Creating Tactile Graphics using CorelDRAW

In May 2022, Seema Kapoor, alternate format transcriber at PRCVI, presented a series of virtual sessions on the use of the CorelDRAW suite to create tactile graphics files. These sessions covered fundamental features and tools within the suite as well as the use of the PRCVI Transcriber Macros to create more advanced graphs, charts, and other content for translation into tactile media. 

CorelDRAW Basics for Creating Tactile Graphics Files

Seema's first session covers the basics of how to configure CorelDRAW and use tactile graphics templates. She also demonstrates how to create basic lines, curves, and shapes. The use of the template file (linked below) is covered in the presentation.

Companion Files for CorelDRAW Basics

• Slides from CorelDraw Basics for Creating Tactile Graphics [PDF]
• PRCVI Template for CorelDRAW (July 2017)

Creating Tactile Graphics with CorelDraw Using Macros

In a follow-up session, Seema details the process that the team at PRCVI uses to design more advanced tactile graphics using macros. The use of macros simplifies the production process and adds consistency across producers. Seema shows us how to create a variety of tactile graphics files from a range of visual content, including line graphs, pie charts, clocks, and number lines. She also reviews the process of creating a tactile graphic file from a scan of visual media.

Companion Files for Creating Tactile Graphics with CorelDraw Using Macros

Complete instructions for downloading and installing the CorelDRAW Transcriber Macros used in this presentation can be found below. 

• Slide Deck for Creating Tactile Graphics with CorelDraw Using Macros [PDF]
• Creating Tactile Graphics Using CorelDraw Macros in CorelDraw2017 [PDF Guide]

Files and Instructions for Installing Transcriber Macros

• Transcriber Macros from PRCVI [.zip] - see instructional video embedded below for instructions on unzipping and installing the files.
• Swell Braille.TTF - font file for SimBraille font (if not already available)

The instructional video assumes that when you download the ‘Corel Tactile Macros.zip’ file that the file ends up in your ‘Downloads’ folder. If you cannot find the ‘Corel Tactile Macros.zip’ file it may be saved in another location, such as your ‘Documents’ folder or your Desktop.

The instructions were created on a laptop running Windows 10. These instructions should also work with Windows 7 with one small change. When the video is at 1:40, it shows how to show hidden files in Windows 10. For instructions on how to show hidden files in Windows 7 visit this link: Show Hidden Files in Windows 7