How to Remove Background in CorelDRAW

CorelDRAW is a highly versatile and powerful graphic design tool that has been a staple in the design industry for decades. Known for its robust vector editing capabilities, CorelDRAW offers an extensive range of tools that cater to both professionals and hobbyists.

Among its many features, the ability to remove backgrounds from images stands out as a crucial function, especially for designers, marketers, and photographers who often need to isolate subjects for various creative projects.

Removing backgrounds is a common task in graphic design, essential for creating clean, professional-looking images. Whether you’re working on product photos for e-commerce, designing logos, or crafting intricate marketing materials, mastering background removal can significantly elevate the quality of your work.

In this guide, we will learn how to remove background in CorelDRAW, providing step-by-step instructions and tips to help you achieve the best results.

Understanding CorelDRAW’s Workspace

Before diving into the background removal techniques, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with CorelDRAW’s workspace. Understanding the layout and tools will make the editing process smoother and more efficient.

CorelDRAW Interface Overview

CorelDRAW’s interface is designed to be intuitive, with a layout that allows easy access to all the necessary tools and features:

• Toolbar: Located on the left side of the screen, the toolbar contains tools for selection, editing, drawing, and more. Key tools for background removal, such as the Background Eraser and Magic Wand, are found here.
• Properties Bar: This dynamic bar at the top of the screen changes based on the tool selected, offering additional options and settings to customize your tool’s behavior.
• Dockers: These are panels on the right side of the screen that provide additional controls and settings for specific tasks, such as layers, color management, and object properties.
• Document Window: The central area where your work is displayed. Here, you can zoom in and out, navigate your document, and make edits.

Setting Up Your Workspace for Background Removal

Optimizing your workspace is crucial for efficient background removal. Here are a few tips:

• Customize Toolbars: Add frequently used tools to your toolbar for quick access. This can be done by right-clicking on the toolbar and selecting Customize.
• Use Multiple Dockers: Keep relevant dockers, such as the Object Manager and Color Palette, open for easier access to layers and color adjustments.
• Adjust Zoom Settings: Use the Zoom tool to closely inspect edges and details. This precision is necessary for accurate background removal, especially in intricate designs.

Comprehensive Guide to Removing Backgrounds in CorelDRAW

Now that you’re familiar with the workspace, let’s explore the different methods for removing backgrounds in CorelDRAW.

1. Preparation

Before you begin removing the background, it’s important to prepare your image and workspace.

Importing and Preparing Images

1. Import the Image: Go to File > Import, select your image file, and place it onto the document.
2. Duplicate the Image: It’s advisable to duplicate your image layer to preserve the original. Right-click on the layer in the Object Manager and select Duplicate.
3. Adjust Image Position: Ensure the image is positioned correctly on the canvas, and use the Zoom tool to focus on areas where the background meets the subject.

Using Zoom and Settings for Precision

• Zoom In: Use the Zoom tool (Z key) to magnify the edges of your subject. This allows for more accurate selections and adjustments.
• Guidelines and Grids: Activate guidelines and grids (View > Grid and Ruler Setup) to help align and measure elements accurately.

2. Background Removal Techniques

CorelDRAW offers several tools for background removal, each suitable for different types of images.

Using the Background Eraser Tool

The Background Eraser Tool is ideal for removing backgrounds with similar colors or tones.

Steps to Use the Background Eraser Tool:

1. Select the Tool: Find the Background Eraser Tool in the toolbar. If it’s not visible, it might be nested under the Eraser tool.
2. Adjust Settings:
   • Brush Size: Adjust the brush size depending on the area you are working on. Use a larger brush for broad areas and a smaller brush for detailed edges.
   • Hardness: Set the brush hardness to control the softness of the edges. A harder brush is ideal for sharp edges, while a softer brush is better for gradual transitions.
   • Tolerance: Adjust the tolerance level to determine how much color variation the tool will erase. Lower tolerance is good for uniform backgrounds, while higher tolerance is useful for more complex backgrounds.
3. Erase the Background: Click and drag the Background Eraser Tool over the areas you want to remove. The tool will automatically detect and erase similar colors within the set tolerance.

Advanced Selection Tools

For images with more complex backgrounds, CorelDRAW provides advanced selection tools like the Magic Wand, Freehand, and Smart Selection tools.

Using the Magic Wand Tool:

1. Select the Tool: Choose the Magic Wand Tool from the toolbar.
2. Click to Select: Click on the background area. The tool will automatically select adjacent pixels with similar colors.
3. Adjust Tolerance: Use the tolerance setting to refine the selection. Higher tolerance includes more colors in the selection, while lower tolerance restricts it.
4. Refine the Selection: Once selected, refine the edges using the Refine Edge feature to smooth out any rough areas.

Using the Freehand and Smart Selection Tools:

1. Freehand Tool: This tool allows you to manually draw around the area you want to remove. It’s ideal for precise selections in complex images.
2. Smart Selection Tool: Similar to the Magic Wand, but with more control. You can draw a boundary around the area, and the tool will automatically adjust the selection to the edges of your subject.

3. Using PowerTRACE for Vector Conversion

PowerTRACE is a powerful tool in CorelDRAW that converts bitmap images into vector graphics. This process is particularly useful when you need to remove backgrounds from logos or other designs that require scalability.

Steps to Use PowerTRACE:

1. Select the Image: Click on the image you want to convert to a vector.

2. Open PowerTRACE: Right-click on the image and select Outline Trace > High Quality Image. This opens the PowerTRACE dialog.
3. Adjust Settings:

• Detail Level: Adjust the detail slider to control how much of the original image’s details are preserved in the vector version.
• Remove Background: Check the option to remove the background during the tracing process.

4. Apply and Edit: Once traced, you can edit the vector by ungrouping the objects and adjusting them individually.

4. Editing with Corel PHOTO-PAINT

For more complex background removals, Corel PHOTO-PAINT, which is integrated into CorelDRAW, offers advanced tools such as masking and the Magic Wand Tool.

Steps to Edit in Corel PHOTO-PAINT:

1. Open in PHOTO-PAINT: Select your image in CorelDRAW and click Edit Bitmap in the Properties Bar to open it in Corel PHOTO-PAINT.

2. Use the Magic Wand Tool: Similar to CorelDRAW, the Magic Wand Tool in PHOTO-PAINT can be used to select and remove backgrounds.
3. Create a Mask:

• Masking Tools: Use the masking tools to manually or automatically select the background. The mask isolates the background from the subject.
• Refine the Mask: Use the Refine Mask feature to clean up the edges, ensuring no remnants of the background remain.

4. Finish and Save: Once satisfied with the background removal, save the file and it will automatically update in CorelDRAW.

Refining Edges and Final Adjustments

After removing the background, refining the edges of your subject is crucial for a professional finish.

Techniques for Refining Edges:

• Feathering: Apply a slight feather to the edges to soften the transition between the subject and the new background.
• Smoothing: Use the smoothing tool to remove any jagged edges that may have resulted from the selection process.
• Manual Touch-Ups: Zoom in and manually adjust any areas where the automatic tools didn’t achieve a perfect result.

Saving and Exporting Your Work

Once the background has been removed and the edges refined, the next step is to save and export your work.

Best Practices for Saving Files:

• File Formats: Save your work in a format that supports transparency, such as PNG or TIFF, if you need the background to remain transparent.
• Resolution: Ensure the resolution is set appropriately for the final use. Higher resolutions are necessary for print, while lower resolutions may suffice for web use.
• Backup Files: Always save a copy of your work in CorelDRAW’s native .cdr format to preserve all layers and editable elements.

Exploring Alternative: Face26 for Easy Background Removal

While CorelDRAW offers a robust set of tools for background removal, some users may prefer a more straightforward, automated solution. This is where Face26 comes into play—a powerful AI-driven online tool designed to make background removal as simple and quick as possible.

Face26 is an advanced online photo editor that uses AI technology to remove backgrounds from images with just one click. This tool is particularly ideal for users who prioritize speed and simplicity over manual control. Whether you’re a professional looking for a quick solution or a beginner who finds traditional editing tools daunting, Face26 provides an efficient alternative without compromising on quality.

Using Face26: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s how you can use Face26 to remove backgrounds from your images:

1. Upload Your Image: Start by visiting the Face26 website. On the homepage, you’ll find an option to upload your image. Click on the upload button and select the image file from your device that you wish to edit.
2. Apply One-Click Background Removal: Once your image is uploaded, Face26’s AI algorithm will automatically analyze the image and identify the subject. With just a single click, the background will be removed. This process usually takes a few seconds, depending on the complexity of the image and your internet speed.
3. Review and Make Adjustments (Optional): After the background has been removed, you have the option to make additional adjustments, such as refining the edges or adding a new background. However, for most straightforward images, the AI-driven process is often accurate enough that no further edits are needed.
4. Download Your Image: Once you’re satisfied with the result, you can download the edited image. Face26 supports various file formats, including PNG, which is ideal for maintaining a transparent background.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with powerful tools like CorelDRAW, background removal can sometimes present challenges. Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to solve them:

1. Jagged Edges: After removing the background, you might notice jagged or uneven edges around your subject. To fix this, use the Refine Edge or Feathering tools in CorelDRAW to smooth out these edges for a more polished look.
2. Incomplete Background Removal: If the background isn’t fully removed, especially in areas with similar colors to the subject, you may need to manually clean up the remnants using the Eraser Tool or by refining your selection.
3. Color Bleed: This occurs when the background color bleeds into the subject, often seen around the edges. Reduce the tolerance level in your selection tool or use the Smoothing option in CorelDRAW to minimize this issue.
4. Loss of Detail: Sometimes, important details of the subject might get removed along with the background. To prevent this, carefully adjust the tolerance and refine your selections. Using a mask can also help protect these details during editing.

Removing backgrounds in CorelDRAW can transform your images, making them more versatile for various creative and professional applications. Whether you’re using CorelDRAW’s detailed tools or opting for a quick fix with Face26, mastering these techniques will allow you to produce high-quality, polished results. By experimenting with the tools and refining your skills, you’ll be able to handle any background removal challenge with confidence.

FAQs

1. Can I remove backgrounds in older versions of CorelDRAW, like X7 or X3?

Yes, you can remove backgrounds in older versions such as CorelDRAW X7 or X3. The tools and interface may vary slightly, but the general principles remain the same. It’s advisable to refer to specific guides for those versions for detailed instructions.

2. What’s the best file format to save an image after background removal?

PNG is typically the best format because it supports transparency, which is essential when you want to maintain a clean, background-free image.

3. How do I avoid losing important details during background removal?

To avoid losing details, carefully adjust the tolerance settings and use the Refine Edge feature. You can also use masks to protect certain areas of your image during the editing process.

4. Is Face26 free to use?

Face26 offers both free and premium options. The free version allows you to remove backgrounds with some limitations, while the premium version provides more features and higher resolution downloads.

5. Can I use CorelDRAW and Face26 together?

Absolutely. You can start by using Face26 for quick background removal and then refine or enhance the image further in CorelDRAW, especially if you need more detailed adjustments or additional design work.