Notes CorelDRAW

Chapter 1: Opening CorelDRAW

If you have been using CorelDRAW, you may have turned off this opening screen. If so, skip to step
5.

1. When CorelDRAW is loaded, a new section is created on the Start Menu . To open DRAW,
click the Start button from the Taskbar .
This opens the Windows Start menu.
2. Select Programs from the list.
This activates the Programs panel. Programs are contained in groups, but rather than being
initially displayed in a group window, each group is listed.

3. Find the Corel section and select CorelDRAW 12.

This opens up the program with the CorelDRAW welcome screen. If you have used the
program before, you may have turned off this screen.

4. Choose Open Graphic or use the Open command on the File menu .
New Graphic creates a new, one page document. Open Last Edited opens the last document
you had open. The splash screen will show the names of the files over the icon. The Template
icon allows you to access many professionally created templates you can then modify for your
own projects. The CorelTutor gives you a brief overview of how to use the program and
What's New? shows you all the improvements from Version 11. Designer.com connects you to
the Corel Designer.com web site where you can find many helpful areas. If you clear the check
from the box in the lower left corner, you will not see this graphic but will open a new file
when you open the program.
5. Direct the Explorer to your hard drive and the folder where you saved the class files.
6. Choose the file Open 1st.cdr .
If the Panose Screen appears listing fonts that are not loaded, click the OK button. This utility
allows you to load fonts for a document when you open the document. You must have the Font
Navigator utility loaded and active for the fonts to install automatically.

The CorelDRAW Window.

 Window Components
You can customize this or any other Toolbar or create additional
A - Standard Toolbar
Toolbars.
The Property Bar is dynamic. Property options change depending on
B - Property Bar what you are working on. This enables you to access commands that are
specific to the current tool or feature you are using.
C - Main Tool Box The main tools you will use are accessed from this bar.
The Rulers show the current mouse cursor location as you move in the
D - Rulers
work area.
The Color Palette by default is located to the right of the work window.
Like the Toolbars, it can also be relocated. You can choose from a preset
E - Color Palette
palette of colors, or use a specific color system such as Pantone Spot
Colors.
The Status Bar is used to give you information about cursor movements
F - Status Bar
or symbol properties such as the fill or size.
The Page Selector is used to add and move between pages. When a file
G - Page Navigator contains multiple pages, individual page tabs appear to the right of the
Page Selector bar.
Dockers allow access to effects, styles, colors, and many other features of
H - Docker Tabs CorelDRAW. They can be floated or “docked” at the side of the window.
When closed, they are accessible through a vertical tab.
Tool Overview
The Toolbox is located in the left portion of the window and contains all the drawing and editing tools
necessary to create objects for an illustration. Tools containing a small triangle in the corner produce a
Flyout. Flyouts contain additional tools, or tool options and are explained below in the order they
appear on the default screen. Flyouts are described following the Tool Overview.

Pick Tool Selects objects or groups of objects. Once selected, you can use the Pick
Tool of move, stretch, scale, rotate, and skew objects.
Shape Tool
Reshapes objects. Objects are reshaped by moving nodes, lines, and
control points.

Zoom Tool
Changes the current view of the drawing. You can also select
magnification options from the Property Bar in the Zoom mode.

Freehand Tool
Draws lines and curves. You can also use this tool to trace bitmaps.

Converts the freehand strokes you draw to basic shapes and smoothed
Smart Drawing Tool curves.
Rectangle Tool
Draws rectangles and squares. Squares are created by using the Control
key while drawing.

Ellipse Tool
Draws ellipses and circles. Circles are created by holding down the
Control key as you draw.

Graph Paper Tool

Draws a collection of boxes that simulates a sheet of graph paper.

Perfect Shapes Tool

A collection of objects which you can add to your drawing. They include
such things as arrows, stars, talk bubbles, and flow chart symbols.

Text Tool
Adds either Artistic or Paragraph text to your drawing.

Interactive Blend Tool The Blend Tool allows you to merger objects together through a series
of steps. The flyout gives access to several more interactive tools that are
described on the following pages.

Eyedropper Tool The Eyedropper Tool allows you to select a color within an object,
especially a bitmap, and allows you to apply that color to another object.
You can also capture the color for a customized palette. The flyout gives
access to the paint bucket that applies the color.
Outline Tool
Sets the outline style of an object or a line. This includes the line type,
ends, color, and weight. The flyout gives quick access to some changes.

Fill Tool
Assigns the fill style of any object. Fills are only visible on closed
objects. The flyout gives access to control dialogs for each type of fill.

Interactive Fill Tool

Allows you to apply Fountain fills (gradients) using the mouse. The
flyout gives access to the Mesh fill Tool.

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Flyouts
Tool buttons containing a small triangle in the lower right corner display Flyouts. Flyouts are used
by CorelDRAW to display additional tools. They are activated by holding down the tool button with
the mouse.

The table below is not meant to be a comprehensive look at each tool Flyout, but rather a reference.

Flyouts
Shape Edit Flyout
Holds Shape Edit, Knife, Smudge, Roughen, Free
Transform and Virtual Segment Delete Tools.

Zoom Tool Flyout Holds the Zoom Tool, which is used for changing the
view magnification, and the Pan Tool, which is used
for moving the drawing page around the display area.
Curve Flyout Holds the Bezier Tool, Artistic Media Tool,
Dimension Tool and the Connector Tool. Each tool is
used to create specific types of lines.
Rectangle Tool Flyout
Holds the Rectangle tool and the 3-point Rectangle
tool.

Ellipse Tool Flyout

Holds the Ellipse Tool and the 3-point Ellipse Tool.

Object Flyout
Holds the Polygon Tool for creating multi-sided
objects, the Spiral Tool and the Graph Paper tool.

Perfect Shape Flyout

Accesses the collection of shapes you can add to your
drawing .

Interactive Tool Flyout Holds the Interactive Blend, Contour, Distortion, Drop
 Shadow, Envelope, Extrude, and Transparency Tools.

Eyedropper Tool Flyout

Holds the Eyedropper Tool and the Apply Tool for the
color, effect, or property selected by the eyedropper.

Outline Tool Flyout Displays options for changing line color, styles,
weights, and ends.

Fill Tool Flyout Displays options for changing fill color, styles,
creating custom colors, and removing fills.

Interactive Fill Flyout Holds the Interactive Fountain Fill Tool and the Mesh
Fill Tool.

Toolbars and Flyouts can be made to float. Once floating, you can dock them to any part of the
window. To float a Toolbar or a Flyout, place your cursor over the area at the end of the bar that
resembles two ribbed bumps or gray lines. Hold down the left mouse button and drag the bar out to
the main window of the program. All tools on the Flyout will be displayed so you can easily access
them. To dock the Flyout or return the toolbar to its original location, double click on the title bar of
the floating Flyout. To return the Flyout to its original location, click on the closing X in the upper
right-hand corner. Below is the Interactive Tool Flyout in floating mode and in Flyout mode.

Page Navigation with the Page Selector

A CorelDRAW file can have as many as 999 pages. A document of that length, however, might be
created more easily in CorelVentura. To navigate a multi-page document you use the Page
Navigator bar at the bottom left of the work window. From this bar you can add or move from one
page to another. To delete pages you need to use the Delete Page command under the Layout menu.

1. Click on the Page 2 Tab.

The Page 2 tab should be white. You can also use the Page Up and Page Down keys on the
keyboard.
2. Select the Page Tab for page 3.
The Add Page button should appear as this is the last page for this file.
3. Select the First Page arrow button to go back to page 1
4. Click on the 1 of 3 space.
5. Enter a 3 in the Go To box and click OK .

The Property Bar

The Property Bar is located just under the Standard Toolbar. It is an interactive command center.
Being interactive means that the options on the Property Bar change depending on the current task
or command. It is designed to save time by interactively displaying commands as you work. You
will work more with the Property bar as you progress. This section is meant only as an introduction.

1. Select the Pick Tool .

2. Place the cursor indicator on top of the purple rectangle and click.
Small black handles appear designating a selection. You will learn about these later in the
class. Notice the Property Bar changed to display a new set of options.
3. Select the text.
Again, new options display for working with text.

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Dockers
Twenty-four functions of CorelDRAW 12 display in a dialog window called a Docker. Dockers are
placed into the interface or “docked” as are Tool Bars or the Property Bar. They are accessed by
clicking on the tabs at the right of the working window. Dockers can also float or be closed so only
the tabs show. Dockers replaced Roll-Ups from earlier version of DRAW. To access the Dockers,
go to the Windows menu Dockers.
Docker Function
Displays the characteristics of the object selected including any Web
Properties assignments such as links or hot spots. Allows access to the function that
changes that characteristic.
Shows the hierarchical structure of objects, layers, and pages within a
Object Manager document including the stacking order of the objects. Allows you to move
objects from one layer to another.
Object Data
Sets up a spreadsheet-like document recording information about an object.
Manager
Allows you to change the view without using the menu or the drop down list on
View Manager
the Standard Toolbar.
Link Manager Allows you to create HTML links within your documents.
Lists all the moves you have made so you can reverse them. The default is 99
Undo Docker
steps. You can change this to a smaller number if you wish.
Internet Bookmark
Organizes bookmarks you have assigned within a Web project in DRAW.
Manager
Allows you to set up libraries of objects you use frequently and convert them to
Symbol Manager
symbols.
Artistic Media T his tool acts as an calligraphy pen, a paint brush or an image sprayer.
Blend Gives all the controls for the Blend effect.
Contour Gives all the controls for the Contour effect.
Envelope Gives all the controls for the Envelope effect
Extrude Gives all the controls for the Extrude effect
Lens Gives all the settings for the Lens effect.
Bitmap Color This CorelPhotoPaint feature allows you to mask all pixels of a certain color in
Mask a bitmapped image.
Allows access to all the Transform tools, Position, Rotation, Scale & Mirror,
Transformations
Size, and Skew.
Shaping Allows access to the Weld, Intersect, Trim, Simplfy, Front minus Back, and
 Back minus Front operations.
Color Allow you to create custom colors in each color palette.
Color Palette Lists all color palettes available on the system and allows quick loading and
Browser changing of the palettes.
Sets color palette styles just as you set graphics and text styles for consistency
Color Styles
within a project.
Graphics and Text Sets styles just as you can within a word processor. Allows you to keep text
Styles and objects consistent throughout a project.
A storage area for frequently used clipart, text files and many other file types.
Scrapbook
Also allows quick access to sites on the Web or other networked machines.
Web Connector Allows you to connect to Corel.com.

Color Palettes
The colorful row of boxes on the right of the screen is the Color Palette. DRAW comes with 18 color
systems and gives you the ability to create your own palette. The palette can be floated or parked. The
type of palette can be changed with the Windows menu, or the Color Palette Browser Docker. You
may have several palettes open at once.

The main color palettes include HKS ® Colors, Trumatch Colors, Uniform Colors, Web Safe Colors,
and the complete Pantone® Matching System including the system that was shipped with CorelDRAW
8. (The Pantone system is updated by the company on a regular basis and a major change was made in
1998. Pantone numbers assigned in DRAW 8 will not match the system in DRAW 9 or DRAW 10.) In
addition, the Color Palette Browser Docker includes some specific color systems such as human skin
colors and natural color systems. Here is also where any custom palettes you build will be stored.

Note: When you hold down a chip on the color palette, a box with shades of that color displays.
(Shown below.) By dragging to one of the shades of the first color, you can choose a shade of a color
quickly and apply it to a line or fill an object .

Changing an Option
The Options dialog allows for extensive customizing of CorelDRAW 12. To make this curriculum
easier for you, one of the default settings for CorelDRAW 12 needs to be changed before we continue.

1. Go to the Tools menu Options Workspace General

Or (Ctrl+J) Workspace General.
 2. Change the Regular Undo setting from 99 to 15.
Each time you make a change in a document, CorelDRAW 12, makes a full copy of that
document so it can reverse your steps if you use the Undo command. A level of 99 quickly
uses up all the resources of your machine even if you are using a very powerful machine. In my
opinion, more than 15 undo's constitutes “Start over".
3. Click OK.

Changing the View

Often, when working on an image, you want to see it with out the clutter of the screen or the image has
become so complex that you only want to see the outlines of the object. These are the View options.

1. Go to the View menu and select the Wireframe .

The various view qualities are designed to save screen redraw time for complex drawings.
2. Change back to the Normal View option.
The other View options are described below.

Views View descriptions

Black and white outlines of the objects. Bitmaps are shown as
Simple Wireframe monochrome grayed areas. Does not show blended objects or some
other effects.
Wireframe Black and white outlines of all objects including blend groups.
Displays most items as they will be printed but uses patterns to
represent certain fills. A checkerboard pattern is displayed for the
two-color fills. Two-headed arrows display for full color fills.
Draft
Hatched line patterns display in place of bitmap fills. A pattern of
repeated PS displays for the PostScript fills. Screen redraw time is
much faster in Draft mode.
Displays all object, high resolution bitmaps and all fills except
Normal
PostScript.
Displays the best possible quality for your monitor and shows all
Enhanced
PostScript fills.
Removes all the DRAW elements from the screen and shows the
Full screen preview
image at the best possible resolution and against a white background.
Shows the selected object at the best possible resolution and
Preview Selected only
separates it from the other objects.
This allows you to rearrange the pages of a multi-page document and
Page Sorter View
to view all the pages of a multi-page document in thumbnails format.

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The Zoom Property Bar

As you work on an image, you may want to get closer to see detail or make small adjustments. DRAW
gives you several options for zooming into your object or out. When the Zoom Tool on the Toolbox is
selected, the Property Bar displays the following options.

Zoom Commands
 Allows you to get closer to your drawing and work on detail. You
can drag a marquee box around a point and zoom into that point.
Zoom In Clicking with the cursor zooms you in to double the previously set
view level.
Allows you to move about the page with precision. With a work
area of 250 feet (yes that is feet!), it is easy to get lost. This allows
Panning
you to move the page as if you could use your hand.
Clicking with the plus Tool zooms you in double the last view
setting, for example, if you are at 100%, you will go to 200%.
Clicking with the minus Tool zooms you out to the last setting.
Zoom in and out
Using the example in the previous sentence, it would put you back
to 100%
Zoom To Selected
Changes the display to show only selected objects (Shift+F2).
Zoom To All Objects Changes the view to display all objects (F4). This will include
objects located outside of the page.

Zoom To Full Page, Page Width, Allows you to see the entire page (Shift+F4). Changes the current
or Page Height magnification to include the left and right edges of the page.
Changes the current magnification to include the top and bottom
edges of the page. All three cause the page to be shown at less than
100% magnification.

Zooming
1. Go to the Toolbox and select the Zoom Tool (F2).
The mouse cursor changes to the magnifying glass with the plus sign. The Property Bar also
displays the tools described above.
2. Click in an area.
You have just gotten closer to the drawing. You can also zoom in by dragging the Zoom Tool
around a specific area.
3. Press the F3 key on your keyboard.
This shortcut zooms out to the previous view each time you press it.
4. Place the tool icon to the upper right of the Bluebonnet.
5. Click and drag diagonally to create a zoom marquee.
6. Release the mouse.
By dragging the Zoom Tool around an area, you can enhance the magnification and be more
precise by zooming to a specific area.
7. Go to the Standard Toolbar and select the Zoom Levels list (the box showing the % of
magnifications).
Values for the magnification settings can be selected from the list, or typed in as needed.
8. Select To Page (Shift + F4).
This will change the display to show you the whole page.

Changing preview settings

1. Go to the View menu and select the Full Screen Preview (F9).
The window changes to display only the drawing. All window components are removed.
2. Press the Escape key on your keyboard.
This will take you back to a standard preview or you can use the right mouse button.
You should now be familiar with the CorelDRAW interface. Move on to Chapter 2 and you will begin
working with objects.

Chapter 2:
Note: When you see a command inside parenthesis, like this (Ctrl+A), it is the key short cut to the
instructions just given. When you see this image remember it means then.

Selecting Objects
In order to change an object, it must first be selected.
To select an object you use the Pick Tool.

Each time you select an object, an invisible bounding box designated by eight selection handles is
displayed around the object. An x appears at the exact center of the object or objects. This provides a
point to grab when you want to move an object. Selection handles are also used to resize an object
using the mouse. The smaller hollow points appearing on the object after selection are nodes. Nodes
designate the start and stop points of line segments. Nodes and line segments are used to reshape an
object. Once it is selected you can manipulate an object.

Selecting single objects

1. Go to the Standard Toolbar and select the Open button.
2. Go to the folder on the hard drive where you saved the class files.
3. Open the file Open 2nd.cdr
This is a multi-page file containing simple objects. You will learn how to properly select and
perform basic editing techniques.
4. Go to the Toolbox and select the Pick Tool.
Remember to hold the mouse over a tool button if you do not remember the name of a tool.
The small box will appear next to the mouse pointer displaying the name of the tool or other
information about the button.
5. Place the Pick Tool cursor icon in the middle of the blue square.
6. Click to select the blue square.
The black squares are the selection handles. When you select an object, dimension information
appears on the Property Bar at the top of the screen and descriptive information appears on the
Status Bar at the bottom of the screen.
7. Click and drag to move the square downward into rectangle 2.
As you begin to drag, a 4-pointed arrow replaces the cursor. You will discover that the changes
in the mouse cursor designate certain editing functions.

Marquee selecting
1. Place the Pick Tool cursor just outside and above the circle and hexagon.
2. Click and drag to surround the objects.
By dragging with no objects selected, you create a 'dotted line box’. All objects within this
dotted line or marquee will be selected.
 3. Release the mouse when they are surrounded.
Notice the Status Bar. It will help verify how many objects are selected.
4. Place the cursor over the center X.
5. Hold down the mouse button and drag both objects next to the square.
Objects act as one while they are group-selected.
6. Press the Escape key to deselect all objects.
You can also click in a blank area, but sometimes this may inadvertently select something else.

If you start out to select multiple objects and do not quite surround them all as you drag, hold down the
Alt key while dragging, and any objects touched by the marquee will be selected.

Shift-Select
1. Select the square.
2. Hold down the Shift key.
3. Click on the circle.
The selection is extended to the circle. Notice the selection handles.
4. Click on the polygon.
5. Release the Shift key.
The selection handles surround all three objects. You should have all three objects selected.
Check the Status Bar to be sure you have three objects.

You can also select all objects on a page and the desktop by double-clicking the Pick Tool.

Removing objects from a selection

1. Be sure the three objects are selected.
Check the Status Bar to be sure. If the Status Bar does not display the properties of the objects,
right click on the Status Bar area and choose Refresh.
2. Hold down the Shift key.
3. Click on top of the circle.
Notice the Status bar. Even though the selection handles remain around all three, only 2 objects
are selected. Check the Status Bar to be sure.
4. Place the cursor on the X.
5. Hold down the mouse button and drag the 2 objects up about one inch.
The circle remains in place.

Nudging Objects
Sometimes you only want to move an object a small distance or you want to move several objects the
same distance. The arrow keys allow you to nudge an object. The default nudge is one tenth of an inch
(0.10). You can change the distance in the Options Edit dialog or on the Property Bar with nothing
selected.

1. Select the circle.

2. Push the up arrow key on the numeric key pad at the right of your keyboard.
3. Push the down arrow key.
4. Push the right arrow key, then the left arrow key.
Each time the object has been moved one tenth of an inch in the direction of the arrow.

Resizing objects with the selection handles

Scaling and resizing are essentially the same technique, except that scaling resizes both the height and
width at the same time. Scaling an object means that the proportions (size relationships) between the
height and width are maintained. For example, if a square is 1 inch by 1 inch and you scaled it 200
percent, it will become 2 inches by 2 inches.

1. Go to page 2.
2. Select the blue square.
3. Place the cursor on the lower right corner.
Your cursor should change to the double-headed arrow cursor. If it doesn't you missed the
handle.
4. Click and drag downward along the red line.
Dragging a corner handle scales objects proportionally.
5. Release the mouse button.
6. Select the red square.
7. Place the pointer on the left middle selection handle.
8. Click and drag to the left. Repeat to the right.
Dragging any middle handle will allow you to resize along one side only. Notice the cursor
shows which direction you may move using that selection handle.

Quick Copying
1. Go to page 3.
2. Select the kangaroo.
3. Click and drag to the end of the dotted line.
4. Do not let go of the left mouse button.
5. Click the right mouse button while you hold down the left button.
Right-clicking while an object is selected is a fast way to create a duplicate.
6. Release the left mouse button.
You should have a duplicate of the kangaroo.
7. Proportionally reduce the size about 50%.
Watch the Status Bar as you resize.
8. Place the smaller kangaroo at the end of the dotted line.
9. Create a few more copies and resize them just to get some practice.

Tip: You can also specify the resize percentage of an object by typing values in the Scale Factor text
box on the Property Bar. The lock button next to the boxes controls how the changes will be applied.
When the lock is closed, the changes will stay in proportion or when open, allow you to change one
dimension without effecting the other.

Return to Top

Rotating and Skewing Objects

Special selection handles, called Rotate and Skew handles, are available to rotate and slant objects
using the mouse. Objects are rotated around a pivot point. The pivot point can be relocated outside
of the object. This is handy when you want to rotate one object around another.

Free rotation
1. Go to page 4.
2. Select the top rectangle.
 3. Click on it a second time as if selecting it again. (Do not double-click).
Selecting an object twice activates the special rotate/skew handles. This is not the same as
double-clicking, where you click rapidly. The circle in the middle is the pivot point.
4. Place the cursor on one of the corners.
The cursor icon changes indicating that you can rotate the object.
5. Click and drag the corner handle in a circular motion.
The cursor changes again to display the rotate cursor.
6. Watch the Property Bar to see the degree of rotation as you move.
Rotating objects counterclockwise produces a positive angle(+), while rotating clockwise
produces a negative angle(-) of rotation.

Rotation with control

You can add precision to your rotation by using the Control key. This technique will restrict the
rotation to 15-degree increments. Rotating clockwise will produce a negative value (-15 degrees),
rotating counter clockwise will produce a positive value (15 degrees). The increment of rotation
can be changed in the Options dialog.

1. Go to page 5.
2. Select the green circle.
3. Click the circle again to activate the Rotate and Skew handles.
4. Move the cursor over the target mark in the middle of the green circle. This is the pivot
point.
5. Hold down the left mouse button and move the pivot point down to the center of the large
yellow circle.
The position indicator on the Property Bar should read 4.25 and 5.5, the middle of the
page. This will change the rotation and allow the green circle to rotate around the larger
yellow circle.
6. Hold down the Control key.
7. Place the cursor on the upper right rotation handle of the green circle.
8. Move the handle clockwise.
As you rotate the green circle, the Property Bar shows you how far you have rotated. With
the control key down, you will move in 15-degree increments. Because the pivot point has
been moved in the center of the yellow circle, the green circle moves around the yellow
one.
9. Release the mouse button.
10. Go to the Edit menu and select Undo (Ctrl+Z).
By default, the Undo command will reverse the last action.

Copying while rotating

Remember to keep the left mouse button down until you are finished!

1. Select the green circle again and activate the Rotate and Skew handles.
2. Hold down the Control key.
The Control key constrains the movement of the object.
3. Click and drag to rotate -30 degrees (clockwise).
Remember to watch the Property Bar as you rotate. The Angle of Rotation section in the
middle displays rotation angle as you rotate.
4. Before letting go of your left mouse button, right click.
This should produce a duplicate at the 1 o'clock position.
5. Release the left mouse button then the Control key.
 6. Go to the Edit menu Repeat Rotate.
The Repeat command repeats the last action. The last command will follow the word
Repeat on the menu. Another duplicate is created 30 degrees away from the second green
circle.
7. Press Ctrl+R.
This is the Repeat command. A new green circle should be added to the drawing.
8. Keep using the Repeat command (Ctrl+R) until the circles form a clock similar to the one
shown below.

Tip: You can also rotate objects by specifying an increment in the Angle Rotation section of the
Property Bar. You cannot, however, create duplicates while rotating this way. If the object does
not move after you change the parameters on the Property Bar, press the Enter key.

Skewing objects
Skewing slants an object along either the horizontal or vertical plane. This technique is used often
to give the illusion of distance or movement.

1. Go to page 6.
2. Select the top gray text object.
3. Activate the Rotate and Skew handles.
4. Place the cursor on the top middle Skew handle.
5. Click and drag to the right about 1 inch.
6. Move the red text object on top of the gray text.
This combination produces a cast shadow.

Flipping objects
1. Go to page 7.
2. Select the blue triangle.
3. Place the cursor on the middle left selection handle.
4. Hold down the Control key.
5. Drag the handle over to the middle right selection handle.
As soon as you begin to drag, the cursor turns into a double-headed arrow.
6. Release the mouse button.
7. Release the Control key.
When using a combination of the mouse and keyboard, always let go of the mouse first.
8. Select the red triangle.
9. Place the cursor on the middle top selection handle.
10. Hold down the Control key.
11. Drag the handle over to the bottom right selection handle.
 As soon as you begin to drag, the cursor turns into a double-headed arrow.
12. Release the mouse button.
13. Release the Control key.
14. Use a corner handle to flip the shapes diagonally.

Using the Property Bar to flip

You can also flip objects from the Property Bar. There are two buttons located to the right of the
Angle Rotation portion that are used to flip objects.

1. Go to the Standard Toolbar and select the Undo arrow twice.

(Ctrl+Z or Edit Undo)

When you select the arrowheads, a drop down list shows you all the steps you have done
since the last save. This allows you to undo one particular step or a series of step. It is an
advanced feature that you might find useful but will not be addressed in this class.
2. Select the blue triangle.
3. Go to the Property Bar and select the top Mirror button.

The object is flipped left/right.

4. Flip the red rectangle using the lower Mirror button.

Using the button makes the object flip in place so sometimes you can't really see what
moved.

When you are ready, move on to Chapter 3.

Chapter 3:

The Drawing Tools

Drawing Tools

The Curves Flyout The first tool on the Curves flyout is used for creating freehand lines
(similar to scribbling). While holding the Control key your lines are
constrained to 15-degree angles. This helps you draw simple straight
Freehand Tool lines.
The second tool on the Curves flyout is used to create curved lines by
Beziér Tool using special control points. It is one of the more difficult tools to
master.
 The third tool on the Curves Flyout acts as an calligraphy pen, a paint
Artistic Media Tool brush or an image sprayer. We will not cover this tool in this class.
The fourth tool on the Curves Flyout allows you to draw curves one
Pen Tool segment at a time. It is similar to the Beziér tool.
The fifth tool on the Curves Flyout allows you to draw connected
Polyline Tool straight lines and curves one segment at a time without double
clicking.
The sixth tool on the Curves Flyout allows you to specify both the
3-Point Curve Tool height and width of a curve as you draw it. It works very much like
the 3-point ellipse tool. You will not cover this tool in this class.
The seventh tool on the Curves Flyout creates dynamic connectors
Connector Line Tool between shapes as in a flow chart.
The eighth tool on the Curves Flyout creates dimension lines for
Dimension Line Tool technical and architectural drawings. You will not cover this tool in
this class.
Used for creating basic rectangles and squares. Squares are created
Rectangle Tool when holding down the Control key as you draw. The flyout gives
you the three-point rectangle tool.
Used for creating basic elliptical (oval) shapes and circles. If you need
Ellipse Tool circles, hold down the Control key while drawing. The flyout give
you the three-point ellipse tool.
The Graph Paper Tool is used to create a group of identical boxes that
Graph Paper Tool simulate at sheet of graph paper. When the Flyout is activated you can
also select the Spiral and Polygon Tools.

Drawing Rectangles
1. Go to the Standard Toolbar and select the Open button.
2. Go to the folder where you stored the class files and open Open 3rd.cdr.
This file contains templates for drawing basic shapes.
3. Go to Toolbox and select the Rectangle Tool.
Notice the cursor changes to indicate the tool you are using. Place the cursor in the
upper-left corner of the top rectangle shape.
4. Click and drag diagonally along the red line.
You can also draw a rectangle shape by drawing one dimension (height), then the other
(width). Release the mouse button when finished.

Drawing squares
1. Move to the square shape.
2. Place the cursor on the upper left corner.
3. Hold down the Control key.
Don't release it until you are finished. The Control key constrains the sides of the rectangle,
forcing it to become a square.
4. Click and drag diagonally along the red line.
5. Release the mouse first, then the Control key.
Since the keyboard is modifying the mouse, you must release the mouse first. If you do not,
you will lose the modification – in this case the constraint for creating the square.
6. Try redrawing the objects for practice.
Drawing from the center
1. Go to page 2.
2. Be sure the Rectangle Tool is selected.
3. Place the Rectangle Tool in the center of the rectangle at the cross marks.
4. Hold down the Shift key
The Shift key modifies drawing tools to draw objects from their centers.
5. Click and drag down and to the right to create a rectangle.
6. Release the mouse first, then the Shift key.
7. Move to the square shape.
8. Hold down both the Control key and the Shift key.
9. Click and drag to draw the square.
You can use both modifiers at the same time while drawing .
10. Practice some more if you need to.

Drawing a 3-Point Rectangle

1. Go to page 3.
2. Choose the 3-point rectangle tool from the rectangle flyout.
3. Click on the red dot marked 1 and hold down the mouse button.
4. Drag to the red dot marked 2.
5. Release the mouse button.
6. Click on the red dot marked 3.
The tool allows you to establish the height and width of the rectangle as you draw. Practice by
doing the second rectangle.

Note: If you have trouble making the first line of the rectangle straight, hold down the Control key as
you draw the first line of the 3-Point Rectangle but let up after you release the mouse button. This
insures your rectangle is straight but does not draw a square. The Control key will constrain your 3-
Point rectangle to a square just like with the standard rectangle tool if you hold it down as you go to
the third point.

Drawing Elliptical Shapes

Elliptical shapes are created using the same basic mouse movements as those used when creating
rectangles and squares. By adding the Control key you can create circles while drawing with the
Ellipse Tool.

1. Go to page 4.
2. Go to the Toolbox and select the Ellipse Tool.
Notice the cursor indicates which tool you are using.
3. Place the cursor on the blue dot.
4. Click and drag diagonally along the red line.
5. Release the mouse button.
Notice that the selection indicators for the ellipse are showing a bounding box, not a bounding
ellipse. The point where you began the ellipse is not where the line of the ellipse is drawn. This
is a good reason to draw your ellipses from the center.
6. Place the cursor on the red dot.
7. Hold down the Control key
8. Repeat drawing as in step 4.
The Control key proportionally constrains the height and width to create a circle .
9. Release the mouse, then the Control key.
Drawing elliptical shapes from the center
1. Go to page 5.
2. Place the Ellipse Tool on the crossed lines in the dotted ellipse.
3. Hold down the Shift key.
4. Click and drag to create an ellipse.
5. Release the mouse, then the Shift key.
6. Move to the circle shape.
7. Hold down the Control key and the Shift key.
8. Repeat drawing as in step 4.
9. Release the mouse, then the keyboard keys.

Drawing a 3-Point Ellipse

1. Go to page 6.
2. Choose the 3-point ellipse tool from the Ellipse flyout.
3. Click on the red dot marked 1.
4. Drag to the red dot marked 2.
5. Let up on the mouse button.
6. Move the cursor to the the red dot marked 3.
The final movement sets the height or diameter of the ellipse. Notice it ends at the bounding
box indicator.

Note: The Control Key constraint works here just as it does in the standard ellipse. Hold down the
Control Key as you drag the line to establish the diameter of the circle and when you click on the
outside of the circle for the third point, you will get a circular ellipse of exactly that diameter.

The technique for drawing with the 3-Point Curve tool is the same as that for the 3-Point Ellipse. You
establish the first point, drag to the end of the curve, then drag to establish the height of the curve.

Drawing Polygons
Polygons are multi-sided closed shapes. By default, the Polygon Tool is set to draw pentagons. By
changing the tool properties, you can draw a polygon with up to 500 sides, which looks very much like
a circle.

Drawing Spirals and Grids

1. Go to page 7.
2. Hold down the Graph Paper Tool button to activate the Object Flyout.
3. Select the Spiral Tool.
4. Using click and drag, draw the spiral object.
5. Delete the object.
6. Repeat drawing while holding down the Control key.
Remember that the Control key keeps the proportion as you draw.
7. Hold down the Spiral Tool button.
After selecting a tool from the Flyout, it becomes an active tool button.
8. Select the Graph Paper Tool.
9. Draw a grid with the Graph Paper Tool.
10. Repeat using the Control key.
Note: The Graph Paper Tool creates the grid out of rectangles. You can ungroup them and resize them
if needed.

Drawing Polygons

1. Go to page 8.
2. Go to the Toolbox and select the Polygon Tool from the Object Flyout.
Remember holding down a tool button that contains a triangle produces a Flyout.
Notice the change in the cursor.
3. Place the cursor at the start point for the triangle.
4. Click and drag along the red line.
As you can see, it does not draw a triangle. To draw a triangle the number of sides must be
changed in the tool properties.
5. Release the mouse.
6. Go to Standard Toolbar and select the Undo button.
The drop down list on the Undo button allows you to undo several steps at a time.
7. Go to the Property Bar.

8. Change the number of points/sides to 3.

9. Hold down the Control key.
The Control key will keep all sides equal while drawing.
10. Redraw the triangle.
11. Change the number of sides to 6.
Refer to the previous steps if needed.
12. Draw the hexagon by following the red line.

The PerfectShapes Flyout

The Perfect Shapes tool allows you to draw several kinds of objects quickly. Perfect Shapes can be
filled, resized, and effected just like any object you draw. The Perfect Shape displays a red diamond to

show it is a Perfect Shape.

This is a collection of 15 basic shapes you can use as the foundation of an object.
Basic Shapes
The example above is one of these shapes.
Arrow Shapes This is a collection of 21 different types of arrows to use with a drawing.
Flowchart
This is a collection of 23 shapes commonly used in a flow chart.
Shapes
This is a collection of 12 stars and star bursts. The polygon tool will create a 5-
Star Shapes pointed star but with internal lines. This tool creates a 5-pointed star without
internal lines.
This is a collection of 6 text balloons for use as callouts in both cartooning and
Callout Shapes
technical drawing.

1. Go to page 9.
2. Go to the Toolbox and select the PerfectShapes tool flyout.
 3. Select the Star Shapes tool.

4. Go to the Property Bar and drop down the options menu.

5. Choose the 5-pointed star.
The second option is the 5-pointed star.
6. Click and drag down the red line to form a star.
7. Go to the flyout and choose the PerfectShapes tool.
8. Go to the Property Bar and drop down the options menu.
Notice the menu button icon changes for each options.
9. Choose the smiley face object.
10. Click and drag to on the red guide line.
11. Go to the PerfectShapes flyout and select the Callout tool.
12. Go to the Property Bar and choose the option that matches the guide.
13. Click and drag in the direction of the arrow.
The beginning point sets the tail or narrow point of the text balloon.

Drawing Lines and Curves

1. Go to page 10.
2. Go to the Toolbox and select the Freehand Tool.
Notice the cursor changes to indicate the tool you are using.
3. Click to start the line (do not drag).
When you drag the tool it does not draw straight.
4. Move to the end of the line and click again.
Clicking a second time sets the line segment.
5. Draw another line while holding down the Control key.
The Control key is used to help draw straight by constraining the line to horizontal or vertical.
It can be angled at 15 degree increments. The constraint value can be changed using the
Options Workspace Edit dialog box.
6. Draw the diagonal line while holding down the Control key.
7. Place the tool on the left end of the curved line at the bottom of the page.
8. Click and drag to trace over the curved line.
9. Go to the Edit menu and choose Select All.
10. Delete the lines.
11. Take a moment to practice drawing more lines.

Creating polylines
1. Go to page 11.
2. If needed, select the Freehand Tool again.
3. Place the Freehand Tool at the top left end of the object.
4. Click to start the first line segment.
5. Move down to the first dot. (Do not drag!)
6. Double-click.
This ends one line and begins the next line so they are connected.
 7. Move to the second dot.
8. Double-click.
This ends one line and begins the next line so they are connected.
9. Repeat the previous steps.
10. Move to the last dot.
11. Click once to stop drawing.
Clicking only once will end the line.

Tip: If you stop prematurely, you can continue drawing on the same line by placing the Freehand Tool
on the end and start drawing again. DRAW assumes you want to connect the lines if you begin again
close to the end of another line.

The Beziér Tool

The Beziér Tool creates curves by adding control points to the line segments. These control points are
used to bend the lines as you draw. It is one of the more difficult tools to use. If you do not get the
hang of it right away, don’t feel bad. It just takes practice. The next exercise uses the familiar connect-
the-dots approach to help you learn the Beziér Tool. The Pen tool was added in Draw 11 and is a
modified Beziér tool. You will draw with each.

Be sure to follow the steps closely. As you will find out, the tool works differently based on how you
start and stop the curves. When you are finished you will have created a leaf that looks similar to the
one below.

Tip: With the Beziér Tool, Click & Drag creates the curve reference point while Click makes the line.

1. Go to page 12.
2. Hold down the Freehand Tool button.

3. Go to the Flyout and select the Beziér Tool.

Notice the cursor change.
4. Place the cursor on dot 1.
5. Click and drag to dot 2.
The small black squares at the end of the dotted line are the control points. They help shape the
curve of the line while drawing. The control points work like magnets as they pull the line
toward them.
6. Release the mouse button.
7. Move to dot 3 (DO NOT DRAG).
8. Press and hold down the left mouse button until the line appears.
9. Drag to dot 4.
Moving to a new spot before dragging sets the line first, then creates the curve.
 10. Release, then click and drag to dot 5.
This combination starts a new line segment and allows the new curve to be independent of the
previous one.
11. Release the mouse button.
12. Move to dot 6.
13. Press and hold down the mouse button until the line appears.
14. Release the mouse button.
15. Place the cursor on top of the start point on the red dot.
16. Double click and the line should appear.
The shape should close. It can now be filled with color.

The Pen tool

1. Go to page 13.
2. Hold down the Freehand Tool button.

3. Go to the Flyout and select the Pen Tool.

Notice the cursor change.
4. Place the cursor on dot 1.
5. Click and drag to dot 2.
The small black squares at the end of the dotted line are the control points. They help shape the
curve of the line while drawing.
6. Release the mouse button.
7. Move to dot 3 (DO NOT DRAG).
Notice that unlike the Bezier tool, the line is drawn as you move the pen.
8. Press and hold down then Drag to dot 4.
9. Release, then click and drag to dot 5.
This combination starts a new line segment and allows the new curve to be independent of the
previous one.
10. Release the mouse button.
11. Move to dot 6.
12. Release the mouse button.
13. Place the cursor on top of the start point on the red dot.
14. Single clicking ends the drawing.

As you can see, the new Pen tool is somewhat easier to use. If you are going to draw many curves, it
will be worth your time to master these tools as well as the 3-Point curve tool.

Applying Color
With the mouse
Although color can be applied using the Fill or Outline Tool, it is faster to apply color directly from
the Color Palette.

1. Go to page 14.
2. Select the square.
3. Go to the Color Palette and select a color by clicking the left mouse button.
The square should fill with your selected color.
 4. Look at the Status Bar in the far right lower corner.
The Status Bar changes to give you the fill information on the selected object. You can enlarge
the Status Bar height by dragging the top border.
5. Right-click on a different color.
The outline is now changed. The right mouse button assigns the outline color.
6. Change the fill and outline of the other objects.
7. Select the blue text.
8. Right-click on a different color.
The outline fill also works with text object.

Mixing colors
1. Select the square again.
2. Hold down the Control key and select another color on the color pallete.
3. Click once on the other color.
CorelDRAW adds a 10 shading of that color to the square.
4. Click again on another color to mix it with the first.
You can see how you can manipulate the colors here to obtain a new shade for your drawings.

By dragging
1. Select the star.
2. Click on a color and drag that color to an arm of the star.
The cursor icon changes to show you are dragging a fill color. The color will be used to fill the
star. Note that only parts of the star will be filled. The default setting in DRAW creates a six
chambered object from the polygon. To create a star with one area, must use the Perfect Shapes
tool.
3. Click on another color and drag that color to the line that creates the star.
The cursor icon changes to show you are dragging a line color.
4. Practice this function by changing the colors in the other two objects.

An Overview of Fills
All closed objects can contain fills. Fill styles range from a simple color to a complex bitmap pattern.
Fill types are applied to objects through the Fill Tool. Once the object is selected you can choose a fill
type from the Fill Tool Flyout. Each fill style has unique characteristics and editing options that are
controlled through their respective dialog boxes.

Fill Tool Flyout

Opens a color dialog box that allows you to change palettes, mix
Uniform Fill colors, and apply solid colors to selected objects.

Creates a gradient fill. Gradients are formed by merging

Fountain Fill multiple colors together.
Fills the object by tiling the pattern. You can select from one of
Pattern Fill the standard fills or create custom fill patterns.
Applies a fractal fill. Textures are created using bitmap images.
Texture Fill The texture can be edited extensively by the user. Many sample
 fills are provided as a starting point.
Fills the object with a selected PostScript fill pattern. These will
PostScript Fill print only on a PostScript printer. Because of the complex nature
of these fills, they only display in Enhanced View.
Removes the fill of selected objects. It is the same thing as
No Fill selecting the invisible fill from the Color Palette.
Used to create color and apply it to either the Fill or Outline of
Color Docker an object.

Chapter 4:

Aligning Objects
When preparing to align objects the selection order is important. All selected objects will align to the
last selected object. You will be working in the file Open 3rd.cdr, the same file as in Chapter 3.

1. Go to page 16.
2. Select the yellow 'X'.
3. Hold down the Shift key.
4. Select the red circle, then the blue box.
Objects align with the last one selected.
5. Go to the Arrange menu Align and Distribute.
6. Select the Left Align option.
7. Click OK.
Changes do not take effect until you apply them. Notice how the objects all aligned with the
blue box. That is because it was the last selected object. The Preview button allows you to
move the dialog box and see if the resulting alignment is what you wanted.

Alignment Options
A. Vertical Alignment Options
B. Horizontal Alignment Options
C. Page Alignment Options:
Edge of Page…
Aligns objects on edge of drawing page along the parameter you select. For example, Right side,
edge of page aligns all objects to the right edge of the page, along their right sides.

Center of Page…
Moves all objects to the center of the page. Ungrouped objects will stack.

Note:The Align and Distribute functions effect the objects according to the bounding box, or area of
the object. When you select an object, the selection boxes are on the edges of this box. Keep this in
mind when aligning irregularly shaped objects. To achieve an exact alignment, you may need to
manually move an object.

8. Activate the Align and Distribute dialog box.

9. Select both the Center options.
Selecting both options at the same time will center objects on top of each other.
10. Click OK.
A fast way to center objects on each other is to click the Center to Page box, then clear
the Center to Page leaving the other two boxes checked.

Alignment shortcuts
DRAW provides some fast alignment options using the keyboard. At least two objects must be
selected for this function to work.

1. Select the yellow 'X'.

2. Hold down the Shift key.
3. Select the red circle, then the blue box.
4. Press the t key.
Objects are aligned at the top of their bounding boxes.
5. Practice using these short cuts.

Key Function
e Aligns selected objects by their horizontal centers.
c Aligns selected objects by their vertical centers.
l Aligns selected objects by their left sides.
r Aligns selected objects by their right sides.
b Aligns selected objects by their bottom edges.
t Aligns selected objects by their top edges.
p Aligns selected objects to the center of the page.

Return to the Top

Distributing objects
1. Go to page 16.
2. Select all the objects on the page.
You can use the Select All command from the Edit menu, or double-click on the Pick Tool
button.
3. Go to the Align and Distribute dialog box and select the Distribute tab.
4. Select the vertical center option.
 5. Click OK.
The objects are now evenly spaced out between the top and bottom.
6. Go to the Edit menu select Undo.
7. Go to the Align and Distribute dialog box and select the Distribute tab.
8. Select Vertical Center option again.
9. Select the Align tab.
10. Select the Horizontal Center option.
As long as you do not click OK, options from one panel remain active allowing you to
combine both align and distribute options. Adding the Center align option will align and
distribute objects at the same time.
11. Click OK.

Note: Attempting to distribute a large number of objects will sometimes result in odd,
unexpected arrangements. When this occurs, a function of the way the program remembers
where objects are, called stacking order, has interfered with the distribution. Try distributing a
objects a few at a time.

Ordering Objects
1. Go to page 17.
2. Select the red object.
This object is actually the background and needs to move to the back.
3. Go to the Arrange menu Order To Back (Shift+Page Down) .

Tip: You can also use the To Front and To Back buttons from the Property Bar.
4. Select the lemon.
Notice it is a group of two objects, the yellow lemon and the white light accent.
5. Go to the Arrange menu Order In Front of.
6. Click on the green leaves with the large black arrow.
The leaves are moved behind the lemon.

Note: Often, the Back One or Forward One commands don't seem to work. The computer creates a
'page' for each object. What you see as two objects next to each other, may be several 'pages' apart.
This is why Corel added the In Front of command. This is called the stacking order of the objects.

Creating Duplicates
The duplicate command
The Duplicate command creates a copy of the original and places it back into the drawing offset from
the original.

1. Go to page 18.
2. Select the red box.
3. Go to the Edit menu and select Duplicate (Ctrl+D).
The Duplicate command creates a copy and places it back into the drawing offset to the top and
right of the original. This default placement can be changed from the Options dialog box or on
the Property Bar when nothing is selected.
4. Go to the Color Palette and select a gray color.
5. Move the gray object to the back (Shift + Page Down).
This creates a drop shadow for the red box.
The copy command
The Copy command is great for duplicating objects when the object needs to stay in the same place on
multiple pages – for example, a header or footer. You can also use the '+' on the number keypad to
copy and paste objects but only on the same page.

1. Select the yellow circle.

2. Go to the Edit menu and select Copy (Ctrl+C).
>A duplicate is made and placed on the Windows Clipboard.
3. Return to the Edit menu and select Paste (Ctrl+V).
The copy is placed directly over the original.
4. Move the copy to the right.
5. You can also use the Cut, Copy, and Paste buttons pictured here.

Working with Object Groups

Often, when working with many groups, you want to insure the objects don't move in relation to each
other. To keep objects in the same place, DRAW provides the Group function.

1. Go to page 20.
2. Go to the Edit menu and choose Select All.
Double clicking on the Pick Tool also selects all objects.
3. Go to the Property Bar and select the Group button (Ctrl+G).
You can also find this command under the Arrange menu. Look at the Status Bar. When
objects are grouped, the Status Bar tells you that you have selected a group and how many
objects are in the group.
4. Move the group to a new location.
5. Go to the Color Palette and select any color.
The whole group changes. As long as they are grouped they will act as one object.

Editing within a group, child objects

Sometimes, you may want to change one object within a group but don't want it to move.

1. Place the pointer over the antelope.

2. Hold down the Control key.
3. Select the antelope.
Round selection handles appear. You can now make a change to the object. The text is on a
separate layer and is locked.
4. Release the Control key.
5. Move the antelope down a bit.
6. Change the color of the antelope.
You can do almost any editing task without ungrouping.
7. Press the Escape key to finish.
8. Reselect the group of objects.
9. Go to the Property Bar and select the Ungroup button (Ctrl+U).
This button acts as a toggle between grouping and ungrouping.
 10. Press the Escape key to deselect the objects.
Even though the objects are now separated from the group, they remain group-selected.
Deselect them first before selecting them individually.

Note: The Ungroup All command releases all groups within groups. For example, you have three
groups of three objects grouped together. When you use the Ungroup command, the status bar will
show three groups selected. When you use the Ungroup All command, the status bar will show nine

objects selected.

You are ready now to tackle changing the objects you have created. Let's move on to Chapter 5.

Chapter 5:

Placing Objects with Precision

1. Go to the class files folder and open the file Open 4th.cdr.
Remember you can open a file from the File Menu, from the Standard Toolbar, or using
Ctrl+O.
2. Go to the Windows menu Docker Transform Position.
This opens the Transform Docker with the Position function active.

Indicator grid on Transform Docker

CorelDRAW uses the terms Horizontal and Vertical to indicate which dimensions are changed on an
object. Shown here are an indicator grid and properties you will see on many Dockers. The indicator
grid, the nine boxes with the center box selected, show where the parameters you fill in will apply. For
Position, DRAW moves the object so that the point on the gird is at the parameters you set or moves
the object that distance in the direction given by the grid. For Rotate, it shows the point of rotation. For
Scale, the grid gives the direction of the change. For Size, it will show the direction of the change and
for Skew, the direction of the skew. You will practice each of these in the following exercises. The
buttons at the top indicate Position, Rotation, Scale and Mirror, Size and Skew.

Position objects precisely

1. Select the rectangle at the top of page 1.
2. Go to the Transform Docker Position.
Although we activated the Transform Docker using Position, once it is open we can also access
all Transform commands.
3. Deselect Relative Position if necessary.
Relative position settings allow you to move an object in relation to its current position; as in,
two inches to the right or down two inches.
4. In the Horizontal box, type: 5.5.
5. In the Vertical box, type: 7.
6. Click Apply.
The center of the rectangle moves to the specified positions. This can be verified by looking at
the Status Bar at the bottom of the window. The rectangle should move down from the top
edge of the page. The position of the center point of the object is also shown on the Property
Bar. You can also move objects by changing the parameters on the Property Bar but you
cannot apply to Duplicate as in the next exercise.

Placing duplicates
1. Be sure the rectangle is selected.
2. Go to the Transform/Position Docker and use the parameters below.
 3. Click Apply to Duplicate.
A duplicate is now placed down and to the left of the original.
4. Using the values below, create two more duplicates.
When finished, your drawing should look similar to the one below.

• H (4.0) and V (5.0) Apply to Duplicate

• H (4.0) and V (4.0) Apply to Duplicate.

Moving relative to position

1. Select the three lower boxes.
The values change in the Transform/Position dialog box to reflect the selected objects.
2. Select Relative Position.
3. Select the bottom middle position box in the grid.
4. Type in settings V=0, H=3.0
This will move the duplicates to the right 3 inches.
5. Click Apply to Duplicate
Your graphics should look something like the one below.

6. Save your file. If you want to preserve the original file, do a Save As and rename the file.
You will return to this page later to make other changes to the organizational chart.
Rotation
Remember the exercise in the first session where you created a clock? Here we will use a different
approach to do the same thing.

1. Go to page 2.
2. Go to the Transform Docker Rotation.
The second button.
3. Select the flower petal and move it until the pointed end touches the edge of the flower center.
4. Change the point of rotation to the following settings:

• H = 5.5
• V = 4.25

5. Change the rotation angle to 15 degrees.

6. Click the Apply to Duplicate button. Continue clicking until you have completed the wild
flower, a Texas Indian Blanket.
Another way to complete the flower is to use Ctrl+R, the repeat last function short-cut, after
you have moved the petal once.
7. Save the file.

Scale
1. Go to page 3.
2. Select the first tree and place it at the edge of widest part of the road.
3. Go to the Transform Docker Scale and Mirror.
4. Be sure the Proportional setting is selected and the grid selection is the middle both directions.
5. Change the H setting to 125%.
6. Click on the Apply button.
Notice that the V setting changed to 125%
7. Place another tree at the top or end of the road. Change its size to 25% of the original.
8. Move the trees to the side of the road and scale them to give the illusion of a line of trees along
a road.
9. Save the file.

Mirror
In an earlier chapter, you mirrored objects by dragging a middle selection handle from one side to the
other while holding down the Control key. Now you will flip an object using the Transform Docker .

1. Return to page 1.
2. Go to the Toolbox and select the Freehand Tool.
Remember to use the Control key to draw straight lines.
3. Draw lines to connect the boxes as in the example below.
4. Select only the line.
5. Go to the Transform Docker Scale and Mirror.
6. Select the left/right mirror button.
7. Click the middle right relative position box.
This will flip the object back to the right along the right selection handle.
 8. Click Apply to duplicate.

Your drawing should look similar to the one below.

9. Select the lines and send them to the back with the button on the Property Bar.
Because the rectangles have a white fill, you will not see the lines behind them.
10. Save the file.
You will use this page again later.

Return to the Top

Size
1. Go to page 4.
2. Select the upper right hand box.
3. Go to the Transform Docker Size.
4. Clear the box by Non-proportional.
5. Move the grid indicator to the upper right position.
6. Change the H setting to 3.5.
The Proportional function changes the V setting automatically for you.
7. Click the Apply button.
The box resizes from the grid point toward the center.
 8. Select each box and resize it, changing the grid point setting so the boxes resize to the center of
the page.
The grid sets the direction of the increase or decrease in size. Selecting the center of the grid
and proportional causes the object to increase equally on all sides.

Skew
1. Go to page 5.
2. Select the box.
3. Go to the Transform Docker Skew.
4. Check the box by Anchor Point.
This functions like the grid point setting in the Size function. The anchor point will remain
stationary and the object will distort from that point.
5. Choose the upper right corner on the grid as the anchor point.
6. Change the H skew angle to 15%.
7. Click Apply to Duplicate.
8. Repeat the process on each of the four boxes. Change the anchor point on each and see what
results.
The resulting objects look like a stack of paper.
9. Save the file.

Freehand Transform Tool

When you are manipulating objects, you often want to see the effect quickly and apply your ideas
before they slip away.

1. Open a new drawing.

You can have more than one file open at a time in DRAW. In fact, the number of files you can
have open at any one time is limited only by the resources of your machine
2. Go to the shape tools and draw a few shapes on the page.
3. Go to the Shape Edit Tool Flyout and select the Freehand Transform Tool.

4. Click on one of the objects you have created.

A dotted blue line appears from that point on the object. The default mode for the Free
Transform Tool is rotate.
5. Move the object around.
The point where you first selected the object is the center of the rotation.
6. Notice the Property Bar has changed to reflect the tool and the direction of rotation. At the left
side of the Property Bar are the icons for the other Freehand Tools, Skew, Angle Reflection,
and Size.

7. Experiment with each tool on the objects you have created.

These could become very useful for you. Remember, the point of action is the point where you
click on the object.
8. You will not use these images again in this class, but you may want to save them. If not, just
close the document without saving.
You should now be ready to move on to Chapter 6.

Chapter 6:

Manipulating Objects
The basic element of a CorelDRAW illustration is the vector object. Objects can be manipulated in a
number of ways to create different elements in your drawing. The lines that form an object are called
vectors and those vectors are connected with nodes. Vector drawing applications create objects
mathematically. Predefined objects include rectangles, ellipses, polygons, and curves. Each vector of
the image is defined by the nodes. These react in set ways to changes. Some manipulations cannot be
applied to defined shapes. To change predefined objects, the objects must be changed to a series of
lines or curves. You will cover this under the command Convert to Curves.

CorelDRAW creates two basic types of objects – open and closed. Open objects include straight lines
and curved lines. Closed objects include circles, rectangles, squares, polygons, and freehand
drawings. All objects can be 'filled' with an interior fill style, however, unless the object is closed, the
fill will not appear.

Transform Docker and Property Bar

Two of the main tools for manipulation of objects are the Transform Docker that you covered in
Chapter 5 and the Shape Tool. Many of the elements of these functions are also found on the Property
Bar. As with all CorelDRAW operations, functions are accessed many different ways.

Proportional vs. non-proportional buttons

One of the more confusing elements of CorelDRAW are the locks for proportional and non-
proportional changes. These button are found on the Property Bar. Proportional changes keep the
width and height of an object in direct relation to each other as they were in the original object. In
other words, if you make a square an inch larger, it will remain a square, not become a rectangle. Non-
proportional allows you to change one direction's dimension without affecting the other dimension.

Button Definition
When the lock is closed (default, button raised), all
changes will be proportional. A change to the width (H)
will always change the height (V).
When the lock is open (button depressed), all changes will
be non-proportional. A change to the width (H) will NOT
change the height (V).

Note: Size changes made with the selection boxes is not affected by the proportional button on the
Property Bar. Only the size indicator boxes on the Property Bar are effected.

Reshaping objects using Nodes

The most basic editing of objects is moving and changing the nodes. This is done with the Shape Tool.

The various elements of the shape tool are shown in the table below.

Button Name and Icon Function

Add Adds nodes where you clicked on the line. When you select a
node and click this button, it adds a node half way between the
selected node and the nodes to either side.
Delete
Deletes selected node. Double clicking on a node will also delete
the node.

Join
Connects two selected end nodes on two connected lines. Moves
each node an equal distance to meet in the middle.

Break apart
Breaks a line at the selected node and adds an additional node.
The nodes will be on top of each other.

To Line
Changes a curved line into a straight line segment.

To Curve
Changes a straight line segment into a curved line and adds
control handles.

Cusp
Changes the node property so the curve control handles can be
moved independent of each other.
Smooth
Changes the node property so the curve control handles stay in a
straight line. The curves form compliments to each other.

Symmetrical
Each side of the curve mimics the other as in you move one
control handle and the other moves in the opposite direction.

Reverse ends
Reverses the end nodes on a line or curve. This is useful when
you are putting arrowheads or other special endings on lines.

Extend
Creates a new line segment between two unconnected nodes of
an object.

Extract Subpath
Removes nodes and line segments from within an object.

Auto Close
Draws a line from the first to the last node of a line segment.

Stretch and Scale

Allows you to make an object larger or smaller by dragging the
nodes.

Rotate
Allows you to rotate or skew selected parts of an object using the
nodes.

Align
Places the nodes in line with each other either horizontally or
vertically.

Select All

Selects all the nodes in the active object.

Elastic Mode
Alters the way nodes are moved by proportionally maintaining
the distance between nodes as they are moved.

Auto Reduce
A slider that alloys you to simplify an object by having DRAW
remove nodes that are unnecessary to maintain the shape. Can be
used for the entire object or selected nodes.

In certain situations, when you select a line or an object, the program will change from the Pick tool to
the Shape tool. When this happens, you will be manipulating nodes rather than just moving the object.
The shift will be indicated by the cursor icon and the appearance of nodes on the lines in your
drawing.

This is the Pick tool cursor next to a node in a selected object.

This is the Shape tool cursor next to the same node.

You will find your work moves faster and you will be less frustrated if you learn to recognize the
cursor icons of the various tools.

Working with Nodes on lines

1. Reopen Open 4th.cdr
2. Go to page 7.
3. Select the blue line.
4. Go to the Toolbox and select the Shape Tool.
When you select an object with the Shape Tool, the nodes display.
5. Select the starting node (first on the left).
The first node will always be larger than the others. It will be at one end of a line but can be at
any point on a closed object.
6. Click and drag to move it around.
This will change the length and position of the line segment.
7. Hold down the Shift key.
8. Select the second node point.
9. Place the cursor on either node.
10. Move the nodes.
Just as objects work together when selected, so do nodes.
11. Group-select two other nodes.
The same techniques used for selecting multiple objects are also used for selecting multiple
nodes. Drag the Shape Tool to surround the nodes. You can also use the Shift+Click to select
multiple node points.
12. Place the cursor on one of the selected nodes.
13. Move them.
The line segment in-between the selected nodes remains the same, while adjacent line
segments are reshaped.

Adding nodes
1. Click on a portion of the blue line that has no node.
A small black circle appears on the line.

2. Go to the Property Bar and select the Add node button.

A new node appears on the line .
3. Select another node.
 4. Delete it with the delete node button.
Double clicking on a node will also delete the node. Deleting nodes can be a fast way to
straighten out lines.

Tip: If you need a new node precisely in the middle of two other nodes, select an existing node, then
click the Add node button. A new node will appear centered between it and the next node on the line
towards the beginning of the line. The largest node is the first node of a line.

Aligning nodes on straight lines

1. Select the red line.
You are automatically in reshape mode when you select objects with the Shape Tool.
2. Select the bottom middle node.
3. Hold down the Shift key.
4. Select one of the top nodes.

5. Go to the Property Bar and select the Align button.

This activates the Node Align dialog box.
6. Select Horizontal to deactivate that option.
This will align the nodes vertically. Aligning the Control Points aligns the control handles of
the nodes on curves. The option is grayed out when aligning nodes on lines. You saw the
control handles when you drew with the Beziér Tool.
7. Click OK.
The nodes align and by doing so, reshape the object.

Moving nodes on curved lines

1. Select the curved line at the bottom of the page.
2. Select a node.
The Status bar will display the characteristics of the node. If necessary, right click on the Status
Bar and choose Refresh.
3. Select one of the control points and move it.
The control points are the blue dotted lines that extend from the node. You used them when
you created an object with the Beziér Tool.
4. Move other control points and notice what happens.
5. Place the cursor over the line and move it.

Note: Working with curved lines takes a bit more care than working with line segments. Not only can
you reshape them with the nodes, you can move the lines as well. The Control handles will move to
match your changes to the line segments.

Converting line segments

Objects created with straight lines do not have control points. To change a line to a curve, you will use
the node at the end of the line. This will add control points along the lines. Once they are activated you
can create a curve by moving them.

1. Select the red line.

Be sure you still have the Shape Tool selected.
 2. Select all the nodes with the Select all button.

3. Go to the Property Bar and select the To Curve button.

This converts all selected lines to curves.
4. Press the Escape key to deselect the nodes.
5. Select only one node.
The control points follow the lines because this object was created with straight lines
6. Move a control point.
Notice that you may also grab the line when the control points are close to the line.
7. Group-select all the nodes.

8. Go to the Property Bar and select the Smooth button.

Smoothing bends straight lines by averaging out the distance between node points. This is a
great technique to create curved polylines.

Connecting and disconnecting nodes

1. Select the blue line.
2. Select the two end nodes.
Each segment has two nodes.
3. Go to the Property Bar and select the Extend button.

A line is drawn to connect the selected points together.

4. Go to the Standard Toolbar and select the Undo button.
Or use Ctrl+Z.
5. Select one of the other node points.

6. Go to the Property Bar and select Break Path button.

This command is used to split the line at the selected node.
7. Move one of the disconnected nodes.
The nodes are on top of each other. Zooming in helps to move one or the other.

8. With both nodes selected, click on the Join node button.

The nodes move and are joined in the middle of the space between them. If you want the nodes
to combine at a particular place, drag both nodes to that point and have them touching. The
Join function will combine the two nodes into one.
9. Select the curved line at the bottom of the page.

10. Click on the AutoClose button on the Property Bar.

As you can see, this can create some very unusual results. Use the same command on the other
lines to see how the results vary.
11. Go to page 8.

Cusping node points

 1. Zoom in close to the lower fish.
Make him look like the top shark. Use the Zoom level list on the Property Bar, the Zoom Tool
from the F2 button, or the Zoom Tool from the Toolbar.
2. Select the top fin of the fish with the Shape Tool.
Use the Ungroup All button if necessary. You cannot use the Shape Tool on a grouped object.
Notice the control points are already there. That is because this line was created using curved
line segments.
3. Select the top node point.
4. Move one of the control points.
Notice how difficult it is to get the proper shape.
5. Go to the Standard Toolbar and select the Undo button.
6. Be sure the top node point is still selected.

7. Go to the Property Bar and select the Cusp button.

Be sure the node is still selected since changes will only apply to selected nodes.
8. Move the lower (right) control point to edit the curve of the fin.
9. Reshape the fish to match the shark.
Remember to Cusp the points if necessary.

Return to the Top

Reshaping Closed Objects

Reshaping rectangular objects
1. Go to page 9.
2. Select the blue rectangle.
Notice the nodes in each corner. This is a defined, closed object.
3. Go to the Property Bar and click the Round Corners Together lock.

With the lock open, the corners can be rounded one at a time. With the lock closed, the corners
will round together.
4. Click on one corner node.
Be sure only one node is selected. Notice the mouse cursor icon changes to the Shape Edit
Tool cursor.
5. Round the corner by pulling the node along the line that makes up the side of the rectangle.
Notice that the number of degrees in the arc is shown on the Property Bar. You can also enter
the number in and change the corners so several rectangles match. Press the Enter key to apply
the changes.
6. Select the red rectangle.
7. Go to the Property Bar and depress the Round Corners Together lock.
8. Click on one corner node.
9. Round the corners by pulling the node along the line that makes up the side of the rectangle.
All four corners round together in the same amount. As with the individual corner rounding,
you can enter the arc measurement and press the Enter key to apply these change.

Reshaping elliptical objects

Elliptical objects can be used to create arcs, pie shapes for graphs, and pie wedges.
 1. Select the blue circle.
Notice an elliptical shape contains only one node point.
2. Keeping the cursor outside of the circle, click and drag the node point.
This produces arcs. Once the object is reshaped a second node appears.
3. Return the node to the original position.
4. Repeat step 2, keeping the cursor inside the circle.
This will produce a pie-shaped object that shows the fill. Moving the pointer outside the circle
creates an arc that does not show the fill. The fill is defined for the circle.
5. Select the red circle.
6. Go to the Property Bar and click the middle button of the three shown here.

7. The circle becomes a three-quarter pie shape.

A 270 degree arc is the default.
8. Click on the third arc icon.
The object becomes a 270 degree arc.
9. Click the Reverse button.
The arc reverses to the smaller portion of the circle. This works on the pie shape also.

10. Arc and pie shapes can be set using the Property Bar parameters.
This allows you to create duplicate arcs and pies for charts and technical drawings.

Virtual Segment Delete Tool

1. Go to page 9.
2. Select the clip art image.
Remember to use the Pick tool to select.
3. Check the information on the status bar.
4. Ungroup the image and notice the number of objects that make up the picture.
5. Press the Esc key to de-select all the objects.
6. Select the words For Sale.
Notice the selection indicator boxes and nodes.
7. Press the delete key.
Notice that much more than the words For Sale are removed!
8. Undo your last action.
9. Go to the Shape Edit Flyout and choose the last tool.
This is the Virtual Segment Delete tool.
10. Go to the View menu and choose Wire Frame.
This allows you to look at the basic structure of the clip art.
11. Zoom in and click on the letter S.
12. Continue removing the letters and shading in the box.
13. Go to the View Menu and choose Normal .
Notice that the yellow color is not displaying.
14. Go back to Wire Frame.
15. Choose the Shape edit tool.
16. Select the edge of the yellow area.
Remember it is the front of the house.

17. Choose the Auto-Close button.

18. Check the drawing in Normal view.

Combining and Shaping

Problem: Applying the Break Apart command to merged objects may not return them to their original
condition. Some alterations cannot be reversed. This is not predictable. Plan before you combine.

Combining closed objects

1. Go to page 10.
2. Group-select all the red circles.
Probably the best way is to marquee select. The text is on another layer. You cannot select it
from the current layer.
3. Go to the Arrange menu and select Combine (Ctrl+L)
Every other circle is knocked out. A new object is now formed. The fill for the new object is
determined by the fill of the first object chosen. Because all of our objects were filled with red,
the final object has a red fill. If the resulting object does not have the fill you anticipated, select
the objects in the reverse order.

Combining open objects

1. Go to page 11.
2. Group-select the two blue line objects.
3. Go to the Arrange menu and select Combine (Ctrl+L).
Open objects will react differently than closed objects when combined. When they are
combined, they create one object giving you reshaping control over both simultaneously.
4. Go to the Toolbox and select the Shape Tool.
Notice there are node points on both lines. The Shape Tool is not available for Grouped
objects.
5. Select the leftmost end nodes on both blue lines.
6. Go to the Property Bar and select the Extend button.
Remember that the extend button joins nodes by adding a line that connects them together.

7. Repeat to connect the right end nodes.

With both sides connected, you now have a closed object.
8. Give the new object a yellow color fill.
Because it is now closed, the fill will display.
9. Go to page 12.

Note: You will see buttons on the Property Bar to apply all three of the following functions. While
these button apply the effect, they do not allow for the options seen in the Docker . Once you have
become familiar with the functions, you may find it easier to use the buttons.

Welding objects
1. Select the blue diagonal line.
Notice it overlaps the circle. You can see the outlines of both shapes.
2. Go to the Window Dockers Shaping.
This will activate the Shaping Docker.
3. Click the Weld To button.
4. Select the red circle (this is the target object).
The two are welded together and form a new object.
5. Go to the Standard Toolbar Undo Button.
 6. Go to the Weld Docker Leave Original Target Object.
This is the object you weld to. It is the one you select when you weld. Notice the window in
the Docker . This is a visual cue.
7. Select Other Object(s).
8. Click the Weld To button.
9. Select the circle.
When you leave the original objects they remain along with the welded object, which is below
the originals.
10. Drag the weld off the page.
The originals may be on top. The blue rectangle turns red because it is welded to the red
circle.The target object determines the fill and outline of the final object.

Trimming objects
1. Go to page 13.
2. Select the large black arrow.
The selection order is important. The last selected will be the object trimmed.
3. Go to the Shaping Docker Trim.
4. Deselect Source Objects and Target Objects.
5. Click on the Trim button.
6. Click on the red rectangle with the special cursor.
A notch is created using the overlapping areas of the objects and the arrow is discarded.
7. Go to the Arrange menu Order To the Back.
This moves the red object back behind the text. Objects that are being affected will be moved
to the front layer by the program so you must change the stacking order.
8. Save the file.

Intersecting objects
1. Go to page 14.
2. Select the yellow rectangle.
3. Go to the Shaping Docker Intersect.
Once you activate the Docker you can select the Intersect command because these are all part
of a Docker group.
4. Turn off Leave Original Target and Source Objects.
5. Click the Intersection With button.
6. Select the red circle.
The remaining object looks like a red pie slice.
7. Place the red object on the gauge.
8. Move the arrow on top.
9. Rearrange the Order (from the Arrange menu) if needed.
Your final image should looks similar to the one below.
Three other options are available on the drop down menu of the Shaping docker. These are versions of
the first three tools that provide shortcuts. As you become more familiar with the program, you may
find them very helpful.

Tool Characteristics
Creates one object from two or more. Target object, last object chosen, determines
Weld
the fill and outline of the final object.
Uses one object to alter the outline of a second object. Acts like a die cut or a cookie
Trim
cutter. First object chosen alters the target object.
Intersect Creates a new object from the area of where two objects overlap.
Trims overlapping areas of objects. This tool will work on several objects. The
Simplify
overlapping areas are discarded.
Back minus
Removes overlap by discarding the front object.
front
Front minus
Removes the overlap by discarding the back object.
back

Simplify
This tool allows you to remove parts of an image that are not visible. It will cause the file to print
faster since the printer driver will have to parse less code. All code in a file must be parsed even if the
object will not show.

1. Go to page 15.
2. Select the graphic.
3. Ungroup it.
Always use the Ungroup All function before you Simplify.
4. Select the black out line and move it off to one side.
Notice it is a solid black box.
5. Undo the move.
6. Select all the objects again.
7. Go to the Shaping Docker and select Simplify.
8. Click the Apply button.
Because this image only has 20 objects in it, it will simplify quickly. If you have an image with
hundreds of parts, do it incrementally. This is a very complex process and takes lots of
resources to accomplish. You can crash the program!
9. Select the black outline and move it off to the side.
Notice how the other objects have now been used as templates to put holes in the black
background.
10. Undo the move.
Back Minus Front — Front Minus Back
These two functions expand the trim function to several objects at one time. They are faster than the
trim but do not have the same controls or parameters as the Trim tool. You cannot save the object you
cut.

1. Go to page 16.
2. Select the green circle and the blue polygon.
3. Go to the Shaping Docker and select Back minus Front.
4. Click Apply.
5. Undo the effect.
6. Select the triangle and the red square.
7. Go to the Shaping Docker and select Front minus Back.
8. Click Apply.

Experiment with the four shapes and the two functions.

The Eraser and Knife Tool

The Eraser Tool disconnects line segments or parts of an object by removing them. The Knife Tool
slices a line between two points across a line or a closed object. Each tool creates two sections, but
handles them differently.

1. Go to page 17.
2. Select the yellow box.
An object must be selected first.
3. Hold down the Shape Tool button to produce the Flyout.
4. Select the Eraser Tool.
Notice the cursor looks like a pencil eraser. In the Tool properties dialog you can set the width
of the eraser. When used on a closed object, the sections remain connected as two new closed
sections. The option to reduce the number of nodes on the object selected is very helpful and
should not be turned off.
5. Click and Drag across the box.
The tool functions just like an eraser. Notice the line color on the sections created by the Eraser
Tool. This indicates you have created two objects with the same properties as the original.
These shapes are still combined into one object.
6. Experiment with each shape but use the Undo button or Ctrl+Z to return each to their original
look.
7. Hold down the Eraser Tool to produce the Flyout.
8. Select the Knife Tool.
Notice the cursor looks like an graphic artist's knife. In the Tool properties dialog, you can
choose to leave the cut object as one or have it create two separate, disconnected objects.
9. Select the polyline.
10. Place the knife on a line segment and click.
The icon changes to an upright position indicating you can now cut the object.
11. Click on another segment.
A new line segment is drawn from the first point to the second and the other lines erased.
12. Experiment by cutting the other shapes. Notice the unusual effect on the polygon.
13. Save the file.

The Smudge and Roughen tools are also found on the Shape Edit flyout. These two tools allow you to
change the textures and appearance of curved lines. They are not covered in this class.
Interactive Tools for Fast Changes
The Interactive Tools Flyout contains five tools. You will work with two of them in this class. Each
applies an effect or modifies the object as you manipulate it. You can watch the effect as you do it
which give you more control over the manipulation.

Tool Description
Interactive Bend Creates a series of shapes that gradually change from the beginning shape to
the ending shape. Can be adjusted for speed of change, direction of change,
color, and path of change.
Interactive Contour
Creates a blend using the outline of the selected object. Much improved over
previous versions of the effect.

Interactive Distort Changes an object based on the nodes that created the object. Default mode is
called Push-Pull, others are zipper and twister. The pattern and amount of
distortion is determined by the direction of drag, distance of drag and original
location of the nodes.
Interactive Envelope Allows you to distort an object by placing a container or envelope around the
object to constrain the distortion. Distortions can be mirrored on the object
and the direction of distortion is controlled.
Interactive Extrude
Allow you to extend an object as if it were three dimensional. You can control
the fills, light source, and beveling of the surfaces.

Interactive Drop
Shadow Allows you to create the illusion of a shadow for an object. Text will remain
editable and the shadow will reform as the text is edited. You can change the
color, edge feathering, and opacity of the shadow.

Interactive Tranparancy
Allows you to create a screening effect over an image. You can cange the
color, percent of cover, direction of the gradient, and type of gradient.

Using the Interactive tools

1. Go to page 18.
2. Select the green pentagon.
An object must be selected first.
3. Hold down the Interactive Blend button to produce the Flyout.

4. Select the Interactive Distortion Tool.

5. Click in the middle of the pentagon and drag to the right.
The pentagon is distorted with spikes from each node. Dragging to the left produces rounded
spikes.
 6. Experiment with each option and shape but use the Undo button or Ctrl+Z to return each to
their original look.
Change the type of distortion with the buttons on the Property Bar.
7. Hold down the Interactive Distortion Tool to produce the Flyout.

8. Select the Interactive Envelope Tool.

9. Select the phrase “The Hump”.
A red-dotted line with nodes appears around the word. This is the envelope.

10. Go to the Property Bar and choose the Double Arc mode.
11. Click on the top center node and drag it up.
The words are distorted into a humped sign. The other modes change the direction of the
distortion.
12. Save the file and close it.

Chapter 7:

Setting up a Page
Pages in a CorelDRAW document can have mixed orientation. Some can be portrait and some can be
landscape. In these exercises, you will explore the various options on the Page setup up dialog. When
you print the document, DRAW will adjust the orientation so the page prints properly, in other words,
you will see the pages as mixed orientation but they will print with the all pages rotated to either
landscape or portrait.

1. Go to the Standard Toolbar and select the New button.

Or use (Crtl+N) or the button on the Standard toolbar.

2. Go to the Property Bar and choose the Landscape button.

Notice the two button to the right of the Landscape button. When the icon at the top is pressed,
the page orientation change applies to all pages of the document. When the lower icon is
depressed, the change applied only to the active page. In other words, if you add a page when
the bottom icon is depressed, that page will be portrait, not landscape.
3. Go to the Layout menu and select Page Setup.
This activates the Page Size dialog box within the Options dialog. You can also double-click
on the page border in the drawing area to activate the Page Size dialog box.
4. Change the orientation to Portrait.
Notice the preview window that shows your changes.
5. Drop down the Paper menu and explore the various sizes of paper available. If you choose the
Custom size, you can set a specific page size then save that size for future projects. Notice the
option to apply the change only to the current page of the document.
6. Go to the dialog window on the left and change to the Page option.
7. Clear the box in front of Show page border.
This is the default parameter. Show printable area puts a dotted line on your page based on the
currently selected default printer.
 8. Click OK.
Notice the page is no longer visible. The Show page border gives the illusion that the page is
floating above the Desktop.
9. Go to the Tools Options Page and turn the Show page border back on.
This is a third way of accessing the Page Setup dialog.
10. Change to the Layout dialog window under Page.
This allows you to set up publications such as newsletters, two sided documents or other page
arrangements. Leave the parameters at default.
11. Change to the Label dialog.
Templates for almost every type of label stock available world wide are accessible on this
dialog. CorelDRAW opens the page with only one label showing, then prints as the labels are
located on the page. It also has templates for such things as perforated business cards and CD
labels.
12. Change to the Background dialog window.
Leave the parameters at default but look at the possibilities, not only can you change the color
of the page, you can assign a bitmap as a background. This is a Web friendly feature to assist
you in designing graphics that are compatible with your background on a Web site.
13. Click OK to return to the page.

Using Guidelines
Guidelines provide assistance for placing and aligning objects or dividing pages into columns. For
example, they can be used to create columns for text layouts, baselines for newsletter headers and
footers, or just align objects as you draw. There are three types of guidelines; vertical, horizontal and
slanted guidelines.

Placing guidelines
1. Go to the View menu and select Guidelines Setup.
This will activate the Guidelines Setup dialog box.
2. Type: 0.5 (½ inch) in the Horizontal parameters box.
3. Click the Add button.
A dotted guideline is placed at the bottom of the page. Remember that the ruler origins start at
the bottom left corner of the page, so 0.50 is ½ inch from the bottom edge.
4. Type: 10.5 (10 ½ inches) in the Horizontal position text box.
Notice that the position of the guidelines displays as you place them. If you want to change the
position of a guideline, highlight it, change the measurement, then click Move.
5. Click Add.
Do not use the Return (Enter) key. This will close the box without adding the guideline.
6. Click on the Vertical tab and set two guidelines at one half inch from the sides of the page.
Hint: 0.5 and 8.0.
7. Activate the Snap to Guidelines.
If you click on a guideline then when in the Pick tool'

you can turn the snap to off with a button on the Property Bar.
8. Click OK.
9. After you have added the guidelines click OK.

Tip: You can also place guidelines into a drawing by dragging them from either ruler. Place the cursor
on top of the ruler, hold down the left mouse button, and drag into the drawing. When you release the
mouse, a double-headed arrow will appear indicating which direction you can adjust the guideline.
Double clicking on the guideline brings up the Guideline properties dialog or you can use the

parameter settings on the Property Bar.

Drawing objects using guidelines

Guidelines are very useful in dividing a page into smaller sections. They provide good visual clues
when designing layouts.

1. Go to the Toolbox and select the Rectangle Tool.

2. Place the mouse cursor close to top left corner where the guidelines meet.
3. Click and drag to the lower right corner.
Notice how the rectangle snaps to the guides.
4. Press the Spacebar.
5. Go to the View menu and select Guidelines Setup.
Or double click on the guideline.
6. Deselect Show guidelines located in the lower left corner.
7. Click OK.
Tip: Although the guidelines are off, they remain in position and active. If you need them
again simply turn them on. They remain set within the file. Snap to Guidelines is not the
default setting however, and will need to be turned back on each time you open a new file.
8. Close the file without saving.

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Introducing the Text Tools

One of the strongest features of CorelDRAW is its text capabilities. There are two types of text in
CorelDRAW: Artistic Text and Paragraph Text. Artistic Text allows you to enter single lines of text
—for example, callouts, titles, or labels in a drawing. To create a second line, you will have to
manually end the line by using the Enter key. CorelDRAW treats Artistic Text as an object and allows
you to apply many of the graphic effects to that text while it retains it ability to be edited as text.

Paragraph Text is used for larger portions of text requiring word processing-type capabilities, such as
indents and tabbing. Paragraph Text works within a user-defined area. For example, if you were
creating a brochure and you needed a text area of about 3 inches by 5 inches you would create a Text
Frame. The Paragraph Text would then wrap within the frame.

Both types of text can be formatted to include bold, underline, and other text styles normally
associated with typesetting. In addition, the Paragraph Text can be further enhanced by using various
paragraph formatting such as indentation, tabs, and line spacing. While you can assign basic changes
from the Property Bar, you will have to go to the Format Text dialog box for extensive text editing.

Another feature of the Text Tool is the real-time spell checking utility. It functions very similarly to
that in most word processors. There is also a Grammar checker available but it is not turned on as a
default. If there is a spelling error you will see a red line appear under the text as you type. This means
that the word is misspelled according to the default dictionary. A blue line indicates a word not in the
dictionary but you have told the program to ignore. You can add technical words to the dictionary
using the Spell Check dialog box.

Adding artistic text

 1. Go to the File menu and choose Open 4th at the bottom of the menu.
The most recent files you have worked on will be listed at the end of this menu. You can
change the number of files listed in the Options dialog.
2. Select all the boxes.
3. Go to the Property Bar Ungroup All.
4. Go to the Toolbox Text Tool.
5. Click in the blank area to the left of the page.
This places an insertion point where the text will be placed.
6. Go to the Text menu Format Text.
Or the F on the Property Bar or (Ctrl+T). This activates the Format Text dialog box used for
setting text options.
7. Scroll down in the Font list Times New Roman.
If you know the name of the font you are looking for, highlight the first font name, then type
the first letter of the font you want. The list will automatically scroll to the fonts that begin with
that letter.
8. Replace the current font size value with 14.
9. Go to the Weight drop-down list and select Bold.
As you make changes they appear in the sample window at the bottom of the dialog box It will
display the first few word of anything you have typed or the first few letters of the alphabet.
10. Click OK.
If you have not set an insertion point, the change default dialog box will appear. If you click
OK at this point, the next time you access the Text tool, it will have these settings.

Creating labels
1. Type: Organization Chart for LaSalle Produce Company.
2. Right click on the word LaSalle and choose Ignore All.
The red underline turns to blue. You can add to your dictionary any words you know you will
be using often.
3. Press Enter.
4. Use the following list to complete the titles for the left group.
Press the Enter key after each to place each title on a new line.
Corporate
Sales
Marketing
Advertising.
5. Go to the Toolbox and select the Pick Tool.
This will end the typing mode. The text will become selected. To toggle to the Pick Tool, use
Ctrl+Space bar.
6. Go to the Arrange menu and select Break Apart.
This will split the text into individual text lines. They can now be moved into position.

Copying text properties

1. Go to the Toolbox and select the Text Tool.
Notice the Property Bar. The text settings reverted back to the default parameter.
2. Click in a blank area below the text you just typed.
3. Use the following list to complete the titles for the right group.
Press the Enter key after each to place each title on a new line.
Orchard Mgmt.
Quality Control
Shipping
 4. Go to the Toolbox and select the Pick Tool.
Selection handles appear.
5. Go to the Edit menu and select Copy Properties From.
This activates the Copy Properties dialog box.
6. Select Text Properties.
7. Click OK.
8. Click on any text object from the previous text list with the large black arrow.
The fonts should be updated to match the first list.
9. Go to the Arrange menu and select Break Apart (Ctrl+K).
10. Place the title of the chart on top and a division title in each box.
11. Drag one of the corner handles to resize the text.
Artistic Text can be proportionally resized just like other objects. While this is quicker, it is not
as precise as using the Text Format dialog box or the Property Bar.
12. Reposition the title in the middle over the top of the chart.
Hint: Use the aligning shortcuts, c for vertical center with two objects selected.
13. Save your work (Ctrl+S).

Tip: A faster way to copy the properties is the Drag and Copy mentioned earlier. Select the object
you wish to copy properties from. With the Right Mouse button, drag the object to the object you wish
to change. A target helps you select the object to be changed. Release the Mouse. A dialog allows you
to choose which properties you want to apply. The original object remains in place, unchanged.

Aligning text within an object

The most important thing to remember when aligning objects is the selection order. Remember that
alignment is based on the last object selected.

1. Select the text in the top box (Corporate).

Check the Status Bar to ensure that you have the text.
2. Hold down the Shift key.
3. Select the white box below the text.
The Status Bar should read that you have two objects.
4. Release the Shift key.
5. Press the e key and then the c key.
The short cut will center the two objects vertically and horizontally with each other. Two or
more objects must be selected.
Or, Go to the Arrange menu and select Align and distribute . Select both the Center options.
Selecting the Center of the Page option, then deselecting it accomplishes the same thing. Click
OK.
This will place the text in the center of the boxes.
6. Repeat these steps to align the rest of the text with the boxes as needed.
Remember to select the text first.
7. Save your work (Ctrl+S).

Adding paragraph text

Paragraph Text is created by drawing an area for the text. The technique is similar to drawing a
rectangle. The area used by Paragraph Text is referred to as a Text Frame. It acts like a small page.

1. Go to the Toolbox and select the Text Tool.

2. Click and drag in a blank area of the page to create a Text Frame approximately 3 inches wide
and 3.5 inches tall.
 As you drag, watch the Status Bar for dimensions. Text Frames can be resized after they are
created so you don't have to be exact.
3. Release the mouse button.
4. Go to the Text menu and select Format Text.
Or use the Property Bar.
5. Set the Font to Arial and the Size to 14 points.
One point is equal to 1/72 inch.
6. Click OK.
7. Type:
The LaSalle Citrus organization was established in 1915 by its owner, Lee Mone Peel. A
French immigrant, Mr. Peel purchased a tract of land in south Texas and began growing
citrus produce. It has since grown to be the nation's thirtieth largest grower.
Click Ignore All for both LaSalle and Mone when the spelling checker underlines them.
8. Go to the Toolbox and select the Pick Tool.
Selection handles should appear around the Paragraph Text. If they do not, then select the Text
Frame.
9. Move the text under the right side column of boxes.
10. Save the file.

Importing Files
Many file types can be opened within CorelDRAW. When you open the Import dialog, the Files of
Type drop down list will show you all of the various kinds. The filters to import these files are
installed with DRAW. If you do not see a file type you need, do a custom install from the CD-ROM.
Check the list of files to see if a filter is available and follow the directions to install it.

Importing files makes a copy of the file within DRAW. It does not affect the original file.

1. Go to the File menu Import.

This activates the Import dialog box. The screen capture below shows the dialog with the
 Options button clicked. You can also use the Import button from the Standard Toolbar.

2. Go to the Files of Type drop-down list, scroll down CorelDRAW (.cdr).

Only files created in CorelDRAW will be shown in the file list.
3. Go to the class files folder CITRUS LOGO.
4. Click on the Preview checkbox.
With the Preview active you can view the files before importing them.
5. Click on the Import button.
The name of the file you are importing is displayed by the import cursor. This screen capture is
only an example.

6. You have two options at this point.

If you want to import the object at its original size, click at the spot you want the graphic.
If you want to resize the graphic, click and drag to reduce or enlarge the graphic to the size of
the click and drag area.
7. You do not know the size of the original but you do know where you want to put the logo.
Click and drag the cursor using the image below as a guide.
The logo is centered on the chart.
 8. Save your work (Ctrl+S).
Your work should look similar to the chart below.

Clipart
Clipart consists of drawings and bitmap images produced by artists for use in desktop publishing and
graphic design. Corel Corporation provides thousands of clip art images with CorelDRAW 12. You
USE the clipart, you do not OWN the clipart. Most suppliers ask that you indicate the source
especially if you use several images. Each package of clipart comes with an agreement outlining the
limitations and acceptable usage of the clipart. Always read your clipart package agreement. Copyright
infringement fines are very high. Better safe than sorry!

Adding clipart to your drawing

1. Go to the Standard Tool bar and click on the Import button.
2. Go to the class files folder and select the Oranges.cdr file.
3. Click OK.
4. Click the cursor once at the lower left corner of the page.
The clipart oranges are much larger than we need.
5. Use the selection handles to scale the image down.
6. Save the file.
Chapter 8:

Printing Your Work

CorelDRAW uses the print drivers in Windows. It does not have any print drivers of its own. Each
printer will have a different set of standards and settings.

1. Go to the Standard Toolbar and select the Print button.

(Ctrl+P or File Print)
This activates the Print dialog box. There are six tabs where parameters may be set for printing
projects. Many of these are highly advanced for use in complex projects such as four color
process work where very exact negatives must be created. You will cover only the options on
the General tab in this class.

Printing Options
Lets you select from a list of installed print devices. The Properties button
Printer
activates the Setup dialog box for the selected printer.
Lets you designate what you want to print. The Selection option is good for
Print Range
proofing parts of a drawing without having to print the whole page.
Copies Sets the number of copies desired.
Just as you saved styles for documents, you can save setting for printers. If
Print styles you make several changes for a particular printer or type of print job, save
them so you don't have to re-enter all your parameters.
2. Select Current page in the Print Range section.
This will print only the currently visible page of a multi-page document.
3. Go to the Printer section and select the Properties button.
This activates the Setup dialog box. Each dialog box will be specific to the currently selected
printer.
4. Change the Orientation to Landscape.
If the orientation of the printer does not match the page, CorelDRAW will prompt you and ask
if you want it to automatically change the orientation.
5. Click OK.
You will return to the Print dialog box.
6. Click OK again to begin printing.

Exporting Your Work

Exporting an image or a file insures the code in the file is standard code for that type of file. Using
Save As to create files other than cdr files is possible but risky. Save As is best used to make copies of
a file under another name for example, saving versions of an image. Some types of files are more
difficult to export. If you plan to import the image into another type of program such as a page layout
program or word processor, do some samples first to see which type of file imports best.

1. Go to page 1.
2. Select the LaSalle Citrus logo.
 3. Go to the File Menu and select Export (Ctrl+H).
You can also use the Export button from the Standard Toolbar. This will activate the Export
dialog box.
4. Go to the Save in list box and select the class files folder.
5. Select the Save as type list box.
Each type of file has different parameters. You will cover only one type here.
6. Go to the list of file types and select Windows Metafile (WMF).
This applies the export filter. Filters are used to properly set the information in the exported file
for the new file type. Windows Metatfiles are useful if you use Microsoft programs.
7. Click the Selected only check box.
This option will export selected objects only. If you want to export the entire illustration, leave
this blank.
8. In the File name text box, type: Logo
9. Click the Export button.
This will activate a filter dialog box. Some filters have these to set various options.
10. Under Export text as, select Curves.
By exporting as curves, you convert the text into a graphic. This avoids any problems of font
availability between computers.
11. Click OK.
The logo is now exported.

Tip: The author has found it takes one-half to one-third the time to export when the elements of a
graphic are ungrouped. Use the Ungroup All command on the Properties bar. After exporting, you can
re-group the elements to keep them from moving.

Setting a New Default Style

Creating a style with the Outline and Fill tools
1. Go to the Toolbox Pick Tool.
2. Be sure nothing is selected (press the Escape key).
3. Go to the Toolbox Fill Tool.
4. Activate the Flyout and select the invisible fill option, the large X.
You will be prompted by the Uniform Fill style dialog box warning you that you are about to
change the default style properties for this document.
5. Click OK.
The new fill style is set to invisible for graphic objects. You can change it to no fill by turning
off the 'Treat all objects as filled.
6. Go to Toolbox Outline Tool.
This will produce the Flyout.
7. Select the 2 Point Outline button (fourth from right).
8. Click OK.
Again the dialog box appears and you can assign a line to each type of object as a default for
this document.
9. Draw a rectangle.
The rectangle will now have a thicker border and no fill.
10. Delete the rectangle.
Selected objects can be deleted with the Delete key or on the Edit menu.

Setting defaults with Options dialog

 1. Go to the Tools menu Options Workspace Toolbox Rectangle tool.
2. Reset the Corner roundness to 40.
3. Click OK.
4. Select the Rectangle tool and draw a rectangle on the screen.
The default has been changed to a rounded corner rectangle. The changes are only for the
current document.
5. Go to the Tools menu Options Document Styles.
6. Go to the right panel and expand the Default Graphic listing.
7. Drop the fill menu down and choose Uniform Fill Edit button .
The Uniform Fill color palette appear. Here you may choose or create a color from the CMYK
mixing area. The More button accesses an area where you can define the color precisely by the
numbers.
8. Move the small box to the upper right corner to change the fill color.
9. Click OK.
10. Repeat these steps with the Outline dialog, choosing a different color for the outline.
11. Click OK.
Your changes do not take effect until you select OK.
12. Draw some rectangles.
The fill and outline should now be colored with round corners on the rectangles. These
attributes will remain for all rectangles in this document until you change them.
13. Return the setting to the default of sharp corners, thinner line and invisible fill.

The Options dialog allows you to change the defaults for all of the tools including the Text Tool. You
will work in customization of your Workspace later in this chapter.

Changing the defaults for all documents

The default setting for DRAW is to apply the default changes you made in the last exercise only to the
active document. If you want to change the defaults for all documents, you must change a setting. A
note, some users of CorelDRAW 11 have had the setting change back to the factory default without
warning. It is a sporatic bug and as such very difficult to fix. Corel Corp. is aware of it and attemting
to fix it.

1. Go to Tools Options Documents.

The default parameter is for five of the six options to be non-documents specific. You may
change any of these parameters. The authors recommend making the styles option non-
document specific.
2. Select the box next to Styles.
Now all changes you make to Styles in Text, Fill, and Outline will apply to each new document
you open.
3. Click OK to close the dialog.

Return to the Top

Changing the ruler settings

1. Go to the Tool menu Options.
2. Go to Document Rulers .

Ruler Options
Units Many different units of measure are available for the rulers. This is
 because DRAW is an internationally sold program. Horizontal and
Vertical Rulers can also have different unit of measure. Units of measure
can also be changed on the Property Bar when nothing is selected.
The origin point for measuring can be moved here or manually on the
Origin rulers. To move the origin point, hold and drag the box at the upper left
corner of the drawing window where the rulers come together.
This sets the number of marks between the major measurements as in
Tick Divisions
sixth of an inch or tenths of an inch.
Show Rulers Allows you to work without the rulers if you are short on screen space.
The Edit Scale button allows you to work at a set scale such as 1:2 or 1
Edit Scale
inch=1 mile.
3. Experiment by changing the units to metric or point and picas.
All object dimension displays will change to what you set on the rulers. You can mix units
such as having the horizontal ruler in picas and the vertical ruler in inches.

Workspace
CorelDRAW allows you to customize the working area or interface of the program. Just as you can
float the tool bars, you can create new tool bars, hide tool button you never use, or change DRAW to
speed work on particular projects.

1. Go to Tools menu Options Workspace .

DRAW allows you to customize the working area to suit a project, work style, or knowledge of
another vector illustration program.
2. Click on New to create your own workspace.
Do not make changes to the default. Workspace customization files are very small so you
can create as many as you like. While you can return to factory defaults by pressing the F8 key
while the program is loading, some customizations will not be over written. When using the F8
reset, be sure Default is Set as Current. If not, your personal Workspace will be over laid. By
preserving the default workspace, you have a benchmark when you have problems.
3. Give the workspace a name.
4. Click OK.
5. Go to the listing at the left of the dialog and choose Customization.
6. To remove a button you don't use , such as the Cut, Copy and Paste buttons because you use
the shortcut keys for those, hold down the button with the left mouse button, drag it to the work
area and drop it.
It will be removed from the Toolbar.
7. To add a button, such as the Save All or Save As, go to the Customization option in the file
tree at the left of the dialog.
8. Choose the File and Layout folder File.
All the button options for the items on the File menu will then be displayed.
9. Select the button you want to add and drag it to the tool bar where you want to add it.
10. To create a new tool bar, drop the button on the workspace and a new toolbar is created.
Explore the many options by opening the various menu titles listed.
11. When you have made all the changes you want for now, click on Set as Current.
12. Click OK to return to the work area. You will see the changes displayed.
13. To change the Workspace, go to Tools menu Options Workspace and choose the one
you want, then click set as current.
You can create Workspaces with all Web tools, different rules and measuring system, custom
colors or any other combination you want. Just remember that if you are reloading the program
using the F8 key, you should be in the default Workspace. If you have more than one person
 using DRAW, you can each create a custom Workspace. If you move from one machine to
another, you can take the Workspace with you by copying the file. The Workspaces are saved
in the Program Files folder with DRAW 12.

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As I told you at the beginning of the class, this program is so powerful and so versatile that I can only
get you started. Part II of this class explores more advanced text handling, more effects, interactive
tools, and technical drawing. Please see the registration material to sign up for that class.

Pat Gibson
Corel Certified Instructor