1. Tutorials & Tips
2. Tips & Tricks

Using the Cutout Lab

This tip has been written for CorelDRAW® Graphics Suite X3. While similar features might be available in previous releases the tip will be fully applicable to CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X3 and newer versions only.

The Cutout Lab in Corel PHOTO-PAINT® is designed to improve accuracy and simplify the process of cutting out image areas, making it ideal when you're trying to isolate part of a photo with a soft edge, such as fur, hair, or leaves.

The Cutout Lab includes the Add Detail and Remove Detail tools to help you easily refine the cutout area. For easy reference when defining the cutout area, you can preview your cutout against the original image, or transparent, white, gray, or black backgrounds. For maximum flexibility, you can choose to save the cutout object and discard the original image, save the cutout object and keep the original image, or save the cutout object as a clip mask added to the original image.

You can easily tweak the edges of the cutout area. In addition, the Cutout Lab includes Undo and Redo buttons so that you can quickly correct any mistakes.

To isolate image areas with the Cutout Lab

1. Start Corel PHOTO-PAINT, and open an image.
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Click Image > Cutout Lab.
   
   
3. In the Cutout Lab dialog box, click the Highlighter tool.
   
   
4. In the preview window, draw a line along the edges of the image area that you want to cut out.
   
   
   
   
   
5. Click the Inside Fill tool, and click inside the area you want to cut out.
   
   
   
   
   
6. Click Preview.
   
   
   
   
   
7. If necessary, use the Add Detail and Remove Detail tools to refine your cutout object.
   
   
8. From the Cutout Results area, choose any of the following options:
   
   
   • Cutout — creates a cutout object and discards the original
     
     
   • Cutout and original — creates a cutout object and preserves the original
     
     
   • Cutout as clip mask — creates a clip mask attached to original

To modify the edges of the cutout area

• Click the Eraser tool, and drag over the highlight and fill that you want to delete.
  
  The Eraser tool is available before you click Preview.

To undo and redo actions

• Click the Undo or Redo button.
  
  You can revert to the original image by clicking Revert.