Creating Outlines For Text In Corel Paint: A Simple Guide

how to add outlines on type in corel paint

CorelDRAW is a graphic design suite that offers a range of tools for designers, illustrators, and creatives. While Corel Photo-Paint 11 does not support outlining text, it is possible to create text outlines using the hidden vector tools. This can be done by going into Draw, creating the desired text, and then using the Contour tool to create an outline. Alternatively, the Outline Color tool in the toolbox allows for finer control over outline colour, allowing users to choose from colour palettes or tune colour values. To apply an outline to an object, drag a colour from the colour palette to the object's outline.

Characteristics Values
Outline thickness Linked to object size
Outline position Outside, Centered, Inside
Outline color Variety of color palettes and viewers
Outline style Custom, preset, calligraphic
Outline print On top of underlying colors
Outline shape Dashed, dotted, fixed dashes, align dashes
Outline width Stretch box value
Outline orientation Tilt nib box value
Outline transparency Adjustable
Outline tool Outline Pen tool, Contour tool

cypaint

Using the hidden vector tools

To add outlines on type in Corel Paint, you can use the "hidden" vector tools. Here's a step-by-step guide on using these tools:

First, open Corel Draw and create a new document. You can do this by leaving the Width and Height fields empty and clicking "Create!". This will give you an infinite canvas to work on. Once your document is ready, import the image you want to use by dragging it directly from your computer folder onto the canvas.

Now, you can start working on your text. Go to the "Draw" feature and create your text using the available fonts. After finalising the text, use the Contour tool to create your outline. You can choose to convert it to curves or keep it as it is. Once you're happy with the outline, copy the text to your clipboard.

Next, switch to Corel Photo-Paint. Select the Text tool and click on the canvas as if you're going to start typing. Instead of typing, paste the text you copied earlier. This will paste the outlined text from your clipboard.

You can now adjust the outline further. Change the outline thickness, position, and colour to your liking. For example, you can make the outline thicker or thinner, place it outside, inside, or centre the object, or choose a colour from the colour palette.

Additionally, you can experiment with different line styles for your outline. Create custom line styles or edit preset styles to achieve the desired effect. You can also explore creating calligraphic outlines, which vary in thickness, giving a handmade drawing effect.

By following these steps and utilising the hidden vector tools, you can successfully add outlines to your text in Corel Paint, allowing you to create unique and personalised designs.

cypaint

Applying colour to outlines

To apply colour to outlines in Corel Paint, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, select the object that has an outline. You can do this by using the Outline Pen tool in CorelDRAW, which allows you to change the appearance of lines and outlines. The Outline Pen tool can be accessed through the Outline Tools group in the Toolbox (for Windows users) or by using the keyboard shortcut F12 for Windows or CMD + SHIFT for Mac.

Once you have selected the object, you can adjust the outline colour by opening the Outline Colour tool in the toolbox. Here, you will be able to choose from a variety of colour palettes and colour viewers, allowing you to fine-tune the colour to your desired shade.

If you want more control over the outline colour, you can right-click on a colour in the colour palette to change the outline colour of the selected object. Additionally, you can adjust the thickness of the outline by specifying the width in the respective box. The width can be adjusted by entering a value between 1 and 100, with 100 being the default setting. Reducing this value will create a more pronounced calligraphic effect, making the outline appear more like a hand-drawn pen stroke.

You can also get creative by applying additional effects to your outlines, such as gradients or pattern fills, by selecting the "Convert Outline to Object" option from the Object menu. This will allow you to treat the outline as a separate object and fill it with any type of fill you desire.

Furthermore, you can adjust the position of the outline in relation to the object. You can choose to place the outline outside, inside, or centred on the object, with the effect being more noticeable with thicker outlines. Additionally, you can link the outline thickness to the object's size, so the outline increases or decreases in thickness when you resize the object.

By following these steps, you can easily apply colour and customise outlines in Corel Paint to achieve your desired look.

cypaint

Using the Outline Color tool

To access the Outline Color tool, open your toolbox. In the toolbox, you will be able to choose from color palettes or a variety of color viewers. The color viewers will allow you to fine-tune your color values.

The Outline Color tool allows you to have finer control over the outline color. You can also use the Outline Pen tool to change the appearance of lines and outlines. The Outline Pen tool can be accessed through the Outline Tools tool group in the Toolbox (Windows only) or by using the keyboard shortcut F12 for Windows.

You can also create custom line styles and edit the available preset line styles. For instance, you can create calligraphic outlines, which vary in thickness, creating the effect of a hand-made drawing. You can also link the outline thickness to an object's size, so that the outline increases when you increase the size of the object and decreases when you decrease the object's size.

To apply an outline to an object, drag a color from the color palette to the object's outline. To change the outline color of a selected object, right-click on a color in the color palette.

cypaint

Converting outlines to objects

  • Using the Pick tool, select the object with the outline you want to convert.
  • With the right mouse button, drag the object to the target object to which you want to apply the outline. A blue outline of the original object will follow the pointer to the new object.
  • When the pointer turns into a crosshair, release the mouse button. From the context menu, choose "Copy outline here."
  • Alternatively, you can use the Attributes eyedropper tool to copy outline properties.
  • You can also convert an outline to an object by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Q.

It's important to note that you can also achieve a similar effect by adjusting outline settings. For example, you can link the outline thickness to an object's size, ensuring that the outline scales properly when you resize the object. This can be done by opening the Outline Pen dialog (F12) and checking the "Scale with object" option.

cypaint

Creating a border with the Contour tool

To create a border with the Contour tool in Corel Photo-Paint, follow these steps:

First, go to the "Draw" section and create your text using the Text tool. Then, use the Contour tool to create your outline or border. You have the option to convert it to curves, depending on your preference. Once you're happy with your text and contour, copy the text to your clipboard.

Next, go into Photo-Paint and select the Text tool. Click on the file as if you're about to start typing, and instead, paste the text you previously copied.

To adjust the colour of your outline, open the Outline Color tool on the toolbox. Here, you can either choose from colour palettes or fine-tune your colour using the variety of colour viewers. You can also adjust the thickness of your outline by typing a value in the Stretch box. The value range is from 1 to 100, with 100 as the default setting. Reducing the value will make square nibs rectangular and round nibs oval, creating a more pronounced calligraphic effect.

Additionally, you can set the outline to print on top of underlying colours without removing them during printing. You can also specify the position of your outline by placing it outside or inside the object or centring it so that it overlaps equally.

Frequently asked questions

To outline text in Corel Photo-Paint, use the "hidden" vector tools. Go to Draw, create your text, and use the Contour tool to create your outline. Copy this text to your clipboard, then go to Photopaint, select the Text tool, and instead of typing, paste the text.

To get finer control over the outline colour, open the Outline Colour tool on the toolbox. Here, you can choose from colour palettes or tune the colour values to your liking.

To create a calligraphic outline, use the calligraphy settings with a wide solid curve. Reducing the Stretch value will produce a hand-drawn pen nib look, and adjusting the Angle will turn the nib.

To outline a shape, add the shape to your image, and outline it by default it will be added as a new object. Specify the width and transparency, as well as how the line segments join together. The current foreground colour will be the colour of the outline.

To outline an object, drag a colour from the colour palette to the object's outline.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment