Reference: Symbols


Modify symbol instances

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The following object properties can be modified for symbol instances. If a symbol contains multiple objects, all objects in the symbol instance are treated collectively as a single object, just as if they were grouped.

 

Property
Notes
Position
Can be modified on the property bar. For more information, see Position objects.
Size
Can be modified on the property bar. For more information, see Size and scale objects.
Scale
Percentage is relative to the symbol definition. Can be modified on the property bar. For more information, see Size and scale objects.
Skew
For more information, see Skew and stretch objects.
Rotation angle
Can be modified on the property bar. For more information, see Rotate and mirror objects.
Transparency
Uniform transparency only. Can be modified in the Symbol section of the Properties docker.
Mirror
Can be modified on the property bar. For more information, see Rotate and mirror objects.
Wrap text
Can be modified in the Summary section of the Properties docker. Can also be modified on the property bar. For more information, see To wrap paragraph text around an object, artistic text, or a text frame.
Order
Can be modified on the property bar. For more information, see Change the order of objects.
Name
The name of an instance is displayed in the Symbols docker. Click twice to change it.

Unsupported object types

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Most objects in CorelDRAW can be converted to symbols, with the following exceptions.

 

Unsupported object type
Notes
Linked or embedded objects
Includes bar codes
Objects with lenses that are not frozen
Lenses must be frozen.
Control objects in link groups (such as drop shadows, contours, blends, bevels, and extrusions)
All related objects in the link group must be included in the symbol. For example, if an object has a drop shadow, you cannot convert the object without the drop shadow. Alternatively, you can break the group apart.
Objects with Artistic Media effects applied
Spray effects must be broken apart into curve objects. Other Artistic Media effects must be either broken apart, or converted as a link group. Spray effects that contain transparencies cannot be converted to symbols.
Print merge fields
Linked bitmaps
Placed PDF or EPS files
Locked object
Object must be unlocked.
Paragraph text
Connector and dimension lines
Must be broken apart or included with the linked object or objects
Guidelines
Rollovers
You cannot convert a rollover to a symbol; however, you can include a symbol instance in a rollover state.
Objects with transparency or transparency effects applied
Transparency effects must be converted to a bitmap.

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The features documented in the Help are available in the full version of CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2021. Some features may not be available in this version of the product.