How to Create a New Document in CorelDRAW

Starting a project in CorelDRAW requires setting up a workspace tailored to your specific design needs. This guide provides a straightforward, step-by-step walkthrough on how to create a new document, configure critical settings such as page dimensions, color modes, and resolution, and choose between print and digital presets to ensure your artwork outputs correctly.

Methods to Open a New Document

You can initiate a new document in CorelDRAW using any of the following methods:

  • Keyboard Shortcut: Press Ctrl + N on Windows or Cmd + N on macOS.
  • Menu Bar: Click on File in the top menu and select New.
  • Standard Toolbar: Click the New Document icon (a blank page icon) located on the top toolbar.
  • Welcome Screen: If the Welcome Screen is visible upon launching CorelDRAW, click the New Document button under the Get Started tab.

Configuring Document Settings

Once you trigger the command, the Create a New Document dialog box will appear. Adjust the following parameters according to your project requirements:

  1. Name: Enter a title for your document to identify the file easily when saving.
  2. Preset: Choose a predefined preset (such as Default RGB, Default CMYK, or Web), or leave it set to Custom to define your own parameters.
  3. Number of Pages: Specify how many pages you want the initial document to contain.
  4. Page View: Choose between Single Page View or Multipage View depending on how you prefer to visualize multiple artboards.
  5. Primary Color Mode:
    • Select CMYK if the final artwork is intended for physical printing.
    • Select RGB if the design is meant for screens, websites, or digital media.
  6. Page Dimensions:
    • Size: Select a standard paper size (e.g., Letter, A4, Tabloid) from the drop-down menu.
    • Width and Height: Enter custom dimensions if your project requires a specific format.
    • Units: Select the appropriate unit of measurement (e.g., inches, millimeters, pixels).
  7. Orientation: Click either the Portrait (vertical) or Landscape (horizontal) icon.
  8. Resolution: Set the rendering resolution. Use 300 dpi for high-quality printing and 72 dpi or 96 dpi for web graphics.

Finalizing Setup

After entering your desired specifications, click OK. The dialog box will close, and your new blank artboard will appear in the workspace, ready for designing.

If you prefer to bypass this dialog window in future sessions, check the box labeled Do not show this dialog again at the bottom of the window. CorelDRAW will then use your last configured settings automatically every time you create a new file. You can re-enable the dialog at any time via Tools > Options > CorelDRAW > General.