Quick links to procedures on this page:

•
 
To apply an envelope
•
 
To copy an envelope
•
 
To edit the nodes and segments of an envelope
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To change the mapping mode

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 Back to Top
1.
 
Select an object.
2.
 
In the toolbox, click the Envelope tool .
3.
 
On the property bar, click one of the following buttons:
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Straight line mode — creates envelopes based on straight lines, adding perspective to objects
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Single-arc mode — creates envelopes with an arc shape on one side, giving objects a concave or convex appearance
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Double-arc mode — creates envelopes with an S shape on one or more sides
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Unconstrained mode — creates freeform envelopes that let you change the properties of the nodes, and add and delete the nodes
4.
 
Click the object.
5.
 
Drag the nodes to shape the envelope.
If you want to reset the envelope, press Esc before releasing the mouse.

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.

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 Back to Top
1.
 
Select an object to which you want to copy an envelope.
2.
 
Click Effects Copy effect Envelope from.
3.
 
Select the object from which you want to copy the envelope.
You can also copy an envelope by selecting an object, clicking the Copy envelope properties button on the property bar, and selecting an object with the envelope you want to copy.
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 Back to Top
1.
 
In the toolbox, click the Envelope tool .
2.
 
Select an object with an envelope.
3.
 
Double-click the envelope to add a node or double-click a node to delete it.

You can also
 
Move several envelope nodes at once
Click the 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 Single-arc mode or 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 Unconstrained mode button on the property bar so that it appears pressed, and click either the Cusp node , the Smooth node , or the Symmetrical node button.
Change an envelope segment to a straight line or curve
Click the Unconstrained mode button on the property bar so that it appears pressed, click a line segment, and click the Convert to line button or the Convert to curve button.

To change the mapping mode Back to Top
1.
 
In the toolbox, click the Envelope tool.
2.
 
Click an object with an envelope.
3.
 
On the property bar, choose one of the following from the Mapping mode list box:
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Horizontal — stretches the object to fit the basic dimensions of the envelope and then compresses the object horizontally to fit the shape of the envelope
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Original — maps the corner handles of the object’s selection box to the envelope’s corner nodes. The other nodes are mapped linearly along the edge of the object’s selection box.
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Putty — maps the corner handles of the object’s selection box to the envelope corner nodes
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Vertical — stretches the object to fit the basic dimensions of the envelope and then compresses the object vertically to fit the shape of the envelope
4.
 
Drag the nodes or the control handles.
The mapping mode of paragraph text frames cannot be changed after an envelope is applied.
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