Changing the background of a photo or image is a common editing task. While CorelDRAW offers the Pen tool for precise background removal, a quicker method exists: the Magic Wand Mask tool in Corel PHOTO-PAINT, which comes bundled with a standard CorelDRAW installation. This tutorial will guide you through using the Magic Wand tool to effortlessly replace image backgrounds in CorelDRAW.
Whether you’re working with photos or other types of images, this technique allows for easy background manipulation to enhance your visuals. This guide uses CorelDRAW X7, but the steps are similar in other versions. Let’s dive into the process.
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Open Your Image in CorelDRAW
Start by launching CorelDRAW on your computer. Then, import the image you want to edit. To do this, navigate to File > Insert from the menu bar and select your image file.
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Convert the Image to Bitmap
Once your image is on the CorelDRAW canvas, you need to convert it to a bitmap. Go to the Bitmaps menu and choose Convert to Bitmap.
In the conversion settings, select RGB Color (24-bit) to keep the file size manageable and check the Transparent background option.
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Edit Bitmap in Corel PHOTO-PAINT
With the image still selected, go back to the Bitmaps menu and click Edit Bitmap. This action will automatically open your image in Corel PHOTO-PAINT.
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Select the Magic Wand Mask Tool
In Corel PHOTO-PAINT, locate the toolbox on the left side. Choose the Magic Wand Mask Tool. It usually resembles a wand with sparkles.
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Select the Background
Now, click on the background area of your image with the Magic Wand Mask Tool. PHOTO-PAINT will automatically detect and select areas of similar color, outlining the selection with dashed lines. You should see dashed lines surrounding the foreground object, indicating the background is selected.
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Remove the Background
To remove the selected background, simply press Ctrl+X or the Delete key on your keyboard. The background will be removed, leaving a transparent area. Save your changes in PHOTO-PAINT.
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Background Removed in CorelDRAW
After saving in PHOTO-PAINT, return to CorelDRAW. Your inserted image will now reflect the changes, with the background removed.
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Replace with a New Background
With the original background gone, you can now easily add a new background of your choice in CorelDRAW. You can fill the background with a solid color or place another image behind your subject. In this example, a simple blue background is used.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully used the Magic Wand Mask Tool in Corel PHOTO-PAINT to change the background of an image in CorelDRAW. This method offers a fast and efficient way to isolate subjects and alter image backgrounds, perfect for various design projects. Experiment with different backgrounds and images to master this technique and enhance your creative workflow in CorelDRAW.
