CorelDRAW

Shaping objects by 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 “Using curve objects.”

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

2.

In the toolbox, click the Envelope tool .

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

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

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

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

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.

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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

2.

Click Effects Copy effect Envelope from.

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

To edit the nodes and segments of an envelope

1.

In the toolbox, click the Envelope tool .

You can also
Move several envelope nodes at once	Click the Envelope unconstrained mode button on the property bar, marquee select the nodes you want to move, and drag any node to a new position.
Marquee select multiple nodes	On the property bar, choose Rectangular from the Selection mode list box, and drag around the nodes that you want to select.
Freehand marquee select multiple nodes	On the property bar, choose Freehand from the Selection mode list box, and drag around the nodes you want to select.
Move opposing nodes an equal distance in the same direction	Press Ctrl, select two opposing nodes, and drag them to a new position.
Move opposing nodes an equal distance in the opposite direction	Click the Envelope single arc mode or Envelope double arc mode button on the property bar so that it appears raised, press Shift, and drag one of the nodes to a new position.
Change an envelope node type	Click the Envelope unconstrained mode button on the property bar so that it appears pressed, and click either the Make node a cusp , the Make node smooth , or the Make node symmetrical button.
Change an envelope segment to a straight line or curve	Click the Envelope unconstrained mode button on the property bar so that it appears pressed, click a line segment, and click the Convert curve to line button or the Convert line to curve button.

To change the mapping mode

1.

In the toolbox, click the Envelope tool.

Shaping objects by using envelopes