How to Remove Background in CorelDRAW: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Table of Contents

Unleash Your Creativity with Clean Backgrounds!

Are you tired of cluttered backgrounds ruining your digital designs? Say goodbye to messy images and hello to professional-looking graphics with CorelDRAW’s background removal feature. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of removing backgrounds in CorelDRAW, so you can create stunning visuals that grab attention. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting out, this easy-to-follow tutorial will help you master this essential skill. Let’s dive in!

Introduction

When it comes to graphic design, a clean background can make all the difference. Removing unwanted backgrounds allows you to isolate objects, create transparent logos, or merge images seamlessly. With CorelDRAW, a powerful vector-based software, you have the tools to achieve precise and professional results. But where do you start? We’ve got you covered. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the process step by step, giving you the skills to master background removal in CorelDRAW.

Why Removing Backgrounds Matters

A cluttered background can distract viewers from the main subject, diminish the overall impact of your design, or simply make it difficult to integrate images into your projects. By removing the background, you can create eye-catching visuals that draw attention to your intended message. Whether you’re designing a logo, poster, or webpage, knowing how to remove backgrounds will take your creations to the next level.

Enhance Visual Focus

Removing the background allows you to isolate the main subject of your image, drawing the viewer’s attention directly to it. By eliminating any distracting elements, you can enhance the visual focus on your subject, making it more impactful and memorable.

Create Seamless Integrations

Whether you’re designing a website or a printed material, a clean background allows you to seamlessly integrate images with other elements. By removing unwanted backgrounds, you can merge multiple images, overlay graphics, or position objects in a way that looks visually cohesive and professional.

Design for Flexibility

When you remove backgrounds, you open up new possibilities for creativity and flexibility in your design projects. With transparent backgrounds, you can easily place your designs on different colored backgrounds, templates, or textures without the need for manual clipping or cropping.

Isolate Objects and Logos

Removing the background is crucial when you want to isolate specific objects or create transparent logos. A clean background allows objects to be easily extracted and used independently, making them versatile for various applications and ensuring a professional, polished look.

Step 1: Select the Object

Choosing the Right Selection Tool

Before you can remove the background, you need to select the object you want to isolate. CorelDRAW offers various selection tools, each suitable for different scenarios. Let’s explore some of the most commonly used selection tools:

Freehand Pick Tool

The Freehand Pick tool allows you to make a selection by drawing around the object with freehand strokes. This tool is particularly useful for selecting irregularly shaped objects or objects with complex outlines.

Rectangle Tool

The Rectangle tool creates a selection by drawing a rectangle or square around the object. It’s a perfect choice for selecting objects with straight edges or precise dimensions.

Magic Wand Tool

The Magic Wand tool selects objects based on color similarity. It automatically detects and selects areas with similar colors or tones. This tool works well for selecting objects with clear boundaries and solid colors.

Smart Fill Tool

The Smart Fill tool identifies enclosed areas and fills them with color. It can be useful for quickly selecting objects with closed shapes or gaps that can be easily filled.

Tips for Accurate Selection

When using any of the selection tools, it’s essential to carefully and precisely select the object you want to isolate. Here are some tips for achieving accurate selections:

Zoom In

Zoom in on your image to get a closer view of details and make more precise selections. This allows you to see the edges clearly and ensure that you are selecting exactly what you want.

Adjust Selection Tool Options

Explore the options available for each selection tool in CorelDRAW. You can adjust settings such as brush size, edge detection, or tolerance level, depending on the tool you are using. Experiment with these options to find the settings that work best for your specific needs.

Refine Selection with Multiple Tools

Depending on the complexity of your object, you may find it necessary to use a combination of selection tools to achieve the desired result. For example, you can start with the Magic Wand tool to select the main area and then use the Freehand Pick tool to refine the selection along the edges.

Step 2: Refine the Selection

Feathering for Smooth Edges

Once you’ve made the initial selection, you may need to refine it further to achieve smooth and seamless edges. CorelDRAW provides options like Feathering, which softens the edges of the selection, giving your object a more natural and blended appearance.

Using the Feathering Tool

To apply feathering to your selection, follow these steps:

Select the object you want to feather by clicking on it with the selection tool.
Navigate to the Property Bar at the top of the CorelDRAW interface.
Locate the Feathering option and adjust the value to your liking. Higher values will result in a more pronounced feathering effect.
Preview the result and make further adjustments if necessary.

Smart Fill for Automatic Gap Filling

When you’re working with objects that have small gaps or enclosed areas, CorelDRAW’s Smart Fill tool can be a lifesaver. It automatically detects these gaps and fills them, creating a more complete and accurate selection.

Using the Smart Fill Tool

To use the Smart Fill tool to refine your selection, follow these steps:

Select the object with the gaps you want to fill.
Navigate to the Property Bar at the top of the CorelDRAW interface.
Click on the Smart Fill option to activate it.
Ensure that the settings, such as Gap Detection and Fill Type, are appropriate for your specific needs.
Apply the Smart Fill tool to fill in the detected gaps in your selection.

Step 3: Access the Background Removal Tool

Now it’s time to access the powerful Background Removal tool in CorelDRAW. This tool allows you to remove unwanted backgrounds quickly and easily, giving you more control over the final appearance of your designs.

Locating the Background Removal Tool

To access the Background Removal tool, follow these steps:

Ensure that the object you want to remove the background from is selected.
Navigate to the Interactive Tools section, which can be found in the toolbox on the left side of the CorelDRAW interface.
Click on the Background Removal tool to activate it.

Understanding the Bounding Box

Once you activate the Background Removal tool, you’ll see a bounding box appear around your selected object. This bounding box represents the area where the background will be removed.

Adjusting the Bounding Box

You can adjust the size and position of the bounding box to precisely control which areas of the background will be removed. To adjust the bounding box, follow these steps:

Click and drag on the handles of the bounding box to resize it.
Click and drag inside the bounding box to reposition it.

Step 4: Adjust the Settings

CorelDRAW allows you to customize the background removal process to achieve the best results for your specific image. By adjusting various settings, you can fine-tune the accuracy and quality of the background removal.

Tolerance

The Tolerance setting determines the sensitivity of the Background Removal tool. A higher tolerance value will result in a more inclusive selection, removing a broader range of colors and tones. A lower tolerance value will be more selective, preserving more of the original image.

Edge Feathering

Edge Feathering controls the softness of the edges in the resulting image after background removal. By adjusting this setting, you can achieve smoother transitions between the object and the background, enhancing the overall visual appeal of your design.

Transparency

The Transparency setting allows you to make the background transparent instead of removing it completely. This is particularly useful if you want to integrate your object into different backgrounds or if you intend to save the image in a format that supports transparency, such as PNG.

Adjusting the Settings

To adjust the settings of the Background Removal tool, follow these steps:

Ensure that the Background Removal tool is activated and the bounding box is positioned correctly around your object.
Navigate to the Property Bar at the top of the CorelDRAW interface.
Locate the Tolerance, Edge Feathering, and Transparency options.
Experiment with different values to see how they affect the background removal result.
Preview the result and continue adjusting the settings until you’re satisfied.

Step 5: Remove the Background

Once you’ve selected your object, adjusted the settings, and positioned the bounding box, it’s time to remove the unwanted background from your image. CorelDRAW’s Background Removal tool makes this process quick and intuitive.

Removing the Background

To remove the background using the Background Removal tool, follow these steps:

Ensure that the Background Removal tool is activated and the settings are adjusted to your liking.
Click and drag over the areas of the background that you want to remove.
As you drag, CorelDRAW will intelligently remove the selected background, leaving only your object visible.
Take your time and carefully remove all unwanted elements in the background.

Real-Time Preview

As you remove the background, CorelDRAW provides a real-time preview of the result. This allows you to see the changes instantly and make adjustments as needed. Take advantage of this feature to achieve the best possible outcome.

Step 6: Fine-Tune the Result

After removing the background, you may need to make some final adjustments to ensure that your object integrates seamlessly into different backgrounds or other design elements. CorelDRAW offers additional tools that can help you refine the result and achieve a polished final image.

Eraser Tool for Manual Touch-Ups

If there are any remaining small imperfections or traces of the background, you can use the Eraser tool to manually remove them. The Eraser tool allows you to erase specific areas with precision, ensuring a clean and seamless integration of your object.

Trim Tool for Removing Excess Parts

The Trim tool can be useful when you want to remove excess parts of your image that extend beyond the selection or bounding box. It trims the image to the outline of the selection, creating a clean and precise result.

Using the Eraser and Trim Tools

To use the Eraser and Trim tools for fine-tuning, follow these steps:

Activate the tool you want to use from the toolbox on the left side of the CorelDRAW interface.
Adjust the tool’s settings, such as brush size for the Eraser tool or target area for the Trim tool.
Carefully erase or trim any remaining background or excess parts of the image.
Zoom in to ensure accuracy and make precise adjustments as needed.
Preview the final result and refine further if necessary.

Step 7: Save and Export

Once you’re satisfied with the background removal and any fine-tuning you’ve done, it’s time to save your work and export your image. CorelDRAW offers various file formats that support transparency, ensuring that you can use your newly removed background in different projects or software.

Selecting the Right File Format

When saving or exporting your image, consider the file format that best suits your needs:

PNG

PNG is a widely used file format that supports transparency. It preserves the removed background’s transparency, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your object into different backgrounds or templates.

SVG

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is a vector-based file format that allows you to scale your image without losing quality. If you plan to use your removed-background object in different sizes or for print, SVG is a great choice.

JPG or JPEG

JPG or JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is a popular file format for images. However, it does not support transparency. If you don’t need a transparent background and want to reduce file size, JPG or JPEG may be suitable.

Exporting Your Image

To save or export your image with the removed background, follow these steps:

Ensure that your object is selected, and the background has been appropriately removed.
Click on “File” in the menu bar at the top of the CorelDRAW interface.
Select “Save As” or “Export.”
Choose the desired file format for your image.
Specify the destination folder and provide a name for your file.
Click “Save” or “Export” to complete the process.

Tutorial – How to Remove Background in CorelDRAW: Step by Step

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive deeper into the step-by-step tutorial for removing backgrounds in CorelDRAW. With these detailed instructions, you’ll be able to create stunning visuals in no time. Follow along and unleash your creativity!

Step 1: Open CorelDRAW and Import Your Image

To start, launch CorelDRAW on your computer. If you don’t have the software, you can download and install it from the official Corel website. Once CorelDRAW is up and running, follow these steps:

Click on “File” in the menu bar at the top of the CorelDRAW interface.
Select “Open” and browse to the location where your image is stored.
Select the image file and click “Open.”

Your image will now appear on the canvas in CorelDRAW, ready for further editing.

Step 2: Select the Object

With your image imported, it’s time to select the object you want to remove the background from. Depending on the complexity of your image and the type of object you’re working with, choose the appropriate selection tool from the toolbox on the left side ofthe CorelDRAW interface. Here are some tips for selecting the object accurately:

Zoom In for Precision

Zoom in on the image to get a closer look at the details of the object. This will help you make more precise selections and ensure that you don’t accidentally include unwanted elements in your selection.

Use the Freehand Pick Tool

If your object has irregular or complex shapes, the Freehand Pick tool is a great choice. Activate the Freehand Pick tool from the toolbox and carefully trace the outline of the object by dragging your mouse or stylus along its edges. Take your time to ensure a clean and accurate selection.

Utilize the Rectangle Tool

If your object has straight edges or is a geometric shape, the Rectangle tool can be a quick and efficient way to select it. Activate the Rectangle tool and click and drag on the canvas to draw a rectangle that encompasses your object. Adjust the size and position of the rectangle as needed.

Try the Magic Wand Tool

If your object has a solid color or distinct areas, the Magic Wand tool can be a useful selection tool. Activate the Magic Wand tool and click on a part of the object. The tool will automatically select areas with similar colors or tones. Adjust the tolerance level in the tool options to fine-tune the selection.

Combine Selection Tools

If your object has complex shapes or multiple areas to select, don’t be afraid to combine different selection tools. For example, you can use the Freehand Pick tool to select the main shape and then use the Magic Wand tool to refine the selection for smaller details or areas.

Step 3: Refine the Selection

After making your initial selection, it’s important to refine it further to achieve clean and precise edges. CorelDRAW offers tools and options to help you achieve the desired result:

Feathering for Smooth Edges

Feathering allows you to soften the edges of your selection, creating a smoother transition between the object and the background. This is particularly useful when working with objects that have fuzzy or irregular edges. Here’s how to apply feathering to your selection:

Ensure that your object is selected.
Navigate to the Property Bar at the top of the CorelDRAW interface.
Locate the Feathering option.
Adjust the feathering value to control the softness of the edges.
Preview the result and make further adjustments if needed.

Smart Fill for Gap Filling

If your object has gaps or enclosed areas within it, the Smart Fill tool can automatically detect and fill those gaps, resulting in a cleaner and more complete selection. Here’s how to use the Smart Fill tool:

Ensure that your object is selected.
Navigate to the Property Bar at the top of the CorelDRAW interface.
Click on the Smart Fill option to activate it.
Adjust the settings, such as Gap Detection and Fill Type, if necessary.
Apply the Smart Fill tool to fill in the detected gaps in your selection.

Zoom In for Precision

Zooming in on your image allows you to see the details more clearly, making it easier to refine the selection with accuracy. Use the zoom controls at the bottom of the CorelDRAW interface or use the keyboard shortcuts to zoom in and out.

Make Adjustments with the Shape tool

The Shape tool in CorelDRAW can be helpful for fine-tuning and adjusting the selection. With the Shape tool selected, you can click and drag on the edges of the selection to modify its shape or size. You can also manipulate individual nodes to achieve a more precise and custom selection.

Step 4: Access the Background Removal Tool

CorelDRAW’s Background Removal tool is the key to removing the unwanted background from your image. Here’s how to access and use the tool:

Activate the Background Removal Tool

Ensure that your object is selected, and navigate to the Interactive Tools section in the toolbox on the left side of the CorelDRAW interface. Locate the Background Removal tool and click on it to activate it.

Understanding the Bounding Box

Once the Background Removal tool is activated, you’ll see a bounding box appear around your selected object. This bounding box represents the area where the background will be removed. Understanding how to work with the bounding box is crucial for achieving accurate results.

Resize the Bounding Box

If the bounding box is not aligned perfectly with your object or if you want to include more or less of the background, you can resize the bounding box. Click and drag on the handles of the bounding box to adjust its size. You can also click and drag inside the bounding box to reposition it.

Step 5: Adjust the Settings

CorelDRAW provides several settings that allow you to customize the background removal process according to your specific needs. Here’s an overview of the settings you can adjust:

Tolerance

The Tolerance setting controls the sensitivity of the Background Removal tool. A higher tolerance value will result in a more inclusive selection, removing a broader range of colors and tones. A lower tolerance value will be more selective, preserving more of the original image.

Edge Feathering

Edge Feathering determines the softness of the edges in the resulting image after the background removal. By adjusting the Edge Feathering setting, you can achieve smoother transitions between the object and the removed background, enhancing the overall visual appeal of your design.

Transparency

The Transparency setting allows you to make the background transparent instead of completely removing it. This can be useful if you want to integrate your object into different backgrounds or if you plan to save the image in a format that supports transparency, such as PNG.

Adjusting the Settings

To customize the settings of the Background Removal tool, follow these steps:

Ensure that the Background Removal tool is activated, and the bounding box is properly positioned.
Navigate to the Property Bar at the top of the CorelDRAW interface.
Locate the Tolerance, Edge Feathering, and Transparency options.
Experiment with different values to see how they affect the background removal result.
Preview the result in real-time and continue adjusting the settings until you’re satisfied.

Step 6: Remove the Background

With the object selected, the settings adjusted, and the bounding box in the desired position, it’s time to remove the background using CorelDRAW’s Background Removal tool. This tool makes the process quick and intuitive. Follow these steps:

Click and Drag to Remove

Click and drag your cursor inside the bounding box, over the areas of the background that you want to remove. As you drag, CorelDRAW will intelligently remove the selected background, leaving only your object visible. Take your time and carefully remove all the unwanted elements in the background.

Real-Time Preview

Undo Mistakes

If you make a mistake while removing the background, don’t worry. CorelDRAW offers the Undo feature, which allows you to revert back to a previous step. Simply use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Z or navigate to the Edit menu and select Undo to undo any undesired changes.

Step 7: Fine-Tune the Result

After removing the background, you may want to make some final adjustments to ensure that your object integrates seamlessly into different backgrounds or other design elements. CorelDRAW offers additional tools that can help you refine the result and achieve a polished final image:

Use the Eraser Tool

If there are any remaining small imperfections or traces of the background, you can use the Eraser tool to manually remove them. Activate the Eraser tool from the toolbox and carefully erase any unwanted elements. Use a small brush size and zoom in for precision.

Trim Excess Parts

If there are any parts of your image that extend beyond the selection or bounding box and you want to remove them, you can use the Trim tool. Activate the Trim tool from the toolbox and click on the areas of the image that you want to trim. The Trim tool will cut away the excess parts, leaving a clean and precise result.

Zoom In for Precision

Zooming in on your image allows you to see the details more clearly and make precise adjustments. Use the zoom controls at the bottom of the CorelDRAW interface or use the keyboard shortcuts to zoom in and out as needed.

Real-Time Preview

As you fine-tune the result, CorelDRAW provides a real-time preview, allowing you to see the changes instantly. This helps you make accurate adjustments and ensures that your object seamlessly integrates into different backgrounds or design elements.

Complete Guide: How to Remove Background in CorelDRAW

To summarize the step-by-step process of removing background in CorelDRAW, let’s break it down:

Step	Description
Step 1	Open CorelDRAW and import your image
Step 2	Select the object you want to keep
Step 3	Refine the selection with feathering and smart fill
Step 4	Activate the background removal tool
Step 5	Adjust the settings for tolerance, edge feathering, and transparency
Step 6	Remove the unwanted background by dragging over it
Step 7	Fine-tune the result with the eraser and trim tools

How to Remove Background in CorelDRAW – FAQ

1. Can I remove the background from a photo in CorelDRAW?

Yes, you can remove the background from a photo in CorelDRAW. The steps are the same as outlined in this tutorial. Simply import your photo into CorelDRAW and follow the step-by-step process to remove the background.

2. Is CorelDRAW suitable for beginners?

While CorelDRAW offers powerful tools, it is suitable for users of all skill levels, including beginners. The intuitive interface and step-by-step tutorials make it accessible and easy to learn. With practice, anyone can master background removal in CorelDRAW.

3. Will removing the background affect the quality of my image?

No, removing the background in CorelDRAW is a non-destructive process and will not affect the quality of your image. The removal process retains the original clarity and sharpness of the object while eliminating the unwanted background.

4. Can I remove complex backgrounds in CorelDRAW?

Absolutely! CorelDRAW’s Background Removal tool is equipped to handle complex backgrounds. By adjusting the tool’s settings and taking advantage of the selection and refinement options, you can achieve precise results even with intricate backgrounds.

5. Is it possible to remove backgrounds from scanned images in CorelDRAW?

Yes, CorelDRAW allows you to remove backgrounds from scanned images. The process is the same as for any other image. Simply import your scanned image into CorelDRAW and follow the steps outlined in this tutorial to remove the background.

6. Can I remove backgrounds from multiple objects simultaneously?

Yes, CorelDRAW supports batch processing, allowing you to remove backgrounds from multiple objects simultaneously. This feature is especially helpful when working with projects that involve numerous images.

7. Can I restore the background after removing it?

CorelDRAW does not have a specific “restore background” feature. However, you can manually recreate the background or revert to a previously saved version of your design. It’s important to save multiple versions of your work to maintain flexibility throughout the editing process.

8. What if I make a mistake while removing the background?

If you make a mistake while removing the background, you can easily revert back to a previous step using CorelDRAW’s Undo feature. Simply use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Z or navigate to the Edit menu and select Undo. This allows you to correct any mistakes or undesired changes.

9. Can I use the removed background for other projects?

Yes, once you have removed the background from an object, you can use it as a transparent element in other projects. Export your design as a PNG file to preserve the transparency, and then import it into other software or projects as needed.

10. Is CorelDRAW compatible with other design software?

CorelDRAW supports various file formats, making it compatible with other design software. You can export your design in formats like SVG, EPS, or PDF, which can be opened and edited in software like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape. This allows for seamless collaboration and interchangeability between different design programs.

11. Are there any alternative methods to remove backgrounds in CorelDRAW?

While CorelDRAW’s Background Removal tool is highly effective, there are alternative methods that you can explore. For example, you can use the Mask tool to create and refine masks for background removal. Additionally, the Eraser tool can be used for manual background removal. Experiment with different methods to find the one that best suits your workflow and preferences.

12. Can I apply background removal to vector graphics?

Yes, CorelDRAW allows you to apply background removal not only to raster images but also to vector graphics. The same steps and tools can be used to remove the background from both types of images, ensuring a clean and precise result.

13. Where can I find more design resources for CorelDRAW?

The official CorelDRAW website provides a wealth of design resources, tutorials, and inspiration to help you enhance your skills and explore new techniques. Additionally, online design forums and communities often offer valuable insights and resources shared by fellow CorelDRAW users. Joining these communities can be a great way to connect with other designers and learn from their experiences.

Note: The information provided in this article is based on personal expertise and online resources. Results may vary depending on individual skills, software versions, and image complexity. Always consult official CorelDRAW documentation and explore additional resources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Conclusion: Unlock Your Design Potential with CorelDRAW

Now that you have mastered the art of removing backgrounds in CorelDRAW, you have unlocked a powerful tool for unleashing your creativity. Clean backgrounds can elevate the impact of your designs, whether you are creating captivating artwork, eye-catching logos, or engaging marketing materials. Don’t let cluttered backgrounds hold you back!

With CorelDRAW’s background removal feature, you have the freedom to seamlessly integrate your objects into various backgrounds, templates, or other design elements. The step-by-step tutorial provided in this article has equipped you with the skills and knowledge to confidently remove backgrounds and produce professional and polished designs.

Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you experiment with CorelDRAW’s background removal tools, the more proficient you will become. Each project is an opportunity to refine your skills and explore different creative possibilities.

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and push the boundaries of your designs. Background removal opens up a world of creative potential, allowing you to create stunning visual compositions and designs that capture attention and leave a lasting impression.

Keep learning and stay up to date with new features and techniques. CorelDRAW offers a vast array of resources, tutorials, and a supportive community that can help you further enhance your skills.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on personal expertise and online resources. Results may vary depending on individual skills, software versions, and image complexity. Always refer to official CorelDRAW documentation and consult additional resources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.