Corel has released CorelDraw Graphics Suite X6. The upgrade to the Windows-based vector graphics tool features a revamped typography engine, new colour styles and harmonies, and improved vector shaping tools.

Users of the core CorelDraw application can access advanced OpenType typography features including contextual and stylistic alternates, ligatures, ornaments and swash variants. Custom-built colour harmonies allows users to modify complete colour schemes by changing one colour and having others change in line with complementary relationships.

Four new vector shaping tools – Smear, Twirl, Attract and Repel – allow quick modification of vector shapes. Design improvements include enhancements to Master Layer functionality, Alignment Guides and Interactive frames.

The new Styles Engine and Docker aim to simplify the creation, application, and management of styles for consistent formatting across multiple objects. A redesigned Object Properties Docker puts all object settings in one central location.

Native 64-bit and enhanced multi-core support boosts performance, meaning that the software can process files and images up to 50% faster than before, according to Corel.

As before CorelDraw Graphics Suite X6 ships with a host of subsiduary tools, including Photo-Paint, PowerTrace, Connect, Capture and the new Website Creator.

The latest version of the Corel Photo-Paint X6 image-editing application gains the Smart Carver, which allows removal of unwanted areas from an image while maintaining the photo's aspect ratio.

The brand new Corel Website Creator X6 tool aims to let you build and manage websites with ease using the Site Wizard, templates, drag-and-drop functionality and seamless integration with XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, and XML.

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6 costs £399 plus VAT for the full version and £179 plus VAT as an upgrade.