How to use CorelDraw Tips and Tricks Page 2

Select ALL OBJECTS (including objects off the page that may be hidden)

If you want to select all the object on the page, just double click the arrow (Pointer tool) in the tool flyout. This include anything sitting on the desktop (the area around your page). With version 9 and above, you can also use the shortcut key [Ctrl] + [A].

 

 

Adjusting Tool Properties

 

If you want to change the properties of a particular tools, say the size or pen color, then right-click on the particular toolbar and select Properties from the menu that appears. You will get all the options for that particular toolbar and you can change the parameters as you like.

 

Changing your Nudge Values ( movement by measurement)

 

With an object selected, you can move or nudge it in increments by tapping the arrow keys. To adjust the distance that the object is moved when you tap the arrow keys, look for the Nudge Offset dialog box on the property bar and type in a value.
For more permanent adjustment, go to tools>Options>Edit and make the desired changes. Here you can adjust the Super Nudge value. To activate Super Nudge when you are using the arrow keys to move an object, hold the [Shift] key down as you tap the arrow keys. The object will then move according to the set increments.

 

 

Duplicating Objects

 

When clicking and dragging an object, just before you release the left mouse button, click the right mouse button and a duplicate will be created.

OR
When you object is selected, press the + key on the numeric pad, this will duplicate the object on top of the original
OR
Using the menu bar, set a specific value in millimetres x=25mm y=25, then when your object is selected, press Ctrl+D, a duplicate of your object will be created 25mm to the right, and 25mm to the bottom.

This method is ideal for creating specific distances between copied objects, and excellent for setting multi line plotter cuts.

Also, you can set - (minus) movements, then Ctrl-D.

 

Shifting the Origin of your 0,0 points

 

The best function CorelDraw is the ability to draw signs, graphics and objects at very large sizes accurately. We often manufacture signage above 10 metres high and 28 metres wide. CorelDraw can accurately output these dimensions. Illustrator creates dimension problems at these sizes and has a few size glitches from our use of the program.

Use CorelDraw Guidelines frequently, you set many levels, colours of guideline and much more, however, an important TIP is to:

To modify the location of the Ruler's origin, that is where the zero starts on the page, click and drag the Rulers Intersection Point (which is the horizontal and vertical rulers meet). Simply drag this icon to the position on the page where you want the zeros to be. To return to the default location, double-click on the Rulers Intersection Point icon.

TIP:  Set a horizontal and vertical guideline before changing your documents origin point ( known to us as 0,0 ). Then you can accurately calculate any x and y movements related to laser cutting, plotter vinyl cutting and general manufacturing procedures using computerised drawing.

If you double click on the rulers and/or title bar a dialog box will open. Use different coloured guidelines wisely, they are great assets.

Short cut to Fill and Outline

A quick way to bring up the Uniform Fill dialog box or the Outline Pen Dialog box, is to simply double click on the Uniform Fill or Outline Pen swatch, located at the bottom right of the Status Bar at the bottom of the program. Make sure you have an object selected for this to work.

TIP: To ensure your design can be fully scalable, replace all outlines with contour drawn lines. Then, it shall not matter what size your drawing becomes, visually, the 'keyline' is always the same proportion. Very handy in sign making and signwriting.