CorelDRAW X6, 64-bits, Scanning, Twain Drivers and WIA

With each new version of CorelDRAW there are quite a few questions asked. There are also important tidbits of information that sometimes don't get the proper attention. One of those regards scanning in CorelDRAW and Corel PHOTO-PAINT X6.

Those of you who run the 32-bit version of CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6 will see no difference in the ability to scan in either CorelDRAW or Corel PHOTO-PAINT. Things are different in the 64-bit version of both CorelDRAW and Corel PHOTO-PAINT X6. In order to scan in either product, you must have a 64-bit TWAIN driver. Many of you probably have a 64-bit version of Windows and a TWAIN driver that works on that system. Yet that same TWAIN driver probably only works with 32-bit applications. I'm not aware of any TWAIN drivers that work with 64-bit software.

Corel knows this is an issue and they are planning to create WIA (Windows Image Acquisition) support for the suite in the first service pack. It is good that they are going to do that, but that doesn't solve the scanning issue today. One solution is to scan into your scanning software and save the file. Then load that file into CorelDRAW X6 or Corel PHOTO-PAINT X6 for placement or editing. Yes, that is an extra step. It is not an ideal solution, but it is one of the workarounds until Corel releases the first service pack.

There is one other option from our friends at SoftBotz Software Studio as they have created a WIA Scanner Control that is available right now. There is a free demo available, but it does cost $9 if you decide you want to use it. Note that it only works in CorelDRAW X6. It does not work in Corel PHOTO-PAINT X6.

Some of you may decide to wait until Corel releases the service pack. Keep in mind that if you are using CorelDRAW X3 or earlier, you will have to pay full price after June 18, 2012. We also are running a special offer to those who order CorelDRAW X6 using the Graphics Unleashed links that expires at the end of March 2012. So you may want to go ahead and get the upgrade now. You can certainly install CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6 and still keep your older version.