Create Custom Macro Buttons in CorelDRAW

Automating repetitive tasks in CorelDRAW with VBA macros can save hours of design time, but navigating through macro menus disrupts your creative workflow. Creating custom toolbar buttons allows you to trigger your favorite macros with a single click. This guide covers the exact steps to locate your macros, add them directly to your CorelDRAW workspace as toolbar buttons, customize their icons, and save your workspace configuration.

1. Open the Customization Window

  1. Launch CorelDRAW and open any document.
  2. Navigate to the top menu and select Tools > Options > Customization (in older versions, press Ctrl + J and select Customization under the Workspace category).

2. Locate Your Macros

  1. In the Customization tree on the left, click on Commands.
  2. Locate the drop-down menu near the top of the Commands panel (it usually defaults to File).
  3. Click the drop-down and select Macros.
  4. The list below will now display all available macros installed in your GlobalMacros or document-specific GMS files.

3. Add the Macro to a Toolbar

  1. Browse the list and select the macro you want to create a button for.
  2. While the Options window is open, click and drag the selected macro directly onto any visible toolbar, menu bar, or property bar in the main CorelDRAW interface.
  3. Release the mouse button when a small insertion bar appears at your desired location.

(Optional: To create a completely separate toolbar for macros, go to Tools > Options > Customization > Command Bars, click New, name your toolbar, check the box next to it to display it, and drag your macros onto this new floating bar.)

4. Customize the Button Icon and Appearance

By default, macros appear with a generic script icon or text label. To customize it:

  1. With the Options > Customization > Commands window still open, select your macro in the list (or click on the new button you just placed on your toolbar).
  2. Click the Appearance tab on the right side of the Commands panel.
  3. Change the Caption: Enter a recognizable name in the "Caption" field to update the tooltip that appears when hovering over the button.
  4. Change the Icon:
    • Click the Import button to select an existing icon or image file (such as .ico or .bmp).
    • Alternatively, click the icon preview to open the built-in pixel editor and draw a custom design directly.
  5. Choose how the button displays on the toolbar using the Images and text options (e.g., Image Only, Caption Only, or Image Below Text).

5. Save the Workspace

  1. Click OK in the Options window to apply the changes.
  2. CorelDRAW saves workspace customizations automatically upon closing, but to ensure your layout is preserved across updates or crashes, go to Tools > Options > Workspaces, select your current workspace, and click Export to create a backup file.