Bitmap Selection Tools in CorelDRAW

CorelDRAW provides a combination of native vector-based bounding tools and dedicated raster editing features to select, isolate, and manipulate bitmaps. While CorelDRAW is primarily a vector design platform, it enables direct object selection, node-based boundary masking, and access to advanced pixel-level selection tools through its integrated Cutout Lab and companion application, Corel PHOTO-PAINT. This overview outlines every tool available for selecting bitmaps and raster content within the software ecosystem.

Native CorelDRAW Selection Tools

The Pick Tool

The standard Pick tool is the primary method for selecting an entire bitmap object on the canvas. It activates the object's bounding box, enabling resizing, moving, rotation, and basic transformations. Holding the Shift key allows for multi-selection of separate bitmap objects.

The Shape Tool (F10)

Although traditionally used for vector paths, the Shape tool directly modifies the external boundaries of a bitmap. By selecting a bitmap with the Shape tool, you can manipulate its corner nodes to crop the image non-destructively, add additional nodes, and convert straight edges into curves to isolate specific portions of the raster graphic.

The Cutout Lab

Located under the Bitmaps > Cutout Lab menu, this specialized environment allows you to isolate and select complex sections of a bitmap without vector tracing. The Cutout Lab includes:

• Highlighter Tool: Defines the edges of the subject you wish to isolate.
• Inside Fill Tool: Fills the interior of the highlighted area to designate the portion of the bitmap to keep.
• Eraser Tool: Removes unwanted highlighted borders or adjustments before rendering the selection.

Raster-Level Selection (Corel PHOTO-PAINT Tools)

Selecting specific pixels, textures, or color areas within a bitmap requires using Corel PHOTO-PAINT, accessed directly from CorelDRAW by selecting the bitmap and clicking Edit Bitmap in the property bar. Corel PHOTO-PAINT uses "Mask Tools" for raster selection:

Geometric Mask Tools

• Rectangle Mask Tool: Creates rectangular or square selections over specific pixel groups.
• Ellipse Mask Tool: Selects circular and oval areas within the image.

Freehand and Edge-Detection Mask Tools

• Freehand Mask Tool: Works similarly to a traditional lasso, allowing manual drawing of arbitrary selection boundaries around bitmap elements.
• Magnetic Mask Tool: Automatically detects and clings to high-contrast edges as you trace around a subject.

Color-Based Selection Tools

• Magic Wand Mask Tool: Selects contiguous or non-contiguous areas of pixels sharing similar color values based on an adjustable tolerance threshold.
• Color Mask: Accessible via the Mask menu, this tool lets you sample specific colors directly from the image with an eyedropper to build a comprehensive selection based on color range and saturation across the entire bitmap.

Brush-Based Selection Tools

• Brush Mask Tool: Allows you to paint a selection mask onto the bitmap using customizable brush sizes, transparency levels, and edge softness.