Quick Answer

The Menu Bar in CorelDRAW gives access to most of the application's major commands.

Depending on your CorelDRAW version, edition, operating system and workspace, the menu bar commonly includes:

File → Edit → View → Layout → Object → Effects → Bitmaps → Text → Table → Tools → Window → Help

Corel describes the Menu Bar as the area containing pull-down options and commands. Its exact contents can change between releases; for example, some commands that appeared under one menu in older CorelDRAW versions may be moved, renamed or made available through dockers, inspectors, toolbars or customization in newer releases.

This guide explains the important commands under each CorelDRAW menu, what they do, and how they are commonly used.

Understanding Menus, Commands, Toolbars and the Property Bar in CorelDRAW

Before learning individual commands, it helps to understand the difference between four parts of the CorelDRAW interface.

Menu Bar

The Menu Bar contains groups such as:

• File
• Edit
• View
• Layout
• Object
• Effects
• Bitmaps
• Text
• Table
• Tools
• Window
• Help

Clicking a menu opens a list of related commands.

Toolbar

A toolbar provides shortcuts to frequently used commands such as:

• New
• Open
• Save
• Print
• Undo
• Redo
• Import
• Export.

Property Bar

The Property Bar changes depending on what object or tool is currently selected.

For example, selecting a rectangle may show:

• width;
• height;
• corner radius;
• position;
• rotation.

Selecting text displays different controls.

Dockers / Inspectors

Dockers provide more detailed controls for functions such as:

• Objects;
• Properties;
• Align and Distribute;
• Transform;
• Color;
• Effects;
• Styles.

Corel's current documentation confirms that menu commands, toolbars, property bars and dockers work together rather than functioning as separate systems.

1. File Menu

The File menu contains commands related to creating, opening, saving, importing, exporting, printing and closing documents.

It is one of the most frequently used CorelDRAW menus.

New

What It Does

Creates a new CorelDRAW document.

How to Use It

Go to:

File → New

You can normally specify settings such as:

• document name;
• page size;
• width;
• height;
• orientation;
• number of pages;
• primary color mode;
• rendering resolution;
• color profiles.

Use It For

Creating:

• visiting cards;
• brochures;
• banners;
• posters;
• logos;
• packaging;
• advertisements;
• print layouts.

Common shortcut:

Ctrl + N

New from Template

What It Does

Creates a new document using an existing template.

Templates can contain preset:

• page layouts;
• text;
• graphics;
• styles;
• design elements.

How to Use It

Go to:

File → New from Template

Choose an appropriate template and create the document.

Useful when producing repeated designs with a standard layout.

Open

What It Does

Opens an existing file.

Go to:

File → Open

Common shortcut:

Ctrl + O

CorelDRAW can open or import many file formats depending on version, including CDR and numerous vector, bitmap and document formats.

Open Recent

Displays recently opened documents so you can reopen them quickly.

This is useful when you are repeatedly working on the same project.

Close

Closes the current CorelDRAW document without closing the entire application.

If unsaved changes exist, CorelDRAW normally asks whether you want to save them.

Save

What It Does

Saves changes to the current document.

Go to:

File → Save

Shortcut:

Ctrl + S

Use this regularly during design work.

Save As

What It Does

Creates another copy or saves the document using different settings.

Go to:

File → Save As

Shortcut commonly:

Ctrl + Shift + S

You can use Save As to:

• create another filename;
• create a printer version;
• save to an older CorelDRAW version where supported;
• preserve the original master file.

Example:

Original:

Catalogue-Master.cdr

Printer copy:

Catalogue-Printer-X8.cdr

Save As Template

Saves the current layout as a reusable CorelDRAW template.

This is useful for recurring designs such as:

• quotation layouts;
• certificates;
• social-media templates;
• visiting cards;
• company brochures.

Revert

Where available, Revert returns the document to the most recently saved version.

Be careful because unsaved modifications can be lost.

Acquire Image

Depending on version and installed devices, CorelDRAW may provide commands to acquire an image from:

• scanners;
• cameras;
• TWAIN/WIA-compatible devices.

This is useful for bringing scanned artwork directly into a project.

Import

What It Does

Places another file inside the current CorelDRAW document.

Go to:

File → Import

Common shortcut:

Ctrl + I

Examples:

• JPG;
• PNG;
• TIFF;
• PDF;
• EPS;
• AI;
• SVG;
• another CDR.

Difference Between Open and Import

Open generally opens a file as a document.

Import inserts its contents into the currently open document.

Export

What It Does

Saves selected artwork or document content in another file format.

Go to:

File → Export

Common shortcut:

Ctrl + E

Typical exports include:

• JPG;
• PNG;
• TIFF;
• SVG;
• EPS;
• AI-compatible formats;
• other supported formats.

Use Export when preparing graphics for:

• websites;
• printing;
• email;
• social media;
• other design software.

Export For

Some current releases provide specialized export workflows for multiple assets or destinations.

Options depend on the CorelDRAW version.

Corel's current tutorials include workflows for exporting multiple assets simultaneously.

Publish to PDF

What It Does

Creates a PDF from the CorelDRAW document.

This is an important command for professional printing.

Go to:

File → Publish to PDF

Depending on settings, you can configure:

• PDF preset;
• page range;
• image compression;
• bleed;
• crop marks;
• fonts;
• color profile;
• CMYK/RGB conversion;
• spot colors;
• security.

Use this when sending artwork to a printing press that accepts PDF.

Collect for Output

What It Does

Where available, this command helps prepare a document and its associated resources for delivery to a print service provider.

It can be useful for gathering:

• document files;
• fonts where licensing permits;
• linked resources;
• output-related files.

Availability and menu location differ between CorelDRAW versions.

Print

What It Does

Prints the current document.

Go to:

File → Print

Shortcut:

Ctrl + P

The Print dialog may include controls for:

• printer selection;
• copies;
• page range;
• layout;
• separations;
• prepress options;
• color management.

Print Preview

Displays how the document is expected to appear when printed.

Use Print Preview before expensive output to check:

• positioning;
• page orientation;
• imposition;
• print marks;
• separations.

Print Merge

Print Merge allows variable information to be inserted into repeated designs.

Example:

You have one certificate design but need:

• 100 different names;
• 100 employee numbers.

Instead of manually creating 100 documents, Print Merge can combine a data source with the design.

Corel provides tutorials covering certificate creation using Print Merge.

Document Properties

Depending on version, File-related document information may include:

• document statistics;
• fonts;
• color settings;
• file details;
• document properties.

This is useful when troubleshooting a complex design.

Exit

Closes CorelDRAW.

If unsaved documents exist, CorelDRAW normally prompts you to save them.

2. Edit Menu

The Edit menu contains commands for reversing actions, copying objects, pasting content, duplicating, finding objects and changing selections.

Undo

What It Does

Reverses the last action.

Go to:

Edit → Undo

Shortcut:

Ctrl + Z

Example:

If you accidentally delete an object:

Ctrl + Z

can restore it.

Redo

Reapplies an action that was undone.

Common shortcut:

Ctrl + Shift + Z

or another configured shortcut depending on workspace/version.

Repeat

Repeats the previous operation where supported.

Useful when applying the same transformation several times.

Cut

Removes the selected object and places it on the Clipboard.

Shortcut:

Ctrl + X

Copy

Copies the selected object to the Clipboard.

Shortcut:

Ctrl + C

Paste

Places Clipboard contents into the document.

Shortcut:

Ctrl + V

Paste Special

What It Does

Lets you control how Clipboard content is inserted.

For example, copied material from another application may be pasted as:

• formatted content;
• text;
• image;
• embedded object;
• another supported representation.

Useful when normal Paste produces an unwanted result.

Duplicate

Creates a duplicate of the selected object.

Common shortcut:

Ctrl + D

This is extremely useful in CorelDRAW.

Example:

1. Draw one circle.
2. Press Ctrl + D.
3. Move the duplicate.
4. Continue duplicating to build a pattern.

Clone

A clone resembles a duplicate, but certain properties can remain linked to the master object.

This is useful where multiple design elements should inherit changes from an original object.

Select All

Selects objects within a defined category.

Common shortcut for selecting all objects:

Ctrl + A

Depending on version and context, Select All can target:

• objects;
• text;
• guides;
• nodes.

Find and Replace

CorelDRAW includes commands for locating and replacing various document properties.

Depending on version, you may be able to find:

• text;
• objects;
• colors;
• object properties.

Useful in large documents.

Example:

Change every occurrence of one brand color to another without manually finding every object.

Insert New Object / Object

Some versions provide Object Linking and Embedding commands for inserting content from other Windows applications.

This is less commonly used in normal graphic-design workflows.

3. View Menu

The View menu controls how the document appears on screen.

It normally changes the display, not the actual printed artwork.

Simple Wireframe

Displays objects mainly as outlines.

Useful for:

• complex artwork;
• locating hidden objects;
• improving screen performance;
• examining overlapping shapes.

Wireframe

Shows vector paths without normal fills and effects.

This is extremely useful when troubleshooting complicated designs.

Draft

Provides a simplified display intended to improve performance in complex documents.

Availability varies by version.

Normal

Displays the document normally.

This is the typical design mode.

Enhanced

Where available, Enhanced view provides improved anti-aliasing and visual rendering.

Modern versions may handle display modes differently.

Pixels

Pixel View lets you inspect how vector artwork may appear when rasterized.

Useful for:

• web icons;
• small graphics;
• UI elements;
• low-resolution exports.

Simulate Overprints

Displays an approximation of how overprinted objects may interact when printed.

This is important in professional prepress workflows.

Proof Colors

Soft proofing can simulate how colors may appear according to a chosen output profile.

Useful for:

• print preparation;
• color-critical jobs;
• proofing.

Remember that monitor proofing depends on proper color management and monitor calibration.

Full-Screen Preview

Displays the artwork with much of the normal interface hidden.

Useful for inspecting the overall design without distraction.

A commonly used shortcut in many CorelDRAW versions is:

F9

Preview Selected Only

Where available, this isolates or previews selected artwork.

Page Sorter / Multipage View

Current CorelDRAW versions offer enhanced ways to work with multi-page documents.

Corel's current tutorials specifically include Multipage View for working across multiple pages efficiently.

Useful for:

• catalogues;
• brochures;
• booklets;
• multi-page marketing documents.

Rulers

Shows or hides horizontal and vertical rulers.

Rulers help position objects accurately.

Grid

Shows or hides the document grid.

Useful for:

• technical drawing;
• alignment;
• layout construction.

Guidelines

Shows or hides guidelines.

Guidelines are non-printing alignment aids.

You can drag guidelines from rulers onto the page.

Alignment Guides

Displays dynamic guides that help align objects relative to other objects.

Useful when arranging:

• logos;
• text boxes;
• images;
• page elements.

Snap To

CorelDRAW can snap objects to various reference points, such as:

• objects;
• guidelines;
• grid;
• page;
• pixels;
• baseline grids.

Exact options depend on version.

Snapping improves positioning accuracy.

4. Layout Menu

The Layout menu primarily deals with pages and document layout.

Insert Page

Adds another page to the document.

Useful for:

• brochures;
• catalogues;
• presentations;
• multi-page documents.

Duplicate Page

Creates a copy of an existing page.

This can save significant time if many pages share a common layout.

Example:

Page 1 contains:

• company logo;
• header;
• footer;
• background.

Duplicate the page and replace only the central content.

Rename Page

Allows a page to have a meaningful name instead of simply:

Page 1
Page 2
Page 3

Examples:

• Cover
• Products
• Contact
• Pricing

Delete Page

Removes the selected page.

Check its contents carefully before deleting.

Go to Page

Moves directly to another page in a multi-page document.

Page Setup

Lets you modify document page settings such as:

• width;
• height;
• orientation;
• page type.

Page Background

Depending on the CorelDRAW version, you can configure page background settings.

A page background may be:

• no background;
• solid color;
• bitmap.

Page Numbering

Where supported, CorelDRAW can assist with numbering pages in multi-page documents.

Useful for catalogues and booklets.

5. Object Menu

The Object menu is one of CorelDRAW's most important menus.

It controls:

• object transformation;
• grouping;
• ordering;
• combining;
• shaping;
• locking;
• alignment;
• conversion;
• PowerClip;
• object properties.

Transformations

Transformation commands include functions such as:

• Position;
• Rotate;
• Scale and Mirror;
• Size;
• Skew.

These allow precise numeric transformations.

Example:

Instead of dragging an object approximately, you can rotate it exactly:

45°

or position it at precise X/Y coordinates.

Align and Distribute

What It Does

Aligns multiple selected objects.

Common alignment options include:

• left;
• right;
• top;
• bottom;
• horizontal center;
• vertical center.

Distribution can create equal spacing between objects.

Corel's current tutorials include dedicated guidance for aligning, distributing and organizing objects.

Example

Select three logos and choose:

Align Centers Horizontally

to line them up evenly.

Order

Controls which object appears in front of another.

Common commands include:

• To Front of Page;
• To Back of Page;
• To Front of Layer;
• To Back of Layer;
• Forward One;
• Back One.

This is essential when objects overlap.

Group

Combines several selected objects into a group.

Shortcut:

Ctrl + G

Example:

Select:

• logo;
• company name;
• tagline.

Group them so they move together.

Ungroup

Separates a group back into its individual objects.

Common shortcut:

Ctrl + U

Ungroup All

Separates nested groups where supported.

Combine

What It Does

Combines selected vector objects into one curve object.

Common shortcut:

Ctrl + L

This is different from Group.

Combined paths can interact according to fill rules, which can create holes.

Example:

Combine:

• outer circle;
• inner circle.

The inner path may create a hole.

Break Apart

Separates combined objects into individual components.

Common shortcut:

Ctrl + K

Also useful for breaking apart certain:

• text;
• curves;
• imported objects.

Convert to Curves

What It Does

Converts the selected object, especially text, into editable vector curves.

Shortcut:

Ctrl + Q

This is particularly useful when sending finalized artwork to printers who may not have the same fonts.

After conversion, text is no longer normally editable as text.

Always keep an editable master before converting important text to curves.

Convert Outline to Object

Turns an object's outline/stroke into a separate vector object.

Common shortcut:

Ctrl + Shift + Q

This is useful for:

• preparing cutting artwork;
• modifying outline shapes;
• advanced logo construction.

Do not confuse it with Convert to Curves.

Lock Object

Prevents accidental movement or modification of an object.

Useful for:

• backgrounds;
• templates;
• guides;
• finished artwork.

Unlock Object

Makes a locked object editable again.

Hide Object

Where supported, hides an object without deleting it.

Shaping Commands

CorelDRAW provides powerful object-shaping operations.

Important commands include:

• Weld;
• Trim;
• Intersect;
• Simplify;
• Front Minus Back;
• Back Minus Front;
• Boundary.

Weld

Joins overlapping objects into one new shape.

Example:

Two overlapping circles can become one combined silhouette.

Trim

Uses one object to cut part of another.

Useful for logo design and vector construction.

Intersect

Creates a new shape from the overlapping area of selected objects.

Simplify

Removes hidden overlapping portions according to the command's behavior.

Useful when reducing complex overlapping geometry.

Front Minus Back

Subtracts the rear object from the front object according to stacking order.

Back Minus Front

Performs the opposite subtraction.

Boundary

Creates an outline around the outer boundary of selected objects.

Useful for:

• sticker cutting;
• logo outlines;
• decals.

PowerClip

What It Does

Places one object inside another object acting as a container.

Example:

Put a photograph inside:

• a circle;
• star;
• custom logo shape.

A typical workflow is:

Object → PowerClip → Place Inside Frame

Exact wording can vary by version.

PowerClip is one of CorelDRAW's most useful layout features.

Create Symbol / Symbols

CorelDRAW can turn artwork into reusable symbols.

Useful when the same element occurs repeatedly.

Editing the source symbol can make repeated instances easier to manage depending on the symbol workflow.

Object Properties / Properties

Displays detailed attributes for the selected object.

These may include:

• fill;
• outline;
• transparency;
• position;
• dimensions;
• other object-specific properties.

6. Effects Menu

The Effects menu contains commands for creating visual effects and modifying the appearance of vector and bitmap objects.

Exact menu organization differs between releases.

Adjust

Depending on version and selected object, adjustment commands can change:

• brightness;
• contrast;
• hue;
• saturation;
• color balance;
• tone.

Modern versions increasingly expose many adjustment options through dedicated dockers/inspectors.

Transform

Some effect-related transformation commands may appear under Effects or other interfaces depending on version.

Contour

Creates repeated outlines inside or outside an object.

Useful for:

• logo borders;
• signs;
• stickers;
• layered text.

Blend

Creates a progression of intermediate objects between two objects.

Useful for:

• repeated design elements;
• transitions;
• patterns.

Distort

Applies effects such as:

• Push/Pull;
• Zipper;
• Twister.

Envelope

Lets you distort an object using an editable surrounding envelope.

Useful for bending text or shapes into:

• arches;
• waves;
• perspective-like forms.

Extrude

Creates simulated depth to produce a 3D appearance.

Useful for titles and display graphics.

Bevel

Creates beveled edges where supported.

Useful for dimensional text and graphics.

Lens

Applies non-destructive lens-style effects in supported workflows.

Examples may include effects that change the appearance of objects underneath the lens.

Add Perspective / Perspective

Allows artwork to be transformed to simulate perspective.

Corel's current learning resources include dedicated guidance for drawing and working in perspective.

7. Bitmaps Menu

The Bitmaps menu contains commands for working with raster images.

This menu becomes especially important when using:

• photographs;
• scanned images;
• JPG files;
• PNG files;
• TIFF images.

Convert to Bitmap

What It Does

Converts selected vector artwork into raster/bitmap artwork.

You can normally choose:

• resolution;
• color mode;
• transparency;
• anti-aliasing.

Warning

After conversion, the vector object loses normal vector scalability.

Keep a vector master if you may need further editing.

Auto Adjust

Where available, automatically attempts to improve bitmap color and tone.

Image Adjustment Lab / Adjustments

Older and newer CorelDRAW versions may expose image correction differently.

Functions can include:

• brightness;
• contrast;
• saturation;
• temperature;
• highlights;
• shadows.

Mode

Changes a bitmap's color mode.

Common examples:

• Black and White;
• Grayscale;
• Duotone;
• RGB;
• CMYK;
• Lab.

The available modes vary by bitmap and version.

Edit Bitmap

Opens the selected bitmap for editing in Corel PHOTO-PAINT when installed and integrated.

This is useful for detailed photo editing beyond CorelDRAW's vector workspace.

Crop Bitmap

Trims unwanted bitmap content.

Resample

Changes bitmap dimensions and/or resolution.

Use carefully.

Increasing resolution numerically does not automatically create real image detail.

Straighten Image

Helps correct a tilted photograph or scan.

Trace Bitmap / PowerTRACE

What It Does

Converts bitmap artwork into vector artwork.

Typical options include tracing:

• line art;
• logos;
• detailed images;
• clipart.

Corel currently provides tutorials specifically on converting JPEG and other bitmap artwork to vectors.

Example

Import a low-resolution logo JPG.

Use:

Trace Bitmap

to create editable vector shapes.

Results depend heavily on source quality.

Bitmap Effects

CorelDRAW can apply numerous image effects.

Depending on version, categories may include:

• Blur;
• Sharpen;
• Distort;
• Noise;
• Creative;
• Art Strokes;
• Color Transform;
• Texture.

Not every effect is appropriate for professional print work.

Remove Background / Image Editing Features

Current CorelDRAW releases increasingly include enhanced bitmap and AI-assisted workflows.

Corel's current 2026 learning resources include image editing and background-removal features, so exact commands depend strongly on the version you use.

8. Text Menu

The Text menu contains commands for creating, formatting and managing typography.

Character / Text Properties

Displays detailed text formatting options, such as:

• font;
• size;
• style;
• character spacing;
• baseline;
• language;
• OpenType features.

Paragraph Formatting

Controls paragraph-level properties including:

• alignment;
• indentation;
• line spacing;
• paragraph spacing;
• tabs.

Useful for:

• brochures;
• catalogues;
• newsletters;
• technical documents.

Tabs

Configures tab positions inside paragraph text.

Columns

Allows paragraph text to flow into multiple columns where supported.

Useful for:

• newsletters;
• catalogues;
• magazine-style layouts.

Bullets and Numbering

Adds bullet points or numbered lists to paragraph text.

Fit Text to Path

What It Does

Places text along a vector path.

Example:

Place a company name around the top edge of a circle.

Typical workflow:

1. Create text.
2. Create a circle or curve.
3. Select the text.
4. Choose Text → Fit Text to Path.
5. Click the target path.

Useful for:

• logos;
• badges;
• seals;
• circular text.

Straighten Text

Where applicable, removes transformations applied to text characters.

Convert Between Artistic and Paragraph Text

CorelDRAW allows conversion between:

• Artistic Text;
• Paragraph Text.

A commonly used shortcut is:

Ctrl + F8

Use Artistic Text for short decorative text.

Use Paragraph Text for larger blocks of content.

Insert Character / Glyphs

Provides access to special characters and glyphs available in fonts.

Useful for:

• symbols;
• alternate characters;
• currency signs;
• decorative glyphs.

Font Manager / Font List

Current CorelDRAW Graphics Suite integrates with Corel Font Manager and advanced font-management features.

These help users:

• locate fonts;
• organize fonts;
• preview fonts;
• manage font collections.

Spell Check

Checks text for spelling errors.

Use this before sending:

• brochures;
• certificates;
• advertisements;
• catalogues;
• visiting cards.

Thesaurus / Writing Tools

Depending on language installation and version, additional writing tools may be available.

Change Case

Changes selected text between formats such as:

• uppercase;
• lowercase;
• title case;
• sentence case.

Availability and exact options vary.

Text Statistics

Some versions can provide information about document text.

9. Table Menu

The Table menu appears when working with tables and provides commands for creating and modifying table structures.

Create New Table

Creates a table with specified:

• rows;
• columns.

Useful for:

• price lists;
• product specifications;
• comparison tables;
• schedules.

Insert Row

Adds a new row.

Insert Column

Adds a new column.

Delete Row

Removes selected rows.

Delete Column

Removes selected columns.

Select

Allows selection of:

• cell;
• row;
• column;
• entire table.

Merge Cells

Combines multiple cells into one.

Useful for large headings.

Split Cells

Separates one cell into multiple cells.

Distribute Rows / Columns

Creates consistent row heights or column widths.

Convert Table to Text

Where supported, converts table content into normal text.

Convert Text to Table

Converts appropriately structured text into a table.

Exact command availability varies by release.

10. Tools Menu

The Tools menu traditionally contains commands for application settings, customization, color management, macros and other advanced features.

Some recent workspace layouts may place certain options elsewhere.

Options

What It Does

Opens CorelDRAW's main configuration settings.

Depending on version, options can include:

• document settings;
• workspace;
• save settings;
• text;
• snapping;
• display;
• color management;
• memory/performance;
• customization.

Customization

Lets you modify the CorelDRAW interface.

You can customize:

• menus;
• shortcuts;
• toolbars;
• toolbox;
• commands.

This is useful for professional users who repeatedly use the same functions.

Color Management

One of the most important areas for professional print work.

Color Management settings can control:

• RGB profiles;
• CMYK profiles;
• grayscale profiles;
• rendering intents;
• document color policies.

Do not change these settings randomly if you are preparing commercial print work.

Palette Editor

Depending on version, palette-management tools let you:

• create palettes;
• edit colors;
• organize brand colors.

Save Settings as Default

Allows certain current settings to become defaults for future documents.

Use carefully, because changing defaults can affect every new project.

Macros / Scripts

CorelDRAW supports automation through macros in supported editions/environments.

Macros can automate repetitive tasks such as:

• resizing objects;
• renaming elements;
• processing documents;
• repetitive production operations.

VBA

On supported Windows installations, Visual Basic for Applications can be used for advanced automation.

Availability depends on edition and installation options.

11. Window Menu

The Window menu controls open document windows, dockers and workspace panels.

New Window

Creates another view/window of the current document in versions supporting this behavior.

This can be useful when viewing different areas or zoom levels simultaneously.

Close Window

Closes the current document window.

Cascade

Arranges multiple document windows in overlapping form where supported.

Tile Horizontally / Vertically

Arranges multiple documents so they can be viewed simultaneously.

Useful when comparing:

• two design versions;
• original and revised artwork.

Dockers

One of the most important Window menu areas.

Depending on version, you can open dockers such as:

• Objects;
• Properties;
• Transform;
• Align and Distribute;
• Color;
• Object Styles;
• Symbols;
• Connect;
• Find and Replace.

Dockers make advanced commands easier to keep visible while working.

Toolbars

Lets you show or hide toolbars.

Corel's documentation, for example, describes the Project Timer toolbar as accessible through the Window menu in supported releases.

Color Palettes

Allows various color palettes to be shown or hidden.

Examples can include:

• Document Palette;
• Default RGB Palette;
• Default CMYK Palette;
• custom palettes.

Workspace

Some releases expose workspace switching through Window or application settings.

Different workspaces may be optimized for:

• default design;
• illustration;
• page layout;
• Adobe-style workflows;
• custom configurations.

List of Open Documents

At the bottom of the Window menu, CorelDRAW generally lists open documents.

Click a filename to switch directly to it.

12. Help Menu

The Help menu provides documentation, product information, updates and learning resources.

Product Help

Opens CorelDRAW documentation.

This should be one of your first resources when a command behaves differently from an online tutorial.

Learn / Tutorials

Current CorelDRAW releases include extensive learning material.

Corel's current tutorial library covers areas such as:

• workspace navigation;
• Pick Tool;
• object alignment;
• layers;
• vector tracing;
• print-ready PDFs;
• variable outlines;
• perspective;
• image editing;
• color palettes;
• templates;
• PowerTRACE.

 

What's New

Displays information about features introduced in the current release.

This is particularly useful when moving from an older CorelDRAW version.

Corel currently lists dedicated learning resources for CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2026 and its newly introduced functionality.

Check for Updates

Where available, checks for CorelDRAW updates.

Keeping the application updated can resolve:

• stability issues;
• compatibility problems;
• bugs;
• security concerns.

For production systems, it is still sensible to avoid installing major changes immediately before an urgent print deadline without testing important workflows.

About CorelDRAW

Displays application information such as:

• product name;
• version;
• build number;
• licensing information.

This is useful when a printer asks:

"Which CorelDRAW version are you using?"

Which CorelDRAW Menu Commands Should Beginners Learn First?

You do not need to memorize every menu immediately.

Start with these:

Menu	Commands to Learn First
File	New, Open, Save, Save As, Import, Export, Publish to PDF, Print
Edit	Undo, Redo, Cut, Copy, Paste, Duplicate, Select All
View	Normal, Wireframe, Rulers, Guidelines, Snap
Layout	Insert Page, Duplicate Page, Page Setup
Object	Group, Ungroup, Combine, Break Apart, Convert to Curves, Align, Order, PowerClip
Effects	Contour, Blend, Envelope, Shadow-related effects
Bitmaps	Convert to Bitmap, Resample, Trace Bitmap
Text	Fit Text to Path, Paragraph settings, Convert Text
Tools	Options, Customization, Color Management
Window	Dockers, Toolbars, Color Palettes
Help	Help, Tutorials, About

These commands cover a very large percentage of everyday CorelDRAW work.

Important Difference: Group vs Combine vs Weld

These three commands are frequently confused.

Group

Keeps objects separate but makes them behave like one selection.

Ctrl + G

Example:

Logo + text + icon remain independent objects inside one group.

Combine

Creates one curve object from multiple selected curves.

Ctrl + L

Overlapping paths can create holes.

Weld

Merges overlapping shapes into one continuous silhouette.

The original overlapping boundaries normally disappear.

Understanding this difference is essential for logo and cutting artwork.

Important Difference: Import vs Open

Open

Creates/opens a document from the selected file.

Import

Brings another file into the current CorelDRAW document.

Example:

You are creating a brochure and want to add:

CompanyLogo.svg

Use:

File → Import

rather than opening the logo as a separate project.

Important Difference: Save vs Export

Save

Preserves the working CorelDRAW document.

Normally:

.CDR

Export

Creates a file for another purpose.

Examples:

.JPG

.PNG

.SVG

.TIFF

Always retain the original CDR if future editing may be required.

Important Difference: Convert to Curves vs Convert Outline to Object

Convert to Curves

Ctrl + Q

Converts a selected object such as text into editable vector curves.

Frequently used to prevent font-substitution problems.

Convert Outline to Object

Ctrl + Shift + Q

Converts the visible stroke/outline into a separate vector shape.

These commands solve completely different problems.

Important Difference: Duplicate vs Copy/Paste

Copy and Paste

Uses the Clipboard:

Ctrl + C → Ctrl + V

This can also transfer content between applications.

Duplicate

Creates another copy directly in CorelDRAW:

Ctrl + D

Duplicate is often faster when building repeated objects inside the same document.

Important Difference: Lock vs Group

Grouping does not prevent editing.

A grouped object can still be moved.

Locking an object prevents accidental transformation until it is unlocked.

For example:

A page background that should never move can be locked.

Example: Creating a Print Design Using Menu Commands

Suppose you are creating a product brochure.

Step 1: Create the Document

Use:

File → New

Set:

• A4;
• portrait;
• CMYK workflow according to printer requirements.

Step 2: Import Images

Use:

File → Import

Import product photographs and logos.

Step 3: Duplicate Repeated Elements

Use:

Edit → Duplicate

for repeated boxes or design components.

Step 4: Arrange Objects

Use:

Object → Align and Distribute

to keep the layout organized.

Step 5: Create Image Frames

Use:

Object → PowerClip

to place images inside custom shapes.

Step 6: Handle Typography

Use the Text menu for paragraph formatting and related options.

Step 7: Convert Final Text if Required

Create a printer copy and use:

Object → Convert to Curves

where appropriate.

Step 8: Check the Display

Use:

View → Wireframe

to check hidden or overlapping vector objects.

Step 9: Prepare the PDF

Use:

File → Publish to PDF

with settings agreed with your print provider.

Step 10: Save the Master

Keep:

Brochure-Master.cdr

separate from:

Brochure-Printer.cdr

Why My CorelDRAW Menu Does Not Match a Tutorial

This is very common.

A tutorial may show:

Tools → Options

while your version shows a related setting elsewhere.

Reasons include:

• different CorelDRAW release;
• Windows vs macOS;
• CorelDRAW Standard vs Graphics Suite;
• subscription-only functionality;
• customized workspace;
• command renamed;
• command moved to a docker;
• command hidden.

CorelDRAW has evolved significantly over many versions, and the current CorelDRAW family includes different products and workflows. The current product line includes CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2026 as well as other CorelDRAW offerings.

Therefore, when following an older tutorial, focus on the command name and function, not only the exact menu position.

How to Find a Missing CorelDRAW Command

If you cannot find a command:

Method 1: Check Related Menus

Look under the menu most logically related to the command.

Method 2: Check Dockers

Use:

Window → Dockers

where applicable.

Method 3: Check Customization

Open CorelDRAW customization options and search for the command.

Method 4: Check the Property Bar

Some commands only appear when a relevant object or tool is selected.

Method 5: Check CorelDRAW Help

Search the exact command name in the official product documentation.

Method 6: Check Your Version

Use:

Help → About CorelDRAW

and note the exact version/build.

This is very important when asking for technical support.

Common Mistakes When Using CorelDRAW Menu Commands

Saving Over the Original Master

When creating:

• old-version copies;
• curved-text copies;
• print versions;

use Save As, not Save.

Rasterizing Vector Artwork Too Early

Avoid:

Bitmaps → Convert to Bitmap

until you are sure vector editability is no longer needed.

Converting Text to Curves Before Proofreading

Check spelling and details first.

Then save an editable master before using:

Convert to Curves.

Using Weld When Group Is Needed

Weld changes the vector geometry.

Group does not.

Using RGB/CMYK Commands Without Understanding Color Management

Do not randomly convert everything to CMYK.

Ask your printer which color profile and workflow are required.

Exporting JPG Instead of Saving the CDR

A JPG should not replace your editable CorelDRAW master.

Always retain the .CDR.

Ignoring Undo

If an operation produces the wrong result, use:

Ctrl + Z

before continuing with many additional edits.

FAQ

1. What is the Menu Bar in CorelDRAW?

The Menu Bar contains pull-down menus that provide access to CorelDRAW commands. Corel describes it as the interface area containing menu options and commands.

2. What are the main menus in CorelDRAW?

Common CorelDRAW Windows menus include File, Edit, View, Layout, Object, Effects, Bitmaps, Text, Table, Tools, Window and Help, although exact menus depend on version and workspace.

3. What is the File menu used for?

It handles document operations such as New, Open, Save, Import, Export, PDF creation and printing.

4. What is the Edit menu used for?

It includes common editing commands such as Undo, Copy, Paste, Duplicate and selection-related operations.

5. What is the Object menu used for?

It contains many of CorelDRAW's most important vector operations, including grouping, ordering, combining, shaping, alignment and conversion.

6. What does Ctrl + Q do in CorelDRAW?

It commonly runs Convert to Curves, converting supported selected objects such as text into vector curves.

7. What is Ctrl + Shift + Q?

It commonly performs Convert Outline to Object.

8. What is Ctrl + D?

It duplicates the selected object.

9. What is Ctrl + G?

It groups selected objects.

10. What is Ctrl + U?

It commonly ungroups a selected group.

11. What is Ctrl + L?

It commonly combines selected compatible objects into a curve.

12. What is Ctrl + K?

It commonly breaks apart a combined or supported compound object.

13. Where is PowerClip in CorelDRAW?

It is generally accessed from the Object-related commands, although exact wording and location may vary by release.

14. What does Weld do?

Weld joins selected overlapping shapes into one resulting vector shape.

15. What does Trim do?

Trim uses one object's shape to remove part of another object.

16. What does Intersect do?

Intersect creates a new object corresponding to the overlapping region of selected objects.

17. What is the difference between Group and Combine?

Group keeps the original objects separate. Combine turns compatible paths into one curve object.

18. What is the difference between Combine and Weld?

Combine retains subpaths and can create holes. Weld merges shapes into a unified silhouette.

19. What is Publish to PDF used for?

It creates a PDF and gives access to production options such as fonts, color settings, page range and print-related controls.

20. What does Trace Bitmap do?

It converts raster artwork such as a JPG logo into vector objects through CorelDRAW's tracing technology.

21. Where can I find color management settings?

They are available through CorelDRAW's color-management settings; the exact menu path varies between releases and workspaces.

22. What is the View menu used for?

It controls how the document is displayed, including wireframe views, rulers, grids, guides, snapping and proofing-related display modes.

23. Does Wireframe affect printing?

No. Wireframe is primarily a display mode for examining vector structure; it does not normally change the underlying artwork.

24. What is the Window menu used for?

It manages document windows, dockers, toolbars, palettes and other interface panels.

25. Why are some commands missing in my CorelDRAW?

The most likely reasons are version differences, workspace customization, platform differences, edition limitations or commands being moved into another menu, docker or property bar.

Final Recommendation / Conclusion

The CorelDRAW Menu Bar provides access to almost every major function in the application.

Instead of trying to memorize hundreds of commands immediately, learn them according to the job they perform.

Think of the CorelDRAW menus like this:

File
Create, open, save, import, export, PDF and print.

Edit
Undo, redo, copy, paste, duplicate and find.

View
Control how the artwork appears on your screen.

Layout
Manage pages and document structure.

Object
Arrange, group, combine, shape, convert and transform vector objects.

Effects
Apply visual and vector effects.

Bitmaps
Work with photos and raster images.

Text
Format and control typography.

Table
Create and edit tables.

Tools
Configure CorelDRAW, color management and advanced settings.

Window
Manage dockers, toolbars, palettes and open documents.

Help
Access documentation, tutorials, updates and version information.

CorelDRAW continues to evolve, and Corel's current learning resources already cover CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2026 alongside features such as improved object organization, alignment, multipage workflows, image editing and new creative functionality. Therefore, the exact location or wording of a command may differ from older versions even when its basic purpose remains the same.

For everyday professional work, learn these commands first:

New → Open → Save As → Import → Export → Publish to PDF → Undo → Duplicate → Group → Align → Order → PowerClip → Combine → Break Apart → Convert to Curves → Weld → Trim → Trace Bitmap → Fit Text to Path → Color Management → Print

Once these commands become familiar, navigating the rest of CorelDRAW becomes much easier.

 

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