How to Apply Soft Edge Bevels in CorelDRAW

Adding a soft edge bevel in CorelDRAW gives vector objects and text a smooth, three-dimensional appearance by curving the edges inward rather than producing sharp, chiseled facets. This guide walks you through the step-by-step process of opening the Bevel docker, configuring the soft edge settings, adjusting light sources, and fine-tuning the effect for clean, professional results.

Step 1: Prepare Your Object

  1. Open your document in CorelDRAW.
  2. Select the object or text you want to bevel using the Pick tool.
  3. Ensure the object has a solid fill color. The soft edge bevel calculates gradients based on the object's fill color, so objects without fills will not display the effect properly.

Step 2: Open the Bevel Docker

  1. Navigate to the top menu bar.
  2. Click on Effects.
  3. Select Bevel from the drop-down menu.
  4. The Bevel docker (or inspector panel) will open on the right side of your workspace.

Step 3: Choose the Soft Edge Style

  1. In the Bevel docker, locate the Style section.
  2. Choose the Soft Edge radio button (as opposed to Emboss).
  3. The soft edge option creates a smooth, rounded transition from the object's boundary toward its center.

Step 4: Adjust Offset and Distance

  1. Go to the Bevel Offset settings in the docker.
  2. Select To Center if you want the bevel to curve continuously to the middle of the object.
  3. Alternatively, select Distance to specify exactly how far inward the rounded edge should extend. Enter a measurement value appropriate for the size of your graphic.

Step 5: Configure the Lighting Controls

The realism of a soft edge bevel depends heavily on its lighting parameters:

  • Light Color: Set the color of the simulated light source (pure white works best for standard highlights).
  • Direction: Rotate the direction wheel to change where the light hits the object. A standard angle is around 135 degrees (top-left lighting).
  • Altitude: Adjust the angle of the light relative to the surface plane. Lower values create deeper, more dramatic shadows, while higher values create flatter, brighter surfaces.
  • Intensity: Control the brightness of the light. Higher intensity increases contrast between the highlighted edges and the shaded areas.
  • Shadow Color: Select the color used for shaded areas (typically black or a darker shade of the object's base fill).

Step 6: Apply and Edit the Effect

  1. Click the Apply button at the bottom of the Bevel docker to render the effect onto your selected object.
  2. If the curve appears too subtle or too harsh, adjust the Distance or Intensity values in the docker and click Apply again to update the object.
  3. To remove the effect at any point, select the object and click the Clear Bevel button in the docker.