CorelDRAW 3D Extrusion Lighting Options

CorelDRAW allows designers to add depth and realism to vector objects using the Extrude tool, which features a dedicated lighting engine. By manipulating up to three customizable light sources, users can control how highlights and shadows fall across extruded surfaces, creating realistic bevels, dramatic shading, or subtle depth effects. This guide breaks down the specific lighting options available for 3D extrusions in CorelDRAW and how each setting impacts your design.

Accessing Extrusion Lighting

Lighting options are accessed by selecting an extruded object and clicking the Extrusion Lighting button on the property bar, or by opening the Extrude docker (Window > Dockers > Effects > Extrude) and navigating to the lighting tab (represented by a lightbulb icon).

The Three Independent Light Sources

CorelDRAW provides up to three separate directional lights that can be turned on or off independently:

  • Light 1: The primary light source, typically used as the key light to define the overall form and major highlights of the 3D object.
  • Light 2: Often used as a fill light to soften harsh shadows created by the primary light or to illuminate the opposite side of the extrusion.
  • Light 3: Commonly positioned as a rim or accent light to separate the object from the background or highlight edges.

Each light is toggled by clicking its corresponding numbered button (1, 2, or 3) within the lighting interface.

Light Positioning Grid

The lighting control panel displays an interactive, spherical 3D grid representing the space around your object:

  • Interactive Placement: Clicking and dragging a numbered light icon moves it across the virtual sphere.
  • Directional Control: Placing a light at the center creates a direct front light. Moving it toward the outer edges places the light source to the sides, top, or bottom of the extrusion.
  • Backlighting: Lights can be positioned behind the object plane to create silhouette and edge-lit effects.

Intensity and Brightness Controls

Each active light source includes an Intensity slider:

  • Intensity Range: Measured from 0 to 100. Lower values produce subtle shading with deep shadows, while higher values create bright, sharp highlights.
  • Contrast Balance: By balancing different intensities across two or three lights, you can create soft gradients or high-contrast, metallic finishes.

Color and Shading Enhancements

CorelDRAW offers additional controls to modify the appearance of the light interacting with the object's surface:

  • Use Full Color Range: When enabled, this option allows the extrusion to use extreme highlights (pure white) and deep shadows (pure black), dramatically increasing contrast. Leaving it disabled maintains softer, mid-tone shading based strictly on the object’s base fill color.
  • Light Color Overrides: Users can assign specific colors to individual light sources rather than using standard white light. This feature allows for creative effects such as dual-tone colored rim lighting or ambient mood lighting on 3D text and shapes.