How to Add Photoshop Plugins to CorelDRAW

CorelDRAW allows users to expand their photo-editing capabilities by supporting Adobe Photoshop-compatible plugins (files with the .8bf extension). This guide explains how to install third-party Photoshop filters, configure CorelDRAW’s directory settings to recognize them, and apply these effects directly to your bitmap images.

System Requirements and Compatibility

Before configuring CorelDRAW, ensure your plugins are compatible:

  • Architecture Match: Your plugin must match your CorelDRAW architecture. If you are running 64-bit CorelDRAW, you must use 64-bit .8bf plugins. 32-bit plugins will not load in a 64-bit environment.
  • Color Mode: Most Photoshop plugins require standard 24-bit RGB images. They will be grayed out or unavailable if your image is in CMYK, Monochrome, or 16-bit color.

Step 1: Prepare the Plugin Files

  1. Download or install your third-party Photoshop filter.
  2. Locate the folder containing the .8bf file on your computer.
    • Common installation paths include C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Plug-Ins or a dedicated custom folder such as C:\Photoshop_Plugins.
    • Keep this folder organized, as moving or deleting it later will break the link inside CorelDRAW.
  1. Open CorelDRAW.
  2. Navigate to Tools > Options (or press Ctrl + J).
  3. Depending on your version of CorelDRAW, select Plugins or navigate to Global > Plug-ins.
  4. Click the Add button.
  5. In the file browser, navigate to the folder where your .8bf files are stored, select it, and click OK.
  6. Ensure the newly added folder is checked in the list so that CorelDRAW scans it on startup.
  7. Click OK to save the changes.
  8. Restart CorelDRAW to allow the software to index the new filters.

Step 3: Apply the Filter to an Image

  1. Open your document and select the image you wish to edit.
  2. If your target object is vector artwork, you must first rasterize it by going to Bitmaps > Convert to Bitmap, setting the color mode to RGB (24-bit), and clicking OK.
  3. With the bitmap selected, open the Effects menu (or Bitmaps menu in older versions).
  4. Scroll to the bottom of the menu or look for a submenu labeled Plugins or the specific developer's brand name.
  5. Select the desired filter to open its interface, adjust your settings, and apply the effect to your image.