CorelDRAW Artistic Media Brush Presets Guide

This article provides an overview of the brush presets available within the Artistic Media tool in CorelDRAW. It details the specialized categories found in the Brush mode, outlines the visual characteristics of each preset group—ranging from painterly textures to decorative graphics—and explains how to effectively navigate and apply these presets to enhance vector artwork.

The Artistic Media Tool Modes

The Artistic Media tool (shortcut key: I) is divided into five distinct modes located on the Property Bar:

1. Preset: Draws predefined vector shapes with tapering ends and varying thicknesses.
2. Brush: Applies vector artwork and simulated natural media strokes along a path.
3. Sprayer: Disperses repeating vector objects (such as leaves, bubbles, or stars) along a drawn line.
4. Calligraphic: Mimics traditional calligraphy nibs by responding to stroke direction and angle.
5. Expression: Responds to pressure, tilt, and bearing when using a graphic tablet.

When working specifically within Brush mode, CorelDRAW organizes its brush presets into thematic categories available via the Property Bar drop-down menu or the Artistic Media docker.

Core Brush Preset Categories

CorelDRAW categorizes its default brush presets based on their artistic style and visual intent:

1. Artistic

The Artistic category contains presets that mimic traditional drawing and painting media. These presets include textures that resemble:

• Charcoal, chalk, and pastel strokes.
• Wet media such as watercolor bleeds, gouache, and oil paints.
• Dry brush effects with visible bristle lines.

2. Calligraphy

Designed to produce hand-lettering effects, these presets apply flat, chiseled lines. Unlike the dedicated Calligraphic tool mode, these are fixed vector artwork paths that create:

• Broad, ribbon-like strokes.
• Smooth script strokes with fixed angle variations.
• Tapered ink flourishes.

3. Objects

The Objects category contains vector illustrations stretched or tiled along a curve. Common presets in this group include:

• Mechanical elements such as chains, ropes, and zipper teeth.
• Architectural elements like pipes and decorative borders.
• Arrows, ribbons, and dimensional shapes.

4. Scroll

The Scroll category provides classical decorative motifs inspired by traditional ironwork, stonework, and baroque design. These include:

• Acanthus leaf borders.
• Swirls and filigree patterns.
• Classical ornamental frames and flourishes.

5. Sensual

This category features smooth, flowing, and undulating vector shapes. These presets are characterized by:

• High-contrast thick-and-thin transitions.
• Teardrop and flame-like fluid profiles.
• Dynamic ribbon effects suitable for modern graphics and fashion illustration.

6. Splatter

The Splatter category applies chaotic, distressed ink and paint patterns. These presets include:

• Spray can overspray and graffiti marks.
• Paint spatters, drips, and blotches.
• Grunge textures and flecks.

7. Symbol

The Symbol category applies repeating or continuous iconographic shapes along a drawn path, such as:

• Geometric patterns (dots, dashes, stars, and triangles).
• Botanical motifs (vines, leaves, and floral elements).
• Novelty illustrations and border trims.

8. Texture

The Texture presets apply complex surface variations to a stroke. Rather than a solid line, these brushes generate:

• Distressed, weathered, and eroded edges.
• Cross-hatching and fabric weaves.
• Stippled and halftone dot patterns.

Customizing and Saving Brush Presets

In addition to using default presets, CorelDRAW allows you to create custom brush strokes:

1. Draw or import any vector object or group of objects.
2. Select the Artistic Media tool and choose Brush mode.
3. Click the Save icon on the Property Bar.
4. Choose Save as Brush to store the stroke in CorelDRAW's local preset library as a .cmx file.

Once saved, custom brushes appear in the preset list and can be adjusted using stroke smoothing, stroke width, and outline color controls.