaching notes

Instructional techniques

• Identification
• Explanation
• Questions and answers
• Demonstration
• Videos from source

Instructional materials

• Videos
• Loudspeaker
• Pictures
• Data Processing for Senior Secondary Education by Hiit Plc
• WAPB Computer Studies for Senior Secondary I by Adekunle et al
• Online materials

Conclusion

The teacher commends the students positively.