3D Extrusion Depth Controls in CorelDRAW

This article provides a direct overview of the 3D extrusion depth controls available in CorelDRAW, explaining how vector artists can precisely adjust, scale, and manipulate third-dimension thickness. It covers interactive on-screen markers, numerical Property Bar inputs, vanishing point behaviors, and bevel depth configurations.

Interactive On-Screen Depth Marker

When the Extrude tool is applied to an object, CorelDRAW generates a vector line extending toward a vanishing point. Along this line sits a black rectangular slider. Dragging this marker toward the original object decreases extrusion depth, while dragging it toward the vanishing point increases depth. This provides real-time, visual feedback without requiring fixed numeric values.

Property Bar Extrusion Depth Field

For mathematically precise measurements, CorelDRAW features a dedicated Extrusion Depth box on the Property Bar when an extruded object is selected:

  • Value Range: It accepts numerical values ranging from 1 to 99.
  • Direct Input: Typing a specific number or clicking the up/down stepper arrows immediately resizes the extruded body while keeping the vanishing point location intact.

Vanishing Point Coordinate Controls

The depth of an extrusion is closely tied to the positioning and behavior of its vanishing point (VP). The Property Bar includes controls that define how depth scales when the object or page changes:

  • VP Locked to Object: Keeps depth proportional to the object, meaning moving the shape moves the depth perspective with it.
  • VP Locked to Page: Anchors the vanishing point to a fixed spot on the canvas, causing the apparent depth to dynamically recalculate as the object is moved across the page.
  • VP Coordinates (X and Y): Numerical fields that allow manual entry of absolute canvas coordinates for the vanishing point, altering depth perspective globally.

Extrusion Type Controls

The 3D direction dictates how depth is applied relative to the source object. Accessible via the Extrusion Type dropdown on the Property Bar, six projection modes affect depth orientation:

  • Back Parallel / Front Parallel: Projects flat, uniform depth without perspective tapering.
  • Back Perspective / Front Perspective: Projects depth that narrows or expands toward a point in space.

Bevel Depth Settings

In addition to the main body extrusion, CorelDRAW includes secondary depth controls for edges via the Bevel sub-panel:

  • Bevel Depth: Determines how far back into the extrusion the chamfered edge cuts.
  • Bevel Angle: Adjusts the slant of the cut relative to the primary depth axis.