If you’re just starting to learn graphic design and want to use CorelDraw, here are the essential CorelDraw tools you can learn as a beginner.
In today’s digital age, numerous software applications are incredibly useful for supporting design activities. One prominent example is CorelDraw. CorelDraw is a software program used to create images or designs based on vectors. This software offers a wide range of applications in graphics, such as sketching, drawing, logo creation, and even architectural design.
For those interested in using this software, you can easily download it online from the following link: https://www.coreldraw.com/en/pages/free-download/. However, if your PC or laptop specifications are not yet sufficient, you can use CorelDraw Portable, which can also be downloaded from the internet. Therefore, for those who are still new to using it, here is an explanation of the functions of the tools in CorelDraw.
1. Pick Tool
The Pick tool is used to select, choose, and adjust the size and position of objects. In addition, within the Pick tool options, there are several additional tools, such as:
- Freehand Pick tool: Used to select objects freely.
- Free Transform tool: To adjust the scale and size of objects.
2. Shape Tool
The Shape tool functions to create or change objects into different shapes by using the corner points of the object. The corners of the object can be changed to be rounded or sharper.
3. Smooth Tool
From its name, you can guess that the Smooth tool functions to straighten or smooth out lines or sketches that you create.
4. Smear Tool
The Smear tool is useful for changing parts of an object with curved shapes. This can be done by dragging a selected part of the object outwards or inwards, which can eventually create a new shape for the object.
5. Swirl Tool
The Swirl tool functions to change or give a swirl effect to an object. The way to use it is to click on the edge/corner of the object and hold until the swirl matches the size you want. For more clarity, you can see the example image below.
Read also: Functions of Adobe Illustrator Tools For Beginner Graphic Designers
6. Attract and Repel Tool
This tool might be very useful for those of you who often create illustrations, such as sketches or cartoons. The Attract and Repel tool functions to freely change parts of an object by making them curved or pointed. The way to use it is to click and drag outwards or inwards from the selected part of the object. Then, to give a smoother effect, drag while holding the mouse button.
7. Smudge Tool
The Smudge tool functions to change parts of an object with circular or curved shapes. The way to use it is to click on the line of the selected object and you can freely change the shape of the object.
8. Roughen Tool
You can use the Roughen tool to change parts of an object, especially on lines, to become pointed or jagged like a saw. To use it, click on a part of the object and drag. You can also use this tool to create grass images or other objects with rough shapes.
9. Crop Tool
You are probably already familiar with this one tool. The Crop tool has the function to cut and remove selected parts of an object. To use it, you simply select the part of the object you want to remove.
In addition to the Crop tool, there are also other additional tools such as:
- Knife tool: To cut objects.
- Virtual Segment Delete tool: To delete corner parts or intersections between lines on an object.
- Eraser tool: To eliminate and erase unwanted parts of an object/image.
10. Zoom Tool
The Zoom tool functions to adjust the display size of the workspace in CorelDraw. You can zoom in or zoom out the workspace display as you wish. In this tool, there is also another tool, such as the Pan tool which is useful for controlling and shifting the workspace view.
11. Freehand Tool
The Freehand tool functions to form lines freely which can be used to create images or designs.
In this tool, there are also several tools that can be used to support your design activities, such as:
- 2-Point Line tool: To draw straight lines consisting of two connecting points.
- Bèzier tool: To draw curved lines that can be connected between points.
- Pen tool: To draw curved lines directly and can be changed into an object.
- B-Spline: To create curved lines that are connected with a curved shape.
- Polyline tool: To draw lines with straight or free shapes that can be done simultaneously.
- 3 Point Curve tool: To create lines or curves based on 3 starting points.
12. Artistic Media Tool
The Artistic Media tool functions to create lines with various shapes or styles. Starting from brush, sprayer, calligraphic, to expression shapes. Each style can be seen in the image below.
In the Artistic Media tool options, there are also additional tools, such as:
- LiveSketch tool: Which functions to create lines like pencil strokes in a sketch of an image or design.
- Smart Drawing tool: To automatically turn scribble lines into the object you want.
13. Rectangle Tool
The Rectangle tool is a tool that you can use to draw objects with a square or rectangular shape. In this tool, there is also the 3 point Rectangle tool which functions to draw rectangles with corners and straight lines.
14. Ellipse Tool
The Ellipse tool functions to draw objects with a circular or oval shape. In this tool, there is also the 3 point Ellipse tool which functions to draw circles starting with a straight line.
15. Polygon Tool
The Polygon tool functions to create objects with various numbers of sides (corners), such as pentagons, hexagons, or more.
Besides polygons, in this tool, there are also several additional tools that can be used to create objects with other shapes, namely:
- Star tool: To create objects with star shapes.
- Spiral tool: To create objects with spiral shapes.
- Common Shapes tool: To create various objects with various shapes such as parallelograms, arrows, and many more.
- Impact tool: To create images with line effects like rays.
- Graph paper tool: To create objects like tables or arrangements of squares.
16. Text Tool
This tool functions to create writing or objects in the form of writing. The Text tool can also be used to add text to the desired object.
17. Table Tool
The Table tool functions to create objects in the form of tables and text can be added inside them.
18. Parallel Dimension Tool
Next is a tool that will be very useful for those of you who like to design buildings or architecture. The Parallel Dimension tool functions to create lines along with their dimensions (length/width), as in the example image below.
In addition, in this tool option, there are also various types of other tools that have almost the same function, such as:
- Horizontal or Vertical Dimension tool: To create dimension lines with horizontal and vertical positions.
- Angular Dimension tool: To create lines used to measure the angle of an object.
- Segment Dimension tool: To display dimension lines on a part of an object.
- 3-Leg Callout tool: To create leader lines on parts of objects.
19. Connector Tool
The Connector tool functions to create connecting lines between two or more objects. In this tool, there is also a helper tool, such as Anchor Editing which functions to adjust the position of the connecting points between objects.
20. Shadow Tool
The Shadow tool functions to give a shadow effect to an object.
In addition, there are also other tools that can provide interesting effects on objects, such as:
- Contour tool: To create new objects sequentially based on the initial shape.
- Blend tool: Functions to connect between two different objects.
- Distort tool: To give effects that can change shape by pulling parts on the object line.
- Envelope tool: To curve parts of the selected object.
- Extrude tool: To add 3D or space shapes to objects.
- Block Shadow tool: To give a thick shadow effect based on the corner points of the object.
21. Transparency Tool
The Transparency tool functions to give a transparent effect to part or all of an object.
22. Color Eyedropper Tool
The Color Eyedropper tool is used to take color samples from an object and put them into the color box. In this tool, there is also an additional tool, namely the Attributes Eyedropper tool which functions to start taking sample attributes from objects, such as outlines, fill colors, and effects.
23. Interactive Fill Tool
The Interactive Fill tool functions to give fills to an object, such as solid colors, gradients, patterns, and other presets. You can see these options at the top in the image below.
In addition, there are also several additional tools in this tool option, such as:
- Smart Fill tool: Which functions to give color based on certain areas on the object.
- Mesh Fill tool: To give and adjust gradient colors based on guide lines.
24. Outline Tool
This tool functions to adjust the size, thickness, and color of lines when creating an object.
That is an explanation of the functions of CorelDraw tools. For those of you who have an interest in the world of design, go directly to Skill Academy. Skill Academy also has special classes with material about graphic design. So, what are you waiting for, let’s develop your skills! Click the banner below to see the classes!
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