In the late 1990s and early 2000s, sign makers used two very different types of software:
Switching between them was tedious. CorelDRAW was especially popular among sign makers for its vector tools, but it couldn’t drive a vinyl cutter directly.
Enter SignMaster (initially developed by a small team in Europe, later refined by companies like SIGNMaster Solutions and CiberSupply). The idea was simple:
Add a plugin inside CorelDRAW that turns it into a full sign-production machine. signmaster coreldraw plugin
When you install SignMaster (specifically versions like SignMaster Pro, SignMaster Cut, or SignMaster Artist), the plugin injects a suite of tools into CorelDRAW. Here is what you get:
The plugin comes with thousands of pre-configured drivers for major cutter brands including: In the late 1990s and early 2000s, sign
You simply select your cutter model, set the communication port (USB or Serial), and you are ready to cut.
Despite its utility, the SignMaster plugin presents certain challenges: Switching between them was tedious
As standalone sign-making software improved (e.g., Flexi, Sure Cuts A Lot, VinylMaster), and CorelDRAW itself added basic cutting support (CorelDRAW 2019 introduced “CorelDRAW Cut” but it was very basic), the plugin model started fading.
Problems with the plugin:
SignMaster Solutions quietly shifted focus to:
The SignMaster CorelDRAW plugin received fewer updates after 2022.