This tutorial introduces you to the differences between bitmap and vector graphics.

You'll also learn how to move artwork from the CorelDRAW vector format into the Corel PHOTO-PAINT bitmap format, and vice versa.

It is important to understand the difference between vector and bitmap graphics if you want to move files between CorelDRAW and Corel PHOTO-PAINT. Files saved to the CorelDRAW (.CDR) file format are vectors, whereas files saved to the Corel PHOTO-PAINT (.CPT) format are bitmaps.

The programs in the CorelDRAW 8 graphics suite offer a number of features that allow you to move graphics between software applications.

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Vector graphics are objects that are defined by a series of lines and curves. Click the following to learn about some important vector-graphic concepts:

Vector

Node

Object

Click here to see an example of a vector graphic.

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A bitmap is an image composed of grids of pixels.

Click the following to learn about some important bitmap-editing concepts:

Bits and Pixels

Bit depth

Resolution

Click here to see an example of a bitmap graphic.

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To move a file from CorelDRAW, a vector-based graphics program, to Corel PHOTO-PAINT, a bitmap-based program, the file must be converted to a bitmap.

1. Click File menu, Open.
2. Choose the file DRTUT3_SAMPLE6.CDR from the GRAPHICS8\TUTORS\DRAW\HTMLDOCS\HTMLPICS folder, and click Open.
3. In the Import Into Bitmap dialog box, type 100 in the Horizontal and Vertical Resolution boxes.
4. Choose RGB Color (24-bit) from the Color list box.
5. In the Anti-Aliasing secion, click the None button.

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Now that the file is open in Corel PHOTO-PAINT, notice that it looks much the same as it did in CorelDRAW.

Click the Zoom tool, and click on the edge of the circle.

Notice that the edges appear jagged. These jagged edges are created by the individual square-shaped pixels.

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You can reduce the jagged edges in your image by using anti-aliasing when you import the file into Corel PHOTO-PAINT.

1. Click File menu, Open.
2. Choose the CorelDRAW file DRTUT3_SAMPLE6.CDR from the GRAPHICS8\TUTORS\DRAW\HTMLDOCS\HTMLPICS folder, and click OK.
3. In the Import Into Bitmap dialog box, type 100 in the Horizontal and Vertical Resolution boxes.
4. Enable the Normal or the Super-Sampling Anti-Aliasing option.

Normal

Super-Sampling

Now when the image opens, the edges are smoother

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CorelDRAW allows you to use bitmaps in your images without converting them to vector graphics.

However, you can convert Corel PHOTO-PAINT images to vector images using Corel OCR-TRACE.

Click the Application Launcher button on the Standard toolbar, and choose Corel OCR-TRACE from the list of programs.

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You can control tracing options and variables in Corel OCR-TRACE. See the online Help for more information about Corel OCR-TRACE.

1. In Corel OCR-TRACE, click File menu, Open, and choose the file you want to open.
2. Click OCR-Trace menu, Perform Trace, By Outline. Areas of color in the image are converted into vector objects.
3. Click File menu, Save, Vector.
4. Choose a folder where you want to save your file from the Save In list box.
5. Type a name in the File Name box.
6. Select Corel Presentation Exchange 6/7 (CMX) from the Save As Type list box, and click Save.
7. Click File menu, Exit to exit Corel OCR-TRACE.

Click here for more information.