How to Edit Envelope Control Points in CorelDRAW

Editing envelope control points in CorelDRAW allows you to reshape vector objects, text, and curves with precision by manipulating bounding nodes and tangent handles. This guide outlines how to apply an envelope, activate control points using the Envelope and Shape tools, modify node properties, and utilize different mapping modes to achieve customized distortions.

Applying the Envelope Tool

  1. Select the vector object or artistic text you want to modify.
  2. In the toolbox on the left, click the Envelope tool (nested under the Drop Shadow flyout menu, or press the shortcut if assigned). Alternatively, open the docker by navigating to Effects > Envelope (or press Ctrl + F7).
  3. A bounding box featuring default nodes (control points) will appear around your selected object.

Selecting and Moving Control Points

Once the envelope is active, the control points appear as square nodes along the perimeter:

  • Move a single point: Click directly on a node and drag it to a new location.
  • Move multiple points: Hold Shift while clicking each node, or click and drag a marquee selection around the target nodes, then drag them collectively.
  • Constrain movement: Hold Ctrl while dragging a node to restrict movement horizontally or vertically.
  • Symmetrical movement: Hold Shift while dragging a node to move the opposite node symmetrically in the opposite direction.

Adjusting Control Handles

When you click on an envelope node, directional control handles (tangent lines ending in circular points) extend from it:

  • Click and drag the handle ends to adjust the angle and depth of the curve entering and exiting that node.
  • Lengthening the handle increases the curve's curvature, while rotating it alters the trajectory of the object's edge.

Changing Node Types

You can alter how control handles behave by selecting a node and choosing a node type from the Property Bar at the top:

  • Cusp: Allows you to move each control handle independently, creating sharp corners or dramatic directional shifts.
  • Smooth: Keeps the control handles in a straight line relative to each other, ensuring the curve passes smoothly through the point, though handle lengths can vary.
  • Symmetrical: Forces the control handles to mirror each other in both angle and length, ensuring a balanced, uniform curve.

Adding and Deleting Control Points

  • Add a point: Double-click directly on the envelope outline where you want a new node, or click the outline and select the Add Node (+) button on the Property Bar.
  • Delete a point: Double-click an existing node, or select the node and press the Delete key on your keyboard (or click the Delete Node (-) button on the Property Bar).

Choosing the Envelope Mode

On the Property Bar, you can set the envelope mode to change how control points interact with the geometry:

  • Straight Line Mode: Connects points with rigid straight lines.
  • Single Arc Mode: Constrains sides to a single curve arc.
  • Double Arc Mode: Allows an S-shaped curve between corners.
  • Unconstrained Mode: Grants full freedom to move handles and nodes in any direction, providing the highest degree of customization.