CorelDRAW is a popular graphics design software used by both professionals and amateurs because of its competent features in both vector graphics illustration, page lay-out and photo editing options. But even the experienced users at some point may be overwhelmed or stuck in a wasteful workflow. When you are working on a logo or a brochure or a more complicated illustration, it is important that you are optimizing your productivity. Following are 8 tips that can make you work smarter and faster with CorelDRAW.
1.Master Keyboard Shortcuts
Using keyboard shortcuts to get through menus can save a significant amount of time. Altogether, such shortcuts as Ctrl + D copy selected items, Ctrl + G groups them, and Ctrl + U ungroups them. Even the creation of own shortcuts is possible (Tools > Options > Customization). Learning commands to memorize the most widely used ones saves a lot of time in long-term projects.
2.Use Object Styles for Consistency
Apply styles instead of formatting objects manually by using Color, Outline, and Text effects. It enables users in defining reusable styles of text, fills, outlines etc. In the event of some changes, the style will be updated and subsequently all objects that are linked to it are updated as well, keeping the same design in the various documents.
3.Organize Your Work with Layers
Layers do more than control viewing; they are a necessity in organizing complicated art. Isolate the design elements such as text, images and background into distinct layers. This gives you the option of locking or hiding certain content that you might require hence making subsequent editing as well as selection so much easier and accurate.
4.Use Symbols for Repetitive Elements
Turn repeating design aspects into symbols, such as logos or icons. That way, you only have to edit the master symbol and all instances updates. Symbols also save space in the file and make the system to perform better especially in big files.
5.Customize Your Workspace
Each designer has got their own way of doing things so why not customize to suit him or her? Toolbars, dockers and panels can be rearranged according to your preferences. Under Window + workspace save workspace as a custom one. Instead of clicking from one folder to the next, a custom interface minimizes the number of clicks and keeps tools that you work with the most at easy access.
6.Automate Repetitive Tasks with Macros
Macros are scripts which are able to automate some common tasks e.g. renaming objects or converting files in a batch way. It is possible to make your own or locate pre-existing macros in CorelDRAW communities. Most advanced users can buy most useful macros or plugins by a quality, well-known, CorelDRAW reseller and third-party tool specialist.
7.Take Advantage of the PowerClip Feature
Another feature that makes Corel special is the PowerClip which allows one to insert any object into a container object. This is mainly useful when editing images and cropping and masking vector objects without any loss. Apply by right clicking the object, selecting PowerClip Inside followed by clicking on the container. It is a quick and flexible replacement of cropping or complicated path operations.
8.Utilize the Object Manager
Object Manager docker allows you to have total control over all the objects in your design. It is easy to rename, hide, lock and rearrange objects and layers. It comes in handy when dealing with large multi-page files or documents and files that are to be printed.
Conclusion
Learning to become more productive in CorelDRAW is not about producing more results with more effort but doing more with less effort. Using these tips in your work will help you to eliminate frustration, introduce consistency, and end up getting a better design in a shorter time. Whilst you work in isolation or with a larger workforce, creating effective routines will enable your creativity to spark without a burden of inefficiency.
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