Welcome to Hints

Look here for hints about your current activity.

To start, click one of the following:

Using Hints and other help

Creating shapes, curves, and text

Moving, sizing, and shaping objects

Filling and outlining shapes, curves, and text

Adding special effects to shapes, curves, and text


Pick tool

The Pick tool lets you select one or more objects. When you select objects, you can move, size, rotate, and skew them.

To select an object, click it.

When an object is selected, you can also change its properties and add special effects.

If you select several objects at once, you can make them behave like a single object by grouping them.

To select several objects, hold down SHIFT and click each object.

To select all objects, double-click the Pick tool.

Return to Welcome Screen


Right mouse button

When you release the right mouse button, CorelDRAW displays a menu of options from which to choose.


Freehand tool

The Freehand tool lets you draw lines and curves.

To draw, drag the mouse like a pencil on paper.

To draw a straight line, click where you want the line to begin and click again where you want it to end.

To change a line or curve's shape, click the Shape tool.

To move, size, or rotate a line or curve, click the Pick tool.

Return to Welcome Screen


Rectangle tool

The Rectangle tool lets you draw squares and rectangles.

To draw a rectangle, click and drag where you want to draw the rectangle.

To draw a square, hold down CTRL as you click and drag.

To round a rectangle's corners, click the Shape tool.

Or, make the corners rounder by typing new values in the Corner Roundness boxes on the Property Bar.

To move, size, or rotate a rectangle, click the Pick tool.

Return to Welcome Screen


Ellipse tool

The Ellipse tool lets you draw ellipses and circles.

To draw an ellipse, click and drag where you want to draw the ellipse.

To draw a circle, hold down CTRL as you click and drag.

To change an ellipse into an arc or a pie shape, click the Shape tool.

To move, size, or rotate an ellipse, click the Pick tool.

Return to Welcome Screen


Polygon tool

The Polygon tool lets you draw polygons and stars.

To draw a polygon, click and drag where you want to place the polygon.

To draw a star, follow the previous instruction and click the Polygon/Star button.

To create a polygon or star with more or fewer sides or points, type a value in the Number Of Points box on the Property Bar.

To change a polygon's shape, click the Shape tool.

To move, size, or rotate a polygon, click the Pick tool.

Return to Welcome Screen


Text tool

The Text tool lets you add words to your drawing or edit existing text.

To add Artistic text, click anywhere on the page, and start typing.

To edit text, click inside the text you want to edit.

If you plan to work with large quantities of text, create Paragraph text.

To add Paragraph text, click and drag. A frame appears that marks where you can type.

To change the spacing of text, click the Shape tool.

To move, size, or rotate text, click the Pick tool.

Return to Welcome Screen


Bezier tool

The Bezier tool lets you draw lines and curves node by node.

To draw, click and drag to place the first node. As you drag, control points appear. Release the mouse when the control points are positioned where you want, and click and drag to place the next node. A curve appears between the two nodes.

To draw a straight line, follow the previous instruction, but don't drag, just click.

To stop drawing, press SPACEBAR twice.

To change a line or curve's shape, click the Shape tool.

To move, size, or rotate a line or curve, click the Pick tool.

Return to Welcome Screen


Spiral tool

The Spiral tool lets you draw a spiral pattern. You can choose between symmetrical and logarithmic spirals.

To choose a spiral type, click the Symmetrical Spiral button or the Logarithmic Spiral button on the Property Bar.

To draw a spiral, click and drag where you want to place the spiral. As you drag, you can see how the spiral will appear.

To change the tightness of a spiral, type a value in the Spiral Revolutions box on the Property Bar before you draw the spiral.

To change a spiral's shape, click the Shape tool.

To move, size, or rotate a spiral, click the Pick tool.

Return to Welcome Screen


Graph Paper tool

The Graph Paper tool lets you draw a grid pattern.

To draw a grid, click and drag where you want to place the grid.

To change the number of squares in the grid, type values in the Grid Columns And Rows box before you draw the grid.

To move, size, or rotate the grid, click the Pick tool on the Toolbar.

Return to Welcome Screen


Artistic Media tool: Pressure-sensitive mode

The Artistic Media tool lets you draw curves of fixed or variable thickness. There are five Artistic Media Tool modes: Preset, Brush, Object Sprayer, Calligraphic, and Pressure-sensitive. They are available on the Property Bar when you select the Artistic Media tool in the Toolbox.

Currently, Pressure sensitive mode is selected on the Property Bar.

To draw a pressure-sensitive curve with the mouse, click and drag along the path you want, like a pencil on paper. Press UP ARROW and DOWN ARROW to vary the pen pressure.

Return to Welcome Screen


Artistic Media tool: Brush mode

The Artistic Media tool lets you draw curves of fixed or variable thickness. There are five Artistic Media Tool modes: Preset, Brush, Object Sprayer, Calligraphic, and Pressure-sensitive. They are available on the Property Bar when you select the Artistic Media tool in the Toolbox.

Currently, Brush mode is selected on the Property Bar.

To draw a brush curve with the mouse, click the Freehand Smoothing box and move the slider to select a smoothness setting.

Type a width in the Artistic Media Tool Width box on the Property Bar.

Select a brush from the Brush list box.

Place the cursor where you want the curve to start and drag to draw the curve.

Return to Welcome Screen


Artistic Media tool: Object Sprayer mode

The Artistic Media tool lets you draw curves of fixed or variable thickness. There are five Artistic Media Tool modes: Preset, Brush, Object Sprayer, Calligraphic, and Pressure-sensitive. They are available on the Property Bar when you select the Artistic Media tool in the Toolbox.

Currently, Object Sprayer mode is selected on the Property Bar.

To draw a curve using the Object Sprayer, click the Freehand Smoothing box and move the slider to select a smoothness setting.

Type a percentage value in the Size of Objects to be Sprayed box.

Select a spray from the Spraylist File list box.

Place the cursor where you want the curve to start and drag to draw the curve.

Return to Welcome Screen


Artistic Media tool: Calligraphic mode

The Artistic Media tool lets you draw curves of fixed or variable thickness. There are five Artistic Media Tool modes: Preset, Brush, Object Sprayer, Calligraphic, and Pressure-sensitive. They are available on the Property Bar when you select the Artistic Media tool in the Toolbox.

Currently, Calligraphic mode is selected on the Property Bar.

To draw a calligraphic curve, type a width in the Artistic Media Tool Width box on the Property Bar.

Type an angle in the Calligraphic Angle box on the Property Bar.

Click and drag along the path you want, like a pencil on paper.

Return to Welcome Screen


Artistic Media tool: Preset mode

The Artistic Media tool lets you draw curves of fixed or variable thickness. There are five Artistic Media Tool modes: Preset, Brush, Object Sprayer, Calligraphic, and Pressure-sensitive. They are available on the Property Bar when you select the Artistic Media tool in the Toolbox.

Currently, Preset mode is selected on the Property Bar.

To draw a preset curve, choose a preset curve shape from the Presets list box.

Click and drag along the desired path, like a pencil on paper.

Return to Welcome Screen


Auto Dimension tool

The Auto Dimension tool is used to create a label showing the lengths of objects or the distances between them.

To draw an auto dimension line, click the point where you want to begin measuring.  If you want the line to be linked to an object, start by clicking a snap point on that object.

Click the point where you want to finish measuring. This can also be a snap point.

Click to place the label.

Return to Welcome Screen


Horizontal Dimension tool

The Horizontal Dimension tool is used to create a label showing the lengths of objects or the distances between them.

To draw a horizontal dimension line, click the point where you want to begin measuring. If you want the dimension line to be linked to an object, start by clicking a snap point on that object.

Click the point where you want to finish measuring. This can also be a snap point.

Click to place the label.

Return to Welcome Screen


Vertical Dimension tool

The Vertical Dimension tool is used to create a label showing the lengths of objects or the distances between them.

To draw a vertical dimension line, click the point where you want to begin measuring. If you want the dimension line to be linked to an object, start by clicking a snap point on that object.

Click the point where you want to finish measuring. This can also be a snap point.

Click to place the label.

Return to Welcome Screen


Slanted Dimension tool

The Slanted Dimension tool is used to create a label showing the lengths of objects or the distances between them.

To draw a slanted dimension line, click the point where you want to begin measuring. If you want the dimension line to be linked to an object, start by clicking a snap point on that object.

Click the point where you want to finish measuring. This can also be a snap point.

Click to place the label.

Return to Welcome Screen


Angular Dimension tool

The Angular Dimension tool lets you measure and label an angle.

To draw an angular dimension line, click where you want to place the apex of the angle.

Click where you want to end the baseline.

Click where you want to end the second line.

Click where you want to place the label.

Return to Welcome Screen


Callout tool

The Callout tool lets you create labels that are attached to objects.

To draw a callout, click where you want the callout to start. If you want the callout to move when the labeled object moves, start by clicking a snap point on the object.

Click where you want the callout to bend. If you want to draw a straight callout, skip this step.

Click where you want the label to appear, or double-click if you are drawing a straight callout, and type the text you want to use as your label.

Return to Welcome Screen


Connector Line tool

The Connector Line tool lets you draw a straight line between two objects. The line moves when you move one of the objects.

To draw a connector line between two objects, click a snap point on the first object. Then, click a snap point on the second object.

Return to Welcome Screen


Interactive Connector tool

The Interactive Connector tool lets you connect multiple objects with flow lines. If you move the connected objects, the flow lines adjust accordingly.

To draw a flow line, click a snap point on the first object and drag to a snap point on the second object.

Return to Welcome Screen


Multiple objects

To move the selection, click and drag.

To size or stretch the selection, click and drag a sizing or stretching handle.

To rotate or skew the selection, click it again and drag one of the rotation handles.

To group the selection, click the Group button on the Property Bar.

Return to Welcome Screen


Group selection

To move the group, click and drag.

To size or stretch the group, click and drag a sizing or stretching handle.

To rotate or skew the group, click it again and drag one of the rotation handles.

To ungroup the group, click the Ungroup button on the Property Bar.

To select an object from within a group, hold down CTRL and click the object.

Return to Welcome Screen


Curve object

To move the object, click and drag.

To size or stretch the object, click and drag one of the corner sizing handles or side stretching handles.

To rotate or skew the object, click it again and drag one of the rotation handles.

To select several objects, hold down SHIFT and click each object.

Return to Welcome Screen


Rectangle

To move the rectangle, click and drag.

To size or stretch the rectangle, click and drag one of the corner sizing handles or side stretching handles.

To rotate or skew the rectangle, click it again and drag one of the rotation handles.

To select several rectangles, hold down SHIFT and click each rectangle.

Return to Welcome Screen


Ellipse

To move the ellipse, click and drag.

To size or stretch the ellipse, click and drag one of the corner sizing handles or side stretching handles.

To rotate or skew the ellipse, click the ellipse again and drag one of its rotation handles.

To select several ellipses, hold down SHIFT and click each ellipse.

Return to Welcome Screen


Polygon

To move the polygon, click and drag it.

To size or stretch the polygon, click and drag one of the corner sizing handles or side stretching handles.

To rotate or skew the polygon, click it again and drag one of its rotation handles.

To select several polygons, hold down SHIFT and click each polygon.

Return to Welcome Screen


Artistic text

To move the text, click and drag it.

To size or stretch the text, click and drag a sizing or stretching handle.

To change the text's font, choose a new font from the Font List list box on the Property Bar.

To rotate or skew the text, click it again and drag one of the rotation handles.

Return to Welcome Screen


Paragraph text

To move the text, click and drag it.

To size or stretch the frame, click and drag a handle.

To size the text, hold down ALT and click and drag a sizing handle.

To change the text's font, choose a new font from the  Font List box on the Property Bar.

To rotate or skew the text, click it again and drag one of the rotation handles.

Return to Welcome Screen


Bitmap

To move the bitmap, click and drag it.

To size or stretch it, click and drag one of the corner sizing handles or side stretching handles.

To rotate or skew the bitmap, click it again, then drag one of the rotation handles.

To select several bitmaps, hold down SHIFT and click each bitmap.

Return to Welcome Screen


OLE object

To move the object, click and drag it.

To size or stretch the object, click and drag one of the corner sizing handles or side stretching handles.

To select several objects, hold down SHIFT and click each object.

Return to Welcome Screen


Blended objects

To move the object, click and drag it.

To size or stretch the object, click and drag one of the corner sizing handles or side stretching handles.

If you select a start or end object of the blend, you will resize only that object. To resize or stretch the whole blend, select one of the intermediate objects.

To rotate or skew the object, click it again.

Return to Welcome Screen


Extruded object

To move the object, click and drag it.

To size or stretch the object, click and drag one of the corner sizing handles or side stretching handles.

To rotate or skew the object, click it again and drag one of the rotation handles.

To select several objects, hold down SHIFT and click each object.

Return to Welcome Screen


Contoured object

To move the object, click and drag it.

To size or stretch the object, click and drag one of the corner sizing handles or side stretching handles.

To rotate or skew the object, click it again and drag one of the rotation handles.

To select several objects, hold down SHIFT and click each object.

Return to Welcome Screen


Dimension line

To move the dimension line, click and drag it.

To size or stretch the dimension line, click and drag one of the corner sizing handles or side stretching handles.

To select several dimension lines, hold down SHIFT and click each line.

Return to Welcome Screen


Text on a path

To move the text object, click and drag it.

To size or stretch the text object, click and drag one of the corner sizing handles or side stretching handles.

To change the orientation of the text object, choose a new orientation from the Text Orientation list box.

To rotate or skew the text object, click it again.

Return to Welcome Screen


Multiple objects

To rotate the selection, click and drag a corner rotation handle.

To skew it, click and drag a side skewing handle.

To size or stretch it, click it again.

To group the selection, click the Group button.

Return to Welcome Screen


Group selection

To rotate the group, click and drag a corner rotation handle.

To skew the group, click and drag a side skewing handle.

To size or stretch the group, click it again.

To ungroup the group, click the Ungroup button on the Property Bar.

To select an object from within a group, hold down CTRL and click the group.

Return to Welcome Screen


Curve object

To rotate the object, click and drag a corner rotation handle.

To skew the object, click and drag a side skewing handle.

To size or stretch the object, click it again.

To select several objects, hold down SHIFT and click each object.

Return to Welcome Screen


Rectangle

To rotate the rectangle, click and drag a corner rotation handle.

To skew the rectangle, click and drag a side skewing handle.

To size or stretch the rectangle, click it again.

To select several rectangles, hold down SHIFT and click each rectangle.

Return to Welcome Screen


Ellipse

To rotate the ellipse, click and drag a corner rotation handle.

To skew the ellipse, click and drag a side skewing handle.

To size or stretch the ellipse, click it again.

To select several ellipses, hold down SHIFT and click each ellipse.

Return to Welcome Screen


Polygon

To rotate the polygon, click and drag a corner rotation handle.

To skew the polygon, click and drag a side skewing handle.

To size or stretch the polygon, click it again.

To select several polygons, hold down SHIFT and click each polygon.

Return to Welcome Screen


Artistic text

To rotate the text, click and drag a corner rotation handle.

To skew the text, click and drag a side skewing handle.

To size or stretch the text, click it again.

To select several text objects, hold down SHIFT and click each text object.

Return to Welcome Screen


Paragraph text

To rotate the text, click and drag a corner rotation handle.

To skew the text, click and drag a side skewing handle.

To size or stretch the text, click it again.

To select several text objects, hold down SHIFT and click each text object.

Return to Welcome Screen


Bitmap

To rotate the bitmap,  click and drag a corner rotation handle.

To skew the bitmap, click and drag a side skewing handle.

To size or stretch the bitmap the text, click it again and drag a selection handle.

To select several bitmaps, hold down SHIFT and click each bitmaps.

Return to Welcome Screen


OLE object

You can't rotate an OLE object (except for bar code objects)

Return to Welcome Screen


Blended objects

To rotate the object, click and drag a corner rotation handle.

To skew the object, click and drag a side skewing handle.

To size or stretch the object, click it again.

To select several objects, hold down SHIFT and click each objects.

Return to Welcome Screen


Extruded object

To rotate the object, click and drag a corner rotation handle.

To skew the object, click and drag a side skewing handle.

To size or stretch the object, click it again.

To select several objects, hold down SHIFT and click each object.

Return to Welcome Screen


Contoured object

To rotate the object, click and drag a corner rotation handle.

To skew the object, click and drag a side skewing handle.

To size or stretch the object, click it again.

To select several objects, hold down SHIFT and click each object.

Return to Welcome Screen


Dimension line

To size or stretch the dimension line, click it again.

To select several dimension lines, hold down SHIFT and click each line.

Return to Welcome Screen


Text on a path

To rotate the text object, click and drag a corner rotation handle.

To skew the text object, click and drag a side skewing handle.

To size or stretch the text object, click it again.

To select several text objects, hold down SHIFT and click each text object.

Return to Welcome Screen


Shape tool

The Shape tool lets you:

•	change the shape of lines, curves, and irregular shapes

•	change the spacing of text

•	round the corners of rectangles

•	create pie shapes and arcs from ellipses

•	change the shape of polygons and stars

Click an object to start changing its shape.

You can't change the shape of groups or multiple objects with the Shape tool. But you can select an object from within a group by holding down CTRL and clicking the object.

Return to Welcome Screen


Shaping curves

The Shape tool lets you change the shape of a curve.

The curve with visible nodes is the object you are currently editing.

To shape the curve, click and drag a node on the part of the curve you want to change. Or, for line segments only, click a segment (the portion of a curve between two nodes).

To edit a different object, select it with a tool.

Return to Welcome Screen


Shaping rectangles

The Shape tool lets you round or sharpen the corners of a rectangle.

To make the corners of the selected rectangle more or less round, click and drag any node.

Or, enter values in the Corner Roundness boxes on the Property Bar to the right to make the corners rounder.

You can shape the rectangle more by converting it to a curve object.

To convert the rectangle to curves, click the Convert To Curves button on the Property Bar.

Return to Welcome Screen


Shaping ellipses

The Shape tool lets you change ellipses into pie shapes or arcs.

To create a pie shape from an ellipse, click and drag a node. As you drag, keep the cursor inside the ellipse.

To create an arc from an ellipse, keep the cursor outside of the ellipse as you drag a node.

You can shape the ellipse more by converting it to a curve object.

To convert the ellipse to curves, click the Convert To Curves button on the Property Bar.

Return to Welcome Screen


Shaping polygons

The Shape tool lets you change the shape of a polygon or star while maintaining its symmetry.

When you move a node on a polygon or star, other nodes move also. This is called "mirror editing."

 Click here to see an example.

To mirror edit a polygon or star, click and drag a node.

Return to Welcome Screen


Shaping text

The Shape tool lets you change the spacing of text and move each letter individually.

To change the horizontal or vertical spacing of the text, click and drag the horizontal spacing handle or the vertical spacing handle.

To move a letter, click and drag the node left of the letter you want to move.

To edit a different object, select it with the Pick tool or Shape tool.

Return to Welcome Screen


Shaping text

The Shape tool lets you change the spacing of text and move each letter individually.

To change the horizontal or vertical spacing of the text, click and drag the horizontal spacing handle or the vertical spacing handle.

To move a letter, click and drag the node left of the letter you want to move.

To edit a different object, select it with the Pick tool or Shape tool.

Return to Welcome Screen


Interactive Envelope tool

The Interactive Envelope tool lets you apply an envelope to an object, then adjust the envelope's nodes to reshape the object. You can use this tool in conjunction with the Shape tool to change the shape of an envelope.

To shape the envelope, click and drag a node on the envelope.

Return to Welcome Screen


Changing perspective

The grid that appears on the object to which you are applying a perspective will disappear when you are finished. Use this grid as a guide.

To change the perspective, click and drag any of the four squares at the corners of the grid.

To move a vanishing point, click and drag a marker (X). If no markers are visible, then the vanishing points must be beyond the edges of the Drawing Window.

Return to Welcome Screen


Zoom tool

The Zoom tool lets you change the magnification of your view.

To zoom in on a portion of your work, click the left mouse button.

To zoom out, click the right mouse button.

Return to Welcome Screen


Zoom tool

The Zoom tool lets you change the magnification of your view.

To zoom in on a portion of your work, click the left mouse button. When you release the mouse button, the previously active tool becomes active again.

Return to Welcome Screen


Pan tool

The Pan tool lets you view different portions of the page by scrolling left and right or up and down.

To view a different part of the page, click and drag anywhere on the page.

Panning is similar to sliding a piece of paper across a desk. If you drag down, you will see the upper portion of the work area. If you drag left, you will see the right side of the work area.

Return to Welcome Screen


Pan tool

The Pan tool lets you view different portions of the page by scrolling left and right or up and down.

To view a different part of the page, click and drag anywhere on the page.

Panning is similar to sliding a piece of paper across a desk. If you drag down, you will see the upper portion of the work area. If you drag left, you will see the right side of the work area.

When you release the mouse button, the previously active tool becomes active again.

Return to Welcome Screen


Knife tool

The Knife tool lets you split and reshape objects.

To cut or split an object, click where you want to make the cut.

If you split a closed shape, the shape will become open. However, if you cut an open shape, it becomes two closed shapes. Both open and closed shapes can be filled.

You can stop CorelDRAW from automatically closing open shapes by disabling the Auto-Close On Cut button on the Property Bar.

Return to Welcome Screen


Eraser tool

The Eraser tool lets you remove portions of an object.

Before you can erase a portion of an object, you must select the object with the Pick tool..

To erase part of an object, click and drag where you want to erase.

To change the thickness of the Eraser nib, type a value in the Eraser Thickness box on the Property Bar.

Return to Welcome Screen


Shaping curves

You've selected more than one node.

To move all the nodes you have selected, click and drag any of the selected nodes.

To remove these nodes, click the Delete Node(s) button on the Property Bar.

To rotate these nodes, click the Rotate And Skew Node(s) button on the Property Bar.

To stretch these nodes, click the Stretch And Scale Node(s) button on the Property Bar.

Return to Welcome Screen


Shaping curves

To shape the curve, click and drag a node or drag a control point.

The selected node is a cusp node.

To make the node smooth click the Make Node Smooth button on the Property Bar.

To make the node symmetrical, click the Make Node Symmetrical button on the Property Bar.

To remove the node, click the Delete Node(s) button on the Property Bar.

To break the curve, click the Break Curve button on the Property Bar.

Return to Welcome Screen


Shaping curves

To shape the curve, click and drag a node or, drag a control point.

The selected node is a smooth node.

To make the node cusp, click the Make Node A Cusp button.

To make it symmetrical, click the Make Node Symmetrical button.

To remove it, click the Delete Node(s) button.

To break the curve, click the Break Curve button.

Return to Welcome Screen


Shaping curves

To shape the curve click and drag a node or, drag a control point.

The selected node is a symmetrical node.

To make the node cusp, click the Make Node A Cusp button.

To make it smooth click the Make Node Smooth button.

To remove it, click the Delete Node(s) button.

To break the curve, click the Break Curve button.

Return to Welcome Screen


Shaping curves

To shape a segment, click and drag it. Note that you can only drag curve segments, not line segments.

When part of a segment is highlighted by a dot, you can also do the following:

To change a segment to a line, click the Convert Curve To Line button.

To change a segment to a curve, click the Convert Line To Curve button.

To add a node, click the Add Node(s) button.

To break a segment, click the Break Curve button.

Return to Welcome Screen


Shaping curves

To shape the curve, click and drag a node or drag a control point.

The selected node is a cusp node at the end of an open path.

To remove the node, click the Delete Node(s) button on the Property Bar.

Return to Welcome Screen


Stretching nodes

To size or stretch the selected nodes, click and drag one of the corner sizing handles or side stretching handles.

Return to Welcome Screen


Rotating nodes

To rotate the selected nodes, click and drag one of the corner rotation handles.

To skew the selected nodes, click and drag one of the side skewing handles.

Return to Welcome Screen


Shaping polygons

You've selected more than one node.

To move all the nodes you have selected, click and drag any of the selected nodes.

To remove these nodes, click the Delete Node(s) button on the Property Bar.

Return to Welcome Screen


Shaping polygons

To shape the polygon, click and drag a node or drag a control point.

The selected node is a cusp node.

To make the node smooth, click the Make Node Smooth button on the Property Bar.

To make the node symmetrical, click the Make Node Symmetrical button on the Property Bar.

To remove the node, click the Delete Node(s) button on the Property Bar.

Return to Welcome Screen


Shaping polygons

To shape the polygon, click and drag a node or drag a control point.

The selected node is a smooth node.

To make the node a cusp, click the Make Node A Cusp button on the Property Bar.

To make the node symmetrical, click the Make Node Symmetrical button on the Property Bar.

To remove the node, click the Delete Node(s) button on the Property Bar.

Return to Welcome Screen


Shaping polygons

To shape the polygon click and drag a node or drag a control point.

The selected node is a symmetrical node.

To make the node a cusp, click the Make Node A Cusp button on the Property Bar.

To make the node smooth, click the Make Node Smooth button on the Property Bar.

To remove the node, click the Delete Node(s) button on the Property Bar.

Return to Welcome Screen


Shaping polygons

To shape a segment, click and drag it. Note that you can only drag curve segments, not line segments.

When part of a segment is highlighted by a dot, you can also do the following:

To change a segment to a line, click the Convert Curve To Line button on the Property Bar.

To change a segment to a curve, click the Convert Line To Curve button on the Property Bar.

To add a node, click the Add Node(s) button on the Property Bar.

Return to Welcome Screen


Moving objects

As you move the mouse, an outline appears that represents the new position of the selection. Release the mouse when the object’s new outline is where you want it.

Hold down CTRL to constrain the movement of the object to the horizontal or vertical axes.

Click the right mouse button to create a copy of the object you are moving.


Rotating and skewing objects

As you move the mouse, an outline appears that represents the rotation or skew of the selection. Release the mouse when you are satisfied with the angle of the rotation or skew.

Hold down CTRL to rotate the object in 15-degree increments.


Moving the center of rotation

The circle with the dot inside it that you are currently dragging is the center of rotation for the selected object.

When you rotate the selected object, it always rotates around the center of rotation.


Sizing and stretching objects

As you move the mouse, an outline of the object appears that represents the new size of the selected object. Release the mouse when the selection is the size you want.


Placing a symbol

Move the mouse to where you want the symbol to appear and release the mouse button.


Artistic text

The vertical line is the cursor. As you type, the cursor moves to indicate where the text appears.

You can use the Arrow keys or the mouse to move through the text.

You can select text by clicking and dragging across it.

To change the font, select the text you want to change and choose a new font from the Font List list box on the Property Bar.

To change the spacing of text, click the Shape tool in the Toolbox.

To move, size, or rotate text, click the Pick tool in the Toolbox.

Return to Welcome Screen


Paragraph text

The vertical line is the cursor. As you type, the cursor moves to indicate where the text will appear.

You can use the Arrow keys or the mouse to move through the text.

You can select text by clicking and dragging across it.

To change the font, select the text you want to change and choose a new font from the Font List list box on the Property Bar.

To change the spacing of text, click the Shape tool in the Toolbox.

To move, size, or rotate text, click the Pick tool in the Toolbox.

Return to Welcome Screen


Linking text frames

Click the frame where you want to place the linked Paragraph text frame. The text that extends beyond the bottom of the original text frame appears in the new frame.

You can link the text that extends beyond the boundaries of the frame to an object, line, curve, or another frame. Click the object, line, curve, or frame where you want to link the text.


Search and replace

This dialog box lets you search for text in your document.

Return to Welcome Screen


Interactive Fill tool

The Interactive Fill tool lets you use the mouse to add any type of fill to an object.

To apply a fountain fill to an object, select the object with the Pick tool, click the Interactive Fill tool and choose a color from the Color Palette. You can choose different types of fills to apply from the Property Bar.

The appearance of the fill varies depending on where you first click, the direction in which you drag, and the distance that you drag.

Return to Welcome Screen


 Interactive Mesh Fill tool

The Interactive Mesh Fill tool lets you add a mesh to any simple curve, object, or bitmap. You define the mesh by specifying a grid and its intersecting points. You can create unique effects by manipulating the nodes that comprise the curve grid.

To add a mesh fill to an object, adjust the nodes in the grid using the shape cursor to create the desired mesh. Click and drag nodes across the object.

The appearance of the fill varies depending on the values you specify in the Grid Size boxes on the Property Bar.

Return to Welcome Screen


 Interactive Transparency tool

The Interactive Transparency tool lets you apply transparencies to an object by clicking and dragging the cursor over the object.

To apply a transparency to an object, select the object with the Transparency tool, then click and drag across the object.

The appearance of the transparency varies depending on where you first click, the direction in which you drag, and the distance that you drag.

Return to Welcome Screen


 Interactive Contour tool

The Interactive Contour tool lets you add a series of concentric lines or "steps" to an object that radiate inside or outside of its borders. The effect is similar to contoured areas on a topographical map.

 To apply contours to an object, select the object and drag the start handle towards its center or away from it, depending on the type of contour you want. You can move the slider to change the number of contour steps.

Return to Welcome Screen


 Interactive Extrude tool

The Interactive Extrude tool lets you extrude objects to create the illusion of depth. Vector and bitmap extrusions become available on the Property Bar when you click the Interactive Extrude tool.

To create a vector extrusion, click the Vector Extrusion Mode button on the Property bar.

To create a bitmap extrusion, click the Bitmap Extrusion Mode button on the Property bar.

Return to Welcome Screen


 Eyedropper tool

The Eyedropper tool complements the Paintbucket tool. Together, they let you copy and paste fill and outline colors from one object to another.

To copy fill or outline colors, click the Eyedropper tool and click the object whose fill you want to copy.

 To paste the fill or outline color, click the Paintbucket tool and click the object to which you want to copy the fill or outline.

Return to Welcome Screen


Paintbucket tool

The Paintbucket tool complements the Eyedropper tool. Together, they let you copy and paste fill and outline colors from one object to another.

To copy fill or outline colors, click the Eyedropper tool and click the object whose fill you want to copy.

 To paste the fill or outline color, click the Paintbucket tool and click the object to which you want to copy the fill or outline.

Return to Welcome Screen


Interactive Blend tool

The Interactive Blend tool lets you blend two objects by clicking and dragging.

To blend two objects, click and drag from the first object to the second object. The first object is the start object of the blend, and the second object is the end object.

The cursor changes when it is over an object that can be used in a blend.

Return to Welcome Screen


Select bitmap color

Click a color in the bitmap.


Patterns

Click and drag around the area you want to use to create your pattern.


Lens viewpoint

Click and drag the marker (X) to change the viewpoint of the lens. The lens viewpoint is the center of the area being viewed through the lens.

Return to Welcome Screen


Changing perspective

The grid that appears on the object to which you are applying a perspective will disappear when you stop editing the perspective. Use this grid as a guide.

To change the perspective, click and drag any of the four squares at the corners of the grid.

To move a vanishing point, click and drag the marker (X). If no markers are visible, then the vanishing points must be beyond the edges of the window.

Return to Welcome Screen


Blended objects

To move the object, click and drag it.

To size or stretch the object, click and drag one of the corner sizing handles or side stretching handles.

To rotate or skew the selection, click it again.

To select several objects, hold down SHIFT and click each object.

Return to Welcome Screen


Blend

Release the mouse when the object is positioned where you want.


PowerClip

Click the object that you want to use as the container for the PowerClip object.

PowerClip objects are created by placing an object inside another object.


Cropping a bitmap

The Shape tool lets you crop a bitmap to virtually any shape.

To shape the bitmap, click and drag a node on the edge of the bitmap.

To add a node, click the frame of the object and click the Add Node button on the Property Bar.

To manipulate nodes, use the Shape tool or the node buttons on the Property Bar.

Return to Welcome Screen


Cropping a bitmap

To crop the bitmap, click and drag a node or drag a control point. and click Crop Bitmap in the Bitmap Menu.

The selected node is a symmetrical node.

To make a cusp node, click the Make Node A Cusp button on the Property Bar.

To make a smooth node, click the Make Node Smooth button on the Property Bar.

To remove a node, click the Delete Node(s) button on the Property Bar.


Cropping a bitmap

You've selected more than one node.

To move all the nodes you have selected, click and drag any of the selected nodes.

To remove these nodes, click the Delete Node(s) button on the Property Bar.

To rotate these nodes, click the Rotate And Skew Node(s) button on the Property Bar.

To stretch these nodes, click the Stretch And Scale Node(s) button on the Property Bar.


Cropping a bitmap

To crop the bitmap, click and drag a segment.

When part of a segment is highlighted by a dot, you can also do the following:

To change a segment to a line, click the Convert Curve To Line button on the Property Bar.

To change a segment to a curve, click the Convert Line To Curve button on the Property Bar.

To add a node, click the Add Node(s) button on the Property Bar.


Cropping a bitmap

To crop the bitmap, click and drag a node or drag a control point.

The selected node is a cusp node.

To make a smooth node click the Make Node Smooth button on the Property Bar.

To make a symmetrical node, click the Make Node Symmetrical button on the Property Bar.

To remove the node, click the Delete Node(s) button on the Property Bar.


Cropping a bitmap

To crop the bitmap, click and drag a node or drag a control point.

The selected node is a smooth node.

To make a cusp node, click the Make Node A Cusp button on the Property Bar.

To make a symmetrical node, click the Make Node Symmetrical button on the Property Bar.

To remove the node, click the Delete Node(s) button on the Property Bar.


Auto-trace bitmap

Click a portion of the selected bitmap to create a curve object with the bitmap's shape.


Free Transform tool: Scaling

When you click the Free Transform tool in the Toolbox, the Property Bar displays four different Free Transform tool modes that you can choose from depending on what kind of transformation you want to apply. The Free Transform tools let you rotate, mirror, scale or skew an object.

Currently, the Free Scale tool is selected on the Property Bar.

The Free Scale tool allows you to scale an object along its horizontal and vertical axes simultaneously, and enlarge or reduce an object relative to its anchor point.

To scale an object using the Free Scale tool, select the object and click and drag to scale.

Return to Welcome Screen


Free Transform tool: Skewing

When you click the Free Transform tool in the Toolbox, the Property Bar displays four different Free Transform tool modes that you can choose from depending on what kind of transformation you want to apply. The Free Transform tools let you rotate, mirror, scale or skew an object.

Currently, the Free Skew tool is selected on the Property Bar.

The Free Skew tool slants the horizontal and vertical lines of an object simultaneously around an anchor point.

To skew an object using the Free Skew tool, select the object, click and click and drag to kew the object.

Return to Welcome Screen


Interactive Distortion tool

The Interactive Distortion tool lets you create four types of distortion effects: Push, Pull, Zipper, and Twister. The distortion buttons are located on the Property Bar.

The Push And Pull distortion lets you pull an object's nodes towards its centre to create a rounding effect, or draw the nodes away from its center for a pointy, angular effect.

The Zipper distortion creates a series of points above and below the object's original outline. The outline follows these points to create a zipper effect.

The Twister distortion turns an object around itself to create a swirl effect.

You can apply subsequent distortions to objects that are already distorted.

Return to Welcome Screen


Interactive Distortion tool: Push and Pull distortion

The Interactive Distortion tool lets you create Push, Pull, Zipper, and Twister effects. The distortion buttons are located on the Property Bar.

Currently, Push And Pull distortion is selected on the Property Bar.

The Push distortion pushes the nodes of an object away from the center of the distortion. The Pull distortion pulls the nodes of an object towards the center of the distortion. The distance you drag determines the degree of distortion you apply.

To apply a Push effect, drag the mouse until you are satisfied with the amount of Push distortion.

To apply a Pull effect, drag the mouse to the left until you are satisfied with the amount of Pull distortion.

To define the center of the distortion, drag the diamond-shaped reposition handle with the mouse.

Return to Welcome Screen


Interactive Distortion tool: Zipper distortion

The Interactive Distortion tool lets you create Push, Pull, Zipper, and Twister effects. The distortion buttons are located on the Property Bar.

Currently, Zipper distortion is selected on the Property Bar.

The Zipper distortion lets you arrange an object's nodes to create a zigzag distortion.

To apply a Zipper effect, drag the mouse to determine the amplitude of the zipper effect.

To define the center of the distortion effect, drag the diamond-shaped reposition handle with the mouse.

Return to Welcome Screen


Interactive Distortion tool: Twister distortion

The Interactive Distortion tool lets you create Push, Pull, Zipper, and Twister effects. The distortion buttons are located on the Property Bar.

Currently, Twister distortion is selected on the Property Bar.

The Twister distortion lets you rotate an object's nodes to create a swirl distortion.

To apply a Twister effect, drag the mouse in circles around the object. The closer you are to the object's border, the more dramatic the effect is. If you click and drag from the center of the object, the Twister effect is more subtle.

To define the center of the distortion effect, drag the diamond-shaped reposition handle with the mouse.

Return to Welcome Screen


Free Transform tool: Rotation

When you click the Free Transform tool in the Toolbox, the Property Bar displays four different Free Transform tool modes that you can choose from depending on what kind of transformation you want to apply. The Free Transform tools let you rotate, mirror, scale or skew an object.

Currently, the Free Rotation tool is selected on the Property Bar.

The Free Rotation tool lets you rotate an object around another object or any point in the Drawing Window.

To rotate an object using the Free Rotation tool, select the object and click and drag the line of rotation in the Drawing Window.

Return to Welcome Screen


Free Transform tool: Angle Reflection

When you click the Free Transform tool in the Toolbox, the Property Bar displays four different Free Transform tool modes that you can choose from depending on what kind of transformation you want to apply. The Free Transform tools let you rotate, mirror, scale or skew an object.

Currently, the Free Angle Reflection tool is selected on the Property Bar.

The Free Angle Reflection tool mirrors an object in the Drawing Window according to the angle you specify.

To mirror an object using the Free Angle Reflection tool, select the object and click and drag the line of reflection in the Drawing Window.

Return to Welcome Screen


Extruding objects

The Interactive Extrude tool lets you extrude objects to create the illusion of depth.

To create a perspective extrusion, choose a perspective extrusion type from the Property bar, and click and drag the object in the direction in which you want to project the three-dimensional extrusion.

To create a parallel extrusion, choose a parallel extrusion type from the Property bar, and click and drag the object in the direction in which you want to project the three-dimensional extrusion.

Return to Welcome Screen


Fitting text to a path

You can place Artistic text along the curve of an object by typing directly along the object's path.

To fit text to a path directly, position the cursor near the object.

When the cursor changes to the insertion point cursor, click in your Drawing Window and type the text along the object's path.

Return to Welcome Screen


Moving a lens viewpoint

The Viewpoint option lets you display any portion of a drawing through a lens without actually having to move the lens itself.

To move a len's viewpoint, click Effects, Lens and enable the Viewpoint check box in the Lens Docker Window.

Click the Edit button and drag the viewpoint marker to the desired position.

Return to Welcome Screen


Spacing text

The Shape tool lets you change the spacing of text.

To move a letter, click and drag the node left of the letter you want to move.

Return to Welcome Screen


Moving text

The Shape tool lets you move letters individually.

To move a letter, click and drag the node left of the letter you want to move.

Return to Welcome Screen


Horizontal Dimension tool

The Horizontal Dimension tool is used to create a label showing the lengths of objects or the distances between them.

To draw a horizontal dimension line, click the point where you want to begin measuring. If you want the dimension line to be linked to an object, start by clicking a snap point on that object.

Click the point where you want to finish measuring. This can also be a snap point.

Click to place the label.

Return to Welcome Screen


Mapping nodes

You can control the way the start object is transformed into the end object by mapping nodes to set the progression of the blend.

To change a blend's appearance by mapping nodes, select a blend with the Pick tool.

Click Effects, Blend.

Click the Miscellaneous Options tab, Map Nodes button.

Select the two nodes you want to map.

Return to Welcome Screen


Interactive Drop Shadow tool

The Interactive Drop Shadow tool lets you add a drop shadow to an object by clicking and dragging the mouse. Drop shadows create the illusion of depth.

To add a drop shadow, click the object and drag from the first object to where you want to place the shadow.

You can also change the perspective of a drop shadow.

To change the perspective of a drop shadow, choose a perspective type from the Drop Shadow Perspective Type list box on the Property Bar.

You can also change the perspective by dragging the start handle of the object using the Interactive Drop Shadow tool.

Return to Welcome Screen


Drawing and shaping

The Toolbox contains tools that you can use to draw shapes and text.

Click a tool to use it. Information about each tool is displayed in this window when the tool is active.

You can use flyouts to see more tools.

To create basic shapes or text, use one of these tools:

 draws squares or rectangles

 draws circles or ovals

 draws polygons or stars

 places words on the Drawing Page

To create curves and lines, use a tool from the Curve Flyout.


Transforming objects

The Toolbox contains tools that you can use to select, position, resize, and shape objects you’ve drawn

You can use flyouts to see more tools.

 selects, moves, sizes, and rotates

 reshapes many types of objects

 splits and reshapes objects

 erases portions of objects

 rotates, mirrors, scales or skews objects


Filling and outlining

The Toolbox contains tools that you can use to add different fills and outlines to objects.

After you select an object with the Pick tool, you can add fills and outlines to it using tools in any of the following flyouts:

 opens the Interactive Fill flyout and lets you use the mouse to apply a variety of fills to objects

 opens the Eyedropper flyout and lets you copy and paste fills from one object to another

 opens the Fill flyout and lets you choose a type of fill to apply

 opens the Outline flyout and lets you choose a type of outline to apply


Creating special effects

The Toolbox contains tools you can use to add special effects to objects.

You can use flyouts to see more tools.

 applies transparencies to objects

 blends two or more objects

 creates contour lines inside and around objects

 applies four types of distortion

 applies envelopes to objects

 gives objects the illusion of depth

 adds drop shadows to objects


Applying an envelope allows you to distort the shape of an object. Distortion is created by dragging nodes on an imaginary envelope that is placed on top of the object.


Using Hints

This window displays information related to your current activity. Whenever you select an object or change tools, the information in this window updates.

Whenever text looks like this, you can click it to learn more.

Whenever a tool opens a flyout, you can click the flyout to access other related tools.

The information presented here is intended to familiarize you with basic CorelDRAW methods and concepts. The online Help contains more comprehensive information.

Click the [image] button in the top-right corner of this window to access the online Help, or click Help, Help Topics.


If you want more information, click [image] in the top-right corner.

The information displayed will vary according to what you are doing.


Flyouts appear when you click the small black triangle in the bottom right corner of a tool in the Toolbox. Not all tools have flyouts.


There are three types of nodes: cusp, smooth, and symmetrical.

The control points of a symmetrical node are always directly opposite each other and equal in length. Symmetrical nodes produce the same curvature on both sides of the node.


There are three types of nodes: cusp, smooth, and symmetrical.

The control points of a smooth node are always directly opposite each other. When you move one, the other also moves. Smooth nodes produce a smooth transition between line segments.


There are three types of nodes: cusp, smooth, and symmetrical.

The control points of a cusp node move independently of one another. This means that a curve that passes through a cusp node can bend at a sharp angle.


Clicking highlighted text displays information related to tool or feature you are learning about. Click again to close messages like this one.


This is the Toolbox. If you want to learn more about a tool,
click to select it, and this window will display more information.

Don't try to click the tools here [image] this is just a picture.

The Toolbox is normally located at the left side of
the CorelDRAW window. If you don't see it there,
it may have been moved by someone
who was previously using this computer.

It might be on any side of the CorelDRAW window,
or in a window of its own.

 Click here if you can't find the Toolbox.


Clicking, double-clicking, and dragging

When Hints tells you to click something, just click it and release the mouse button.

When Hints tells you to drag, or to click and drag, hold down the mouse button on the object and move the mouse.

When Hints tells you to double-click something, click it twice quickly.


Artistic text is created using the Text tool. Use Artistic text when you want to add single lines of text, such as titles, or when you want to apply graphical effects such as fitting text to a path, creating extrusions and blends, and all other special effects. An Artistic text object can contain up to 32,000 characters.


Paragraph text is created using the Text tool. Use Paragraph text when you want to add large blocks of text to create ads, brochures, and other text-intensive projects, or to format text in columns or hyphenate text. Paragraph formatting features enable you to link text between frames and columns, create bulleted lists, set tabs and indents, and add drop caps.


A group is a set of objects that behave as a single unit. Operations you perform on a group apply equally to each of its components.


An object can be a shape, line, curve, group of words, or one of several other elements that can comprise a CorelDRAW graphic.


Subpaths are separate paths that compose a single object. All objects have at least one path, but if an object consists of more than one path (for example, if you combine an ellipse with a line), then each of these paths is a subpath.


Nodes are points on a curve or line that determine its path. In a connect-the-dots picture, a node would be the equivalent of one of the dots.


Control points are movable handles that extend from nodes and determine the shape of a curve.


 The Property Bar is a context-sensitive toolbar that displays different information and controls depending on the selected tool or object. You can use the Property Bar to do almost anything, from changing the size of an object to formatting text and positioning objects on the screen.


There are two types of spirals: symmetrical spirals and logarithmic spirals. In a symmetrical spiral, the distance between each revolution of the spiral is constant. In a logarithmic spiral, this distance increases toward the outer edge of the spiral.


 When the cursor changes to the insertion point cursor,  you can click and type the text along the object's path.


The Polygon/Star button is on the Property Bar and will look like one of the buttons shown here. If the button looks like a star, then it will convert the selected polygon to a star. If the button looks like a polygon, then it will convert the selected star to a polygon.

If no object is selected, clicking the Polygon/Star button sets the default shape for the Polygon tool.


There are two types of polygons: polygons and stars. A polygon is a closed shape that can have from three to 500 sides. A star is similar to a polygon, but instead of drawing lines from corner to corner around the outside of the shape, the corners are connected with lines drawn across the inside of the shape.

Polygons can also be star shaped, but the lines from which they are made do not cross the inside of the shape. A star-shaped polygon is sometimes referred to as a "polygon as star."


Dimension lines and connector lines must be linked to the objects that you label. When you use the Dimension tool or the Connector Line tool, special points on each object, called snap points, are activated. When the mouse passes over a snap point, the point becomes visible. Dimension lines and connector lines can only be linked to objects at these snap points.

The following illustrations show the position of snap points on different objects:

Curve objects have snap points at each node.

Simple rectangles with unrounded corners have nine snap points — one at each corner, one at the midpoint of each side, and one at the center of the rectangle.

Rectangles with rounded corners also have nine snap points — one at each end of each corner’s arc, and one at the center of the rectangle.

Simple ellipses have five snap points — one at the top, one at the bottom, one on the left, one on the right, and one at the center.

Pie-shapes or arcs can have anywhere from three to seven snap points. Like simple ellipses, pie-shapes and arcs have a snap point in the center.


Callouts are labels that can be linked to objects. A two-segment callout consists of two connected straight lines and a label. Essentially, this is a callout with a bend in it. You can also draw a callout that isn't bent.


If a dimension line is linked to an object, it will move when that object moves or changes size. The dimension text will update to reflect these changes.


When you click the Artistic Media tool in the Toolbox, the Property Bar displays its five different modes:

 draws curves that change thickness based on preset line types

 applies text or shapes to the curve when you draw it

 applies a series of images to a curve when you draw it

 draws curves that change thickness based on the direction of the curve

 draws curves that change thickness based on feedback from a pressure-sensitive pen or keyboard input


When you click the Free Transform tool in the Toolbox, the Property Bar displays its four different modes:

Free Rotation tool

Free Angle Reflection tool

Free Scale tool

Free Skew tool


The Calligraphic Angle box on the Property Bar lets you set the angle for the Artistic Media tool in Calligraphic mode.

Type 0 degrees if you want the nib to be horizontal, and type 90 degrees if you want the nib to be vertical. If you want the nib to be slanted, type a value between 0 and 360 degrees.


The Artistic Media Tool Width box on the Property Bar lets you set the width for the Artistic Media tool.


The Presets list box on the Property Bar lets you choose the appearance of curves drawn with the Artistic Media too in Preset mode.


The Graph Paper Columns And Rows box on the Property Bar lets you specify the number of rows and columns in your grid.


The Spiral Revolutions box on the Property Bar lets you specify the tightness of your spiral. The greater the number of revolutions, the tighter the spiral appears.


When enabled, the Auto-Close On Cut button sets the Knife tool to close open objects automatically when it cuts them. Otherwise, objects remain open.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the Auto-Close On Cut button and click it.


The Font List list box on the Property Bar provides a list of all the fonts on your computer. You can apply any of these fonts to text in CorelDRAW.


The Convert To Curves button lets you change rectangles, ellipses, polygons, and text into curve objects. Changing an object to a curve object lets you change its shape with the Shape tool.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the Convert To Curves button and click it.


The Eraser Thickness box on the Property Bar lets you change the size of the area that the Eraser tool erases.


The Ungroup button lets you ungroup a selected group of objects. Ungrouping lets you edit individual objects from a group.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the Ungroup button and click it.


The Group button lets you group all the selected objects. Grouped objects behave like a single object.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the Group button and click it.


The Number Of Points box on the Property Bar lets you change the number of sides a polygon has or the number of points a star has.


A fountain fill is a progression of colors that follow a linear, radial, conical, or square path. There are two types of fountain fills: two-color and custom. Two-color fountain fills blend directly from one color to another. Custom fills let you create a cascade of different colors. CorelDRAW also offers pregenerated fountain fills that let you create neon, metallic cylinders, or rainbow effects.


The Freehand tool lets you draw freehand lines and shapes by moving the mouse the way you move a pencil on paper.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the tool and activate it.


The Rectangle tool lets you draw rectangles and squares by dragging the mouse.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the tool and activate it.


The Ellipse tool lets you draw ellipses and circles by dragging the mouse.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the tool and activate it.


The Polygon tool lets you draw polygons and stars by dragging the mouse.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the tool and activate it.


The Text tool lets you type words directly on the screen.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the tool and activate it.


The Shape tool lets you change the basic shape of many types of objects.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the tool and activate it.


The Shape Edit Flyout contains tools to let you change the basic shape of many types of objects.

 Click here and the mouse will move to flyout and open it.


The Pick tool lets you select, move, size, and rotate objects, or change the vertical and horizontal spacing of paragraph text.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the tool and activate it.


 The Interactive Connector tool lets you draw flow lines between objects. If you move either of the connected objects, the line is redrawn to maintain the connection.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the tool and activate it.


 The Connector Line tool lets you connect two objects with a line. If you move or size either of the connected objects, the line is redrawn to maintain the connection.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the tool and activate it.


 The Bezier tool lets you create curves by placing nodes and shaping the line segments between the nodes.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the tool and activate it.


 The Dimension tool lets you draw vertical, horizontal, slanted, and angular dimension lines. You can also draw callouts using this tool.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the tool and activate it.


The Curve Flyout contains basic tools for creating and editing curves and lines. Click on a tool to get more details or to open the Curve Flyout:

 draws lines or curves

 shapes line segments between nodes

 applies strokes or objects to a curve

draws dimension lines

 connects two objects with a line

 draws flow lines between objects


The Push And Pull distortion lets you pull an object's nodes towards its center to create a rounding effect, or draw the nodes away from its center for a pointy, angular effect.

The Zipper distortion creates a series of points above and below the object's original outline. The outline follows these points to create a zipper effect.

The Twister distortion turns an object around itself to create a swirl effect.


 The Artistic Media tool lets you apply strokes or curves to an object. It has five modes: Preset, Brush, Objects Sprayer, Calligraphic, and Pressure-sensitive.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the tool and activate it.


 The Free Transform tool lets you rotate, mirror, scale or skew objects.

When you click it, the Property Bar displays the four Free Transform tool modes.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the tool and activate it.


A blend is a special effect created by the merging of one object with another through a progression of intermediate shapes and colors. The example shows a basic blend between a black square and a white circle.


A fill is a color or pattern that can be applied to an object.


Holding down the mouse button on this tool opens the Fill flyout (shown below).

The Fill flyout provides preset fills, as well as various tools for setting uniform, fountain, texture, pattern, and PostScript fills. Preset fills are available for most fill types.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the flyout and open it.


The Interactive Transparency tool lets you apply uniform, fountain, pattern, or texture transparencies to objects.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the tool and activate it.


The Interactive Fill tool lets you apply fills using the mouse. The direction and position of the fill is controlled using fill arrows that you drag across the surface of the selected object.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the tool and activate it.


 The Interactive Blend tool lets you blend two objects by dragging the mouse from one object to the other.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the tool and activate it.


 The Interactive Distortion tool lets you apply four types of distortion effects.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the tool and activate it.


 The Interactive Envelope tool lets you apply an envelope to an object. You can drag the envelope's nodes to reshape the object and, in turn, distort its shape. You can use this tool in conjunction with the Shape tool to change the shape of an envelope.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the tool and activate it.


 The Interactive Extrude tool has two modes: bitmap and vector.  You can use this tool to give both types of objects a three-dimensional look.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the tool and activate it.


 The Interactive Contour tool lets you add contour lines to an object. You can add contour lines inside or outside an object, or have them progress towards the object's center.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the tool and activate it.


 The Interactive Drop Shadow tool lets you add a drop shadow to an object to create the illusion of depth.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the tool and activate it.


 The Knife tool lets you reshape an object by cutting or splitting it.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the tool and activate it.


 The Eraser tool lets you remove portions of objects.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the tool and activate it.


The Push And Pull, Zipper, and Twister distortion buttons are on the Property Bar.

The Push And Pull distortion lets you pull an object's nodes towards its center to create a rounding effect, or draw the nodes away from its center for a pointy, angular effect.

The Zipper distortion creates a series of points above and below the object's original outline. The outline follows these points to create a zipper effect.

The Twister distortion turns an object around itself to create a swirl effect.


An outline is a color or line style that you can apply to the path around an image.


Holding down the mouse button on this tool opens the Outline flyout (shown below).

The Outline flyout gives you quick access to the most commonly used outline styles. You can specify attributes like outline thickness, line pattern, calligraphic pen effects, and arrowheads.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the flyout and open it.


 Holding down the mouse button on this tool opens the Interactive Fill flyout (shown below).

The Interactive Fill flyout gives you access to the Interactive Fill tool (left) and the Interactive Mesh tool (right). The Interactive Fill tool lets you apply interesting fills to an object quickly and visually on-screen. The Interactive Mesh tool lets you apply a mesh to simple objects, curves, and bitmaps.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the flyout and open it.


 Holding down the mouse button on this tool opens the Eyedropper flyout (shown below).

The Eyedropper flyout gives you access to the Eyedropper tool (left) and the Paintbucket tool (right). The Eyedropper tool lets you choose colors, and the Paintbucket tool applies them to objects quickly.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the flyout and open it.


The Delete Node(s) button lets you remove nodes from a path or object.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the Delete Node button and click it.


The Convert Line To Curve button lets you change straight segments to curve segments. The segment will not change in appearance, but you will be able to bend it using control points.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the Convert Line To Curve button and click it.


The Make Node A Cusp button lets you change a node into a cusp node.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the Make Node A Cusp button and click it.


The Stretch And Scale Nodes button lets you stretch and size selected nodes.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the Stretch And Scale Nodes button and click it.


The Convert Curve To Line button lets you change curved segments to straight segments.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the Convert Curve To Line button and click it.


The Logarithmic Spiral button lets you create a logarithmic spiral. In a logarithmic spiral, the distance between each revolution of the spiral increases toward the outer edge of the spiral.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the Logarithmic Spiral button and click it.


The Make Node Symmetrical button lets you make a node symmetrical. If either of the segments adjacent to the node are straight, then you can't make the node symmetrical.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the Make Node Symmetrical button and click it.


The Symmetrical Spiral button lets you create a symmetrical spiral. In a symmetrical spiral, the distance between each revolution of the spiral is constant.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the Symmetrical Spiral button and click it.


The Break Curve button lets you break a path. Two unconnected nodes will appear at the break.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the Break Curve button and click it.


The Make Node Smooth button lets you make a node smooth. If both of the segments adjacent to the node are straight, then you can't make the node smooth.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the Make Node Smooth button and click it.


The Rotate And Skew Nodes button lets you rotate and skew selected nodes.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the Rotate And Skew Nodes button and click it.


The Add Node button lets you add nodes to a path.

 Click here and the mouse will move to the Add Node button and click it.


The Text Orientation list box on the Property Bar determines the orientation of the letters on the path. The default orientation is text that is upright and not stretched, skewed or rotated. However, you can change the orientation of letters on a path in the following ways using the Text Orientation list box:

•	You can rotate individual characters to follow the contours of the path.

•	You can vertically skew each character, creating the impression that the text is standing upright on the path. The amount of skewing varies with the slope of the path.

•	You can horizontally skew each character, creating the impression that the text is turning in toward the screen. The amount of skewing varies with the slope of the path.

If you don’t like the change you’ve made, you can click the default setting described above and revert your text to upright and unchanged.


Extrude

A feature that allows you to give objects a three-dimensional look. You can apply bitmap and vector extrusions to objects. Both types of extrusions create the illusion of depth; bitmap extrusions also create bitmaps. You can apply extrusions to objects using controls available on the Property Bar. You can also change the direction and depth of the extrusion, the position of the vanishing point, its placement in space, and the color of the extrusion.


 Perspective extrusion enables you to present the illusions of perspective and depth, as the extruded surfaces appear to recede to a vanishing point.


 The Drop Shadow Perspective Type list box lets you choose a position for the drop shadow relative to the object.


 Parallel extrusion enables you to extrude objects with surface lines parallel to one another and which never approach the vanishing point.


 You can apply a bitmap extrusion to an object. Once you've created a bitmap extrusion, you can size or rotate it, and apply bevels, Ambient and Point lights, and texture fills. By rendering bitmap extrusions, CorelDRAW creates a two-dimensional bitmap.


Applying a vector extrusion to an object allows you create the illusion of depth. To create a vector extrusion, CorelDRAW projects points from the object and joins them to create extruded surfaces. These surfaces are projected toward a vanishing point, adding depth to the original object so that it appears three-dimensional. After you've created a vector extrusion, you can edit it, apply fills to various extruded surfaces, apply bevels, and add light sources to enhance the effect. You can also rotate a vector extrusion.


Vanishing point

A marker that appears when you select either an extrusion or an object to which perspective has been added. With an extrusion, the vanishing point marker indicates either the depth (parallel extrusion) or the point at which the extruded surfaces would meet if extended (perspective extrusion). With the perspective effect, the marker indicates the point (or points) at which the nonparallel lines would meet.

In both cases, the vanishing point is indicated by an X.


Axis

A hypothetical linear path. The x, y, and z axes (width, height, and depth, respectively) define the coordinates of the axis in three-dimensional space. The axis about which an object rotates is its axis of rotation. In CorelDRAW, an object's axes are parallel to its selection box, a hypothetical box that appears around an object or group when it is selected.


Drawing Window

The Drawing Window contains a CorelDRAW drawing. You can draw anywhere in the Drawing Window, but only objects that appear on the Drawing Page (indicated by a rectangle with a drop shadow) will print.


Mirror

To flip an object horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.


Scale

To change an object's horizontal and vertical dimensions by a specified percentage. You can scale an object proportionally by maintaining the aspect ratio.


Anchor point

The point that remains stationary when you stretch, scale, mirror, or skew an object. The nine anchor points correspond to the eight handles on the object's Selection box and the center of the Selection box, which is represented by an X.


Reposition handle

The reposition handle is part of the vector controls that let you alter the appearance of a distorted object in the Drawing Window.


Contour

A special effect created through the addition of evenly spaced concentric lines inside or outside the borders of an object. These lines use the same shape as the outline of the original object.

The spaces between contour lines are filled with colors that follow a progression from the original object to the last shape created. If the outline of the object and the outline of the concentric shapes differ, a second color progression occurs. You can modify the color progression for fills and outlines. Color progressions can follow a straight, clockwise, or counterclockwise path through the color spectrum.