CorelDRAW Graphics Suite Tips & Tricks

Using the import cursor in CorelDRAW® 12

CorelDRAW® lets you import files created in other applications. For example, you can import a Portable Document Format (PDF), JPEG, or Adobe® Illustrator® (AI) file into your drawing.

When you import a file into CorelDRAW, the import cursor is displayed. At this point, you can choose from a few options for sizing and positioning the imported file. For example, if you click the drawing page, the file's original dimensions are maintained, and its top-left corner is positioned where you clicked; if you press Enter, the file's original dimensions are maintained, and it is centered on the drawing page. If, however, you want to have full control over the size and position of the imported file, you can click and drag on the drawing page. The import cursor displays the dimensions of the resized file as you drag on the drawing page, so it's very easy to size the imported file to your exact specifications!

When you click and drag by using the import cursor, the dimensions of the resized file are displayed.

To use the import cursor to size and position an imported file

1. Click File > Import.
   
   
2. Choose the folder where the file is stored.
   
   
3. Choose a file format from the Files of type list box.
   
   
4. Click the filename.
   
   If the file contains text in a language different from the language of your operating system, choose the corresponding option from the Code page list box to ensure that all text displays correctly.
   
   
5. Click Options, and enable any of the following active check boxes:
   
   
   • Combine multi-layer bitmap — automatically merges the layers within a bitmap
     
     
   • Extract embedded ICC profile — lets you save the embedded International Color Consortium (ICC) profile to the color folder where the application is installed
     
     
   • Check for watermark — lets you check the image for a watermark and any information it contains, such as copyright
     
     
   • Do not show filter dialog — lets you use the filter's default settings without opening its dialog box
     
     
   • Maintain layers and pages — lets you maintain layers and pages when importing files; if you disable the check box, all layers are combined in a single layer
     
     Note that not all importing options are available for all file formats.
   
   
6. Click Import.
   
   
7. Using the import cursor, click where you want to anchor one of the file's corners, and then drag in any direction to size and position the imported file. The file's original proportions are maintained unless you hold down Alt as you drag. The import cursor displays the dimensions of the resized file as you drag on the drawing page.
   
   > If you prefer, you can click the drawing page to maintain the file's original dimensions and position its top-left corner where you clicked, or you can press Enter to maintain the file's original dimensions and center it on the drawing page.