How to Import Photoshop Brushes into CorelDRAW

This guide explains how to use Adobe Photoshop brush files (.ABR) within the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite. While CorelDRAW is primarily a vector illustration application, you can import and use Photoshop brushes directly through Corel PHOTO-PAINT—the suite's dedicated raster editor—or convert them into vector brushes using CorelDRAW's Artistic Media tool.

Method 1: Import Directly into Corel PHOTO-PAINT

Corel PHOTO-PAINT natively supports Photoshop .ABR files. Since it is bundled with CorelDRAW, this is the most seamless way to paint with Photoshop brushes.

  1. Launch Corel PHOTO-PAINT.
  2. Select the Paint Tool from the toolbox on the left (or press P).
  3. Open the brush settings by navigating to Window > Dockers > Brush Settings (or Properties).
  4. In the Brush Settings docker, locate the Nib Properties section.
  5. Click the Options menu icon (the small folder or gear icon next to the nib selector).
  6. Select Import Brush or Load Nib Library.
  7. In the file browser, set the file type dropdown to **Adobe Photoshop Brush (*.abr)**.
  8. Locate your .ABR file, select it, and click Open.

The brush nibs will now appear in your nib library, ready for use on any raster image or layer.

Method 2: Convert Photoshop Brushes for CorelDRAW (Artistic Media)

If you need the Photoshop brush shape inside CorelDRAW as a scalable vector stroke, convert the brush stamp into an Artistic Media brush.

  1. Create the Brush Stamp:
    • In Photoshop or Corel PHOTO-PAINT, create a new document with a transparent background.
    • Stamp the brush once in solid black at full opacity.
    • Export or save the image as a PNG file.
  2. Import into CorelDRAW:
    • Open CorelDRAW and create or open your vector project.
    • Go to File > Import (or press Ctrl + I) and select the saved PNG brush stamp.
    • Place the image on your canvas.
  3. Convert the Stamp to Vector:
    • Select the imported image.
    • Go to Bitmaps > Outline Trace > Clipart (or High Quality Image).
    • Adjust the detail slider until the shape is clean and accurate, then click OK.
    • Delete the original raster image underneath.
  4. Save as a CorelDRAW Brush:
    • Select the traced vector shape.
    • Select the Artistic Media Tool from the toolbox (or press I).
    • On the property bar at the top, select the Brush category.
    • Click the Save icon (disk icon) on the property bar.
    • Choose Custom Media Stroke when prompted, name your brush, and click Save.

Your custom brush will now be available under the Custom category in the Artistic Media property bar, allowing you to apply the brush shape to any vector path or line in CorelDRAW.