CorelDRAW Help | Create symmetry

Create symmetry

To create a mirror symmetry group from scratch

To create symmetry, you can convert an existing object to a symmetry group, or you can start from scratch by drawing objects in symmetry mode. The objects that you convert or draw are known as primary objects; the objects generated by the symmetry are known as object copies.

CorelDRAW offers mirror symmetry, which lets you create identical shapes and curves that are mirrored or reflected on a set of planes. In the default mirror symmetry mode, primary objects are reflected along a single symmetry line. If you want to create a more complex design, you can add more symmetry lines.

Single-line symmetry (left); multi-line symmetry (right)

When creating a symmetry group from scratch, you can start by setting up the planes of symmetry. You can add more symmetry lines to create more object copies. In addition, you can reposition and rotate the symmetry lines by dragging them in the drawing window or by specifying values on the property bar. Each symmetry group has a center of symmetry, which is shown by a circular cursor when the symmetry lines are selected. With multi-line symmetry, the intersection point of the symmetry lines is the center of symmetry. Symmetry lines are rotated about the center of symmetry. You can move the center of symmetry by dragging it, or you can specify its exact location by using x and y coordinates.

From left to right: Default symmetry line, adding a symmetry line, rotating the symmetry lines.

For information about how to edit symmetry groups, see Edit symmetry.

To create a symmetry group from objects

1 Select or draw a curve or a shape.

2 Click Object

Symmetry

Create New Symmetry.

A symmetry line appears in the drawing window, and the primary object is duplicated and mirrored.

Edit the primary object or add more objects.

3 Click Object

Symmetry

Finish Editing Symmetry.

To accurately mirror an object that has a calligraphic outline, you must first link the outline thickness to the object’s size. To do this, select the object, double-click the Outline icon on the status bar, and in the Outline Pen dialog box, enable the Scale with object check box.

You can also create a symmetry group from an object by Control-clicking the object and clicking Create New Symmetry.

You can create a symmetry group from multiple shapes and curves.

To create a mirror symmetry group from scratch

1 Click Object

Symmetry

Create New Symmetry.

To add more symmetry lines for a more complex symmetry group, type a number in the Mirror lines box on the property bar. You can use up to 12 lines of symmetry.

You can also adjust the symmetry lines. For more information, see To set up the planes of symmetry.

2 Draw a curve or a shape.

To set up the planes of symmetry

1 Click Object

Symmetry

Create New Symmetry.

If you want to change the planes of symmetry in an existing symmetry group, click Object

Symmetry

Edit Symmetry.

2 Perform a task from the following table.

To	Do the following
Specify the number of symmetry lines	Type a number in the Mirror lines box on the property bar. You can add up to 12 symmetry lines.
Reposition a symmetry line	Using the Pick tool , drag the symmetry line in the drawing window.
Rotate a symmetry line	Using the Pick tool , click the symmetry line twice, and drag a rotation handle. Tip: You can also rotate a symmetry line by typing a value in the Angle of rotation box on the property bar.
Specify the center of symmetry	Type values in the X and Y boxes. This action repositions the symmetry lines.