Shaping objects using envelopes

CorelDRAW lets you shape objects, including lines, artistic text, and paragraph text frames by applying envelopes to them. Envelopes are made of multiple nodes that you can move to shape the envelope and, as a result, change the shape of the object. You can apply a basic envelope that conforms to the shape of an object, or you can also apply a preset envelope. After you apply an envelope, you can edit it or add a new envelope to continue changing the object’s shape. CorelDRAW also lets you copy and remove envelopes.

You can edit an envelope by adding and positioning its nodes. Adding nodes gives you more control over the shape of the object contained in the envelope. CorelDRAW also lets you delete nodes, move multiple nodes simultaneously, change nodes from one type to another, and change a segment of an envelope to a line or curve. For more information about the different types of nodes, see “Working with curve objects” on page 101.

You can also change the mapping mode of an envelope to specify how the object fits to the envelope. For example, you can stretch an object to fit the basic dimensions of the envelope, and then apply the horizontal mapping mode to compress it horizontally so that it fits the shape of the envelope.

To apply an envelope

1Select an object.

2Open the Interactive tools flyout , and click the Interactive envelope tool .

3On the property bar, click one of the following buttons:

•Envelope straight line mode — creates envelopes based on straight lines, adding perspective to objects

•Envelope single arc mode — creates envelopes with an arc shape on one side, giving objects a concave or convex appearance

•Envelope double arc mode — creates envelopes with an S shape on one or more sides

•Envelope unconstrained mode — creates freeform envelopes, that let you change the properties of the nodes, and add and delete the nodes

4Click the object.

5Drag the nodes to shape the envelope.

If you want to reset the envelope, press Esc before releasing the mouse.

CorelDRAW: Shaping objects

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You can also

Apply a preset envelope	Click the Add preset button on the
	property bar, and click an envelope shape.

Apply an envelope to an object with an envelope

Click the Add new envelope button on the property bar, and drag the nodes to change the shape of the envelope.

Remove an envelope	Click Effects ` Clear envelope.

You can prevent the object’s straight lines from being converted to curves by enabling the Keep lines button on the property bar.

To copy an envelope

1Select an object to which you want to copy an envelope.

2Click Effects ` Copy effect ` Envelope from.

3Select the object from which you want to copy the envelope.

You can also copy an envelope by selecting an object, clicking the Copy envelope properties button on the property bar, and selecting an object with the envelope you want to copy.

You can also use the Eyedropper tool to copy an envelope. For more information, see “To copy effects from one object to another object” on page 80.

To edit an envelope’s nodes and segments

1Open the Interactive tools flyout , and click the Interactive envelope tool .

2Select an object with an envelope.

3Double-click the envelope to add a node or double-click a node to delete it.

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