CorelDraw Tips

Corel Draw is supported for both the Apple Macintosh and the Windows PC. Here are some basic tips that apply to all software versions and for both platforms.

• Document Setup Basics
• Creating Bleed
• Saving You File as a PDF
  
• Converting Type to Curves
• Converting to CMYK Color

For even more tips please visit our Quick Tips section. This is our catch-all category for all manner of miscellaneous tips, tricks, program fixes, and workarounds to help you with building your artwork . We'll add new items from time to time so check in to see what's been added recently.

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Document Setup Basics

• Set your layout page size to to match your final individual page size.  Do not use an oversize page as a pasteboard.
• Make certain that you have provided that 1/8" bleed for all images and for any other items that touch the outer edges of the pages in your document.
• Enable Snap to Guides and be very careful to ensure that all images are accurately placed.
• Use the CMYK Color Mode when setting up your document.
• Go easy on the special effects. Many of the more spectacular effects that CorelDraw can create are difficult to print and are often the source of problems which have made this application unpopular with printers.
• If you submit EPS files made from Corel Draw make certain that you include the original CDR file and all fonts used in these documents as well.
• After saving your CDR file it is a good idea to convert all type to curves before exporting your EPS file or make certain that you include these fonts when you send your files. Do not save the CDR file after exporting this EPS file.
• Save your working document as a CDR file. Then, convert all type to shapes and export this copy of the file as an EPS file. This is the file that you should submit.

Special Note: You may also submit both copies if you think that you may have text edits but then you must be certain to include all fonts used in your original document.

Special Note: To prevent any loss of resource fork data that would render your fonts useless, Macintosh users should always compress their files on a Macintosh.

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Creating Bleed

The way to create bleed is to simply make certain that the image or graphic extends off the edge of the page to a distance of 1/8" (.125) wherever you want something to bleed.

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Exporting to PDF

To export your CorelDraw file as a PDF:

1. Go to the Menu and select File > Publish to PDF

2. Name your file and set the PDF style to PDF/X-1a. Navigate to where you want to save the file and then click Settings.

3. On the General tab select PDF style PDF/X-1a.

4. Select the Prepress tab and set the bleed to .125" and select the crop marks option.

 

5. Select the Advanced tab set the options to match the example below and click OK.

6. Click Save to save your PDF file in the location that you chose in step 2.

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Converting Type to Curves

1. Menu > Edit > Select All > Text

2. Arrange > Convert to Curves

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Converting to CMYK Color Space

For each object with a fill:

1. Select each object you want to convert.
2. Select the Fill tool and click Fill Color Dialog. Make sure the Color model is CMYK.

For each object with an outline:

1. Select each object you want to convert.
2. Select the Outline tool and click the Outline Color Dialog. Make sure the Color model is CMYK.

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