Size and scale objects


CorelDRAW lets you size and scale objects. In both cases, you change the dimensions of an object proportionally by preserving its aspect ratio. You can change the dimensions of an object by specifying precise values or by changing the object interactively. When you scale an object, you change its dimensions by a specified percentage.

You can also scale an object by specifying the dimension for a portion of the object, and you can interactively set a portion dimension and origin point to scale an object.

To size an object

Back to Top

 

To
Do the following
Size a selected object
Drag any of the corner selection handles.
Set a precise size
Type values in the Object size boxes on the property bar.
Size a selected object from its center
Hold down Shift, and drag one of the corner selection handles.
Size a selected object to a multiple of its original size
Hold down Ctrl, and drag one of the corner selection handles.
Stretch and size a selected object simultaneously
Hold down Alt, and drag one of the corner selection handles.

*

The anchor point of an object, also known as "object origin," remains stationary when you resize the object by typing values in the Object size boxes on the property bar. If you want to change the object origin, click a point on the Object Origin button on the property bar.

*

You can also size an object by clicking Window Dockers Transform, clicking the Size button and then typing values in the Transform docker.

To scale an object

Back to Top
1 Select an object.
2 In the toolbox, click the Free Transform tool .
3 Click the Free scale button on the property bar.
If you want to change the object origin, click a point on the Object Origin button on the property bar.
4 Type a percentage by which you want to scale the object in the Scale factor boxes on the property bar.

 

You can also
Apply the scaling according to the object’s position rather than the x and y coordinates
Click the Relative to object button on the property bar.
Scale an object using the Transform docker
Click Window Dockers Transform. Click the Scale and mirror button, type values in the X and Y boxes, and click Apply.
Leave the original object unchanged and apply the transformation to a copy
Click the Apply to duplicate button on the property bar, or type a number in the Copies box in the Transform docker.

*

The object origin, also known as "anchor point" or "reference point," can be the center of an object or any one of the object’s selection handles. The object origin remains stationary when an object is scaled by typing values in the Scale factor boxes on the property bar.

*

You can also scale an object by dragging a corner selection handle.

You can also scale an object by using the Transform toolbar. To open the toolbar, click Window Toolbars Transform.

To scale an object by portion

Back to Top
1 Select an object.
2 Click Window Dockers Transform.
3 In the Transform docker, click the Size button , and enable the Scale portion option.
4 Type a value in the Scale portion box, and then click Apply.
5 Drag along the portion of the object that you want to scale.
Hold down Shift to constrain to a straight line.
Press ESC to cancel.

 

You can also
Leave the original object unchanged and apply the transformation to a copy
In the Transform docker, type a number in the Copies box.

 

To scale an object by portion interactively

Back to Top
1 Select an object.
2 Click Window Dockers Transform.
3 In the Transform docker, click the Size button , enable the Scale portion option, and then click the Fit to Reference button .
4 Drag to set the dimension and object origin, and then click Apply.
The origin point is set with your first click.
5 Drag along the portion of the object that you want to scale.
Hold down Shift to constrain to a straight line.
Press ESC to cancel.

 

You can also
Leave the original object unchanged and apply the transformation to a copy
In the Transform docker, type a number in the Copies box.

Was this page helpful? Send feedback.


Some features documented in the Help are available exclusively to subscribers. For more information about CorelDRAW subscription, visit coreldraw.com.