Converting text to curves is an important feature in CorelDRAW. It changes editable text into vector shapes. After conversion, the letters can be edited like vector objects, but you can no longer edit them as normal text or change their wording using the Text Tool.
Curves are vector shapes made from paths, nodes, and line segments.
In CorelDRAW, curves can be used to create and edit custom shapes, illustrations, and letter outlines.
Unlike ordinary text, curve objects are edited with shape-editing tools rather than normal text-editing controls.
Convert to Curves changes text characters into vector outlines.
The appearance of the text is generally preserved, but the result becomes a shape instead of editable text.
This is useful when the final design must retain a particular letterform appearance.
Convert only when necessary because the original text-editing features are lost on the converted objects.
Select the Text Tool and click on the page to create Artistic Text.
Type a word such as SOOPRO or DESIGN.
Choose the font, size, style, and color before converting the text.
Choose the Pick Tool and click the text object.
Selection handles should appear around the object.
Make sure you have selected the correct text before using Convert to Curves.
Select the text object with the Pick Tool.
Open the Object menu and choose Convert to Curves if that command is available in your CorelDRAW version.
The selected text is converted into vector outlines.
In many CorelDRAW versions, the shortcut for Convert to Curves is:
Select the text object first, then press the shortcut.
Shortcuts can vary by version or customized workspace, so check your application's menus if it does not work.
After conversion, the object is a curve or group of vector shapes rather than a normal text object.
The Text Tool will no longer let you edit the converted letters as a sentence.
Use the Pick Tool to select the object and the Shape Tool to inspect its nodes.
The Shape Tool lets you work with nodes and curve segments.
After selecting a converted letter shape, use the tool to inspect and adjust its outline where appropriate.
Node editing can change the appearance of the letter, so make small changes carefully.
Nodes are points that define the shape of a vector path.
Moving a node can change the position or contour of part of a letter.
Curve handles control the direction and smoothness of curved segments.
Converted letters can be customized as vector objects.
For example, you might adjust a letter's outline to create a unique logo style.
Keep the text readable when making decorative changes.
Converted text can receive a fill color like other vector objects.
Select the curve object and choose a color from the available color palette.
You can use solid colors to create simple headings, logos, and graphic elements.
You can apply an outline to converted text shapes.
Adjust the outline color and width according to your design.
Very thick outlines may reduce the readability of small letters.
Use the Pick Tool to resize converted text objects.
Drag a selection handle to change the size of the object.
Resize proportionally when you want to preserve the original letter proportions.
Depending on the selected text and conversion result, letters may be represented as multiple curve objects or grouped objects.
If you need to move the converted shapes together, select them and use the Group command.
Grouping helps keep the design organized while you move or resize it.
Ungrouping separates grouped objects so you can work with individual shapes.
Select the group and use the Ungroup command when you need to edit individual letters.
Be careful not to move individual letters accidentally and disturb the word's arrangement.
Logos often use distinctive typography that should remain visually consistent.
After finalizing the wording and font, save an editable copy and convert the final logo text to curves if required.
This can help preserve the letter shapes when the file is opened on another computer.
Some print providers request text converted to curves to avoid font substitution.
Always check the printer's file requirements before converting text.
Keep an editable master file because converted letters cannot be corrected like normal text.
A font determines the design of letters before conversion.
Once converted, the letter outlines generally preserve the appearance of that font without requiring the same font to render the converted shapes.
Check the final artwork carefully, especially when using decorative or unusual fonts.
Paragraph Text may also be converted to curves, depending on the CorelDRAW version and object type.
Long paragraphs can create many vector shapes and make later editing difficult.
For long documents, retain editable text and follow the output requirements instead of converting everything unnecessarily.
Some workflows require text to be converted before applying certain shape-editing operations.
Other effects may work directly on editable text.
Try the operation on a duplicate first to determine whether conversion is necessary.
Save your CorelDRAW document after completing the conversion and reviewing the shapes.
Use the CDR format when you need to preserve editable CorelDRAW artwork.
Keep a separate editable text version for future corrections.
Review the design and save a backup before making major changes.
Create a logo using the word SOOPRO.
Create a heading that says ADMISSION OPEN.
Task: Create a simple vector-text design.
Convert to Curves changes text into vector shapes that can be edited with vector tools.
It is useful for custom lettering, logos, and certain printing workflows, but it removes normal text-editing functionality.
Always check your text and keep an editable backup before converting.
Question 1: What happens when you convert text to curves?
Question 2: Which tool is useful for editing nodes in a converted letter shape?
Question 3: What should you do before converting important text?