Selecting, Moving and Resizing Objects in CorelDRAW

Object selection means choosing an object so you can edit or transform it.

An object may be a rectangle, circle, line, text, image, or vector illustration.

Once selected, an object displays selection handles or other controls.

The Pick Tool is used to select and transform objects.

It can help you move, resize, rotate, and skew objects.

It is one of the most frequently used tools in CorelDRAW.

1. Choose the Pick Tool from the toolbox.
2. Move the pointer over the object.
3. Click the object.
4. Look for the selection handles around it.

The selected object is now ready for transformation.

Deselecting removes the current selection.

Click an empty area of the page when you want to deselect an object.

This helps you avoid changing an object accidentally.

You can select more than one object to move or transform them together.

1. Select the Pick Tool.
2. Hold the appropriate modifier key, commonly Shift.
3. Click additional objects.
4. Release the key after selecting the required objects.

Check the selection before applying a transformation.

A marquee selection lets you select objects by dragging a selection box.

Start dragging from an empty area and surround the objects you want to select.

The exact selection behavior can depend on the drag direction and application settings.

1. Select an object with the Pick Tool.
2. Position the pointer over the object.
3. Drag the object to the required position.
4. Release the mouse button.

The object moves to its new location on the page.

Keyboard arrow keys can move selected objects in small increments.

Select the object and press an arrow key to move it in the corresponding direction.

Movement distance can depend on nudge settings and modifier keys.

Resizing changes an object's width, height, or overall dimensions.

You can make an object larger or smaller using its selection handles.

Resizing is useful when fitting objects into a layout.

1. Select the object using the Pick Tool.
2. Locate a corner or side selection handle.
3. Drag the handle inward or outward.
4. Release the mouse button when the object reaches the required size.

Inspect the result to make sure the object fits your design.

Proportional resizing keeps the object's width-to-height ratio consistent.

Use the appropriate corner handle and the modifier key or property supported by your CorelDRAW version.

This is especially important when resizing photographs, logos, and icons.

Non-proportional resizing changes width and height independently.

It can be useful for adjusting some shapes to fit a particular layout.

Avoid stretching photographs or logos when maintaining their original appearance is important.

Some transformation options allow an object to resize outward from its center.

Use the supported modifier key or transformation settings for your version.

This can help keep an object centered while changing its size.

The Property Bar displays controls related to the current tool or selection.

For selected objects, it may provide position, width, height, scale, and other transformation settings.

Enter suitable values when you need more precise dimensions.

1. Select the object.
2. Find the width and height controls in the Property Bar.
3. Enter the required dimensions.
4. Use the proportion-lock control if you want to preserve the ratio.
5. Confirm the changes.

Exact dimensions are useful for visiting cards, ID cards, and print layouts.

Rotation turns an object around a pivot point.

Depending on the selection state and version, clicking a selected object again can expose rotation handles.

Drag a rotation handle to turn the object, or use an angle field for a precise rotation.

Skewing slants an object horizontally or vertically.

Use the appropriate transformation handles or Property Bar controls.

Skewing can create angled text effects and dynamic graphic elements.

Duplicating creates another copy of an object.

Use the Duplicate command or the shortcut supported by your CorelDRAW version.

Move the duplicate to a new position to create repeated design elements.

Copy and Paste can create another instance of selected content.

• Copy: Ctrl + C
• Paste: Ctrl + V

After pasting, position and resize the copied object as needed.

Select an object and press the Delete key to remove it from the document.

Make sure the correct object is selected before deleting it.

Use Undo if you remove an object by mistake.

Locking an object helps prevent accidental selection or modification.

Use the available object-lock command when an element should remain in place.

Unlock the object when you need to edit it again.

Alignment helps position objects relative to one another or the page.

Select the required objects and use the available alignment commands.

Common alignment options include left, center, right, top, middle, and bottom.

Detailed grouping and alignment techniques are covered in the next lesson.

A well-arranged design has balanced spacing and a clear visual order.

• Keep related objects close together.
• Maintain consistent spacing.
• Align text and shapes carefully.
• Leave enough empty space around important elements.

Objects can overlap, making it difficult to select the one underneath.

Use the supported selection cycling, object list, or Objects docker to select the required object.

You can also temporarily move or hide an overlapping object when appropriate.

• Moving the wrong object.
• Stretching an image unintentionally.
• Changing width and height accidentally.
• Resizing objects beyond the page boundaries.
• Deleting an object without checking the selection.

Review the selected object and its handles before making changes.

• Use the Pick Tool for whole-object transformations.
• Use the Property Bar for exact measurements.
• Preserve proportions when resizing images and logos.
• Use alignment controls for consistent layouts.
• Zoom in when positioning small elements.
• Save your work regularly.

1. Create a new CorelDRAW document.
2. Draw a rectangle, a circle, and a star.
3. Select each object with the Pick Tool.
4. Move the objects to different positions.
5. Resize each object to a suitable size.
6. Align the objects into a simple composition.
7. Save the document.

1. Create a page using the required visiting-card dimensions.
2. Add a rectangle as the background.
3. Add text for a name and contact details.
4. Insert a logo or simple vector icon.
5. Move and resize each element.
6. Align the content and check the spacing.
7. Save the editable file.

Complete these tasks to practise selecting and transforming objects.

1. Draw five different objects.
2. Select one object and move it.
3. Select multiple objects together.
4. Resize an object while preserving its proportions.
5. Set an object's dimensions using the Property Bar.
6. Rotate one object.
7. Duplicate an object and align the copies.
8. Save the file as select_move_resize_practice.cdr.

The Pick Tool is used to select and transform objects in CorelDRAW.

You can move, resize, rotate, skew, duplicate, and delete selected objects.

For accurate design work, use selection handles, keyboard controls, and Property Bar measurements appropriately.