How to Set Inner and Outer Contours in CorelDRAW

This article provides a direct guide on how to apply and customize both inner and outer contours in CorelDRAW. You will learn how to access the Contour tool, switch between inside and outside offsets using the Property Bar, adjust step counts and spacing, and break the contour apart for individual object manipulation.

Accessing the Contour Tool

To begin working with contours, select your vector object or artistic text using the Pick Tool. You can activate the contour controls through either of the following methods:

  1. The Toolbox: Click and hold the Drop Shadow tool flyout in the left-hand Toolbox, then select the Contour tool.
  2. The Contour Docker: Go to the top menu, navigate to Effects > Contour (or press Ctrl + F9). This opens a dedicated docker on the right side of your workspace.

How to Apply an Outer Contour

An outer (outside) contour extends outlines away from the boundaries of your object, making it appear larger or creating a border/sticker effect.

  1. Select your object with the Contour Tool active.
  2. Look at the Property Bar at the top of the screen.
  3. Click the Outside Contour icon (represented by an object with a larger box surrounding it).
  4. Specify the Contour Offset distance to define how far the contour extends from the original edge.
  5. Set the Contour Steps to determine how many concentric offset paths are generated (set to 1 for a single border).
  6. Adjust outline and fill colors directly on the Property Bar to customize the appearance.

How to Apply an Inner Contour

An inner (inside) contour generates concentric paths within the perimeter of your object, creating an inset effect.

  1. Select your object with the Contour Tool active.
  2. On the Property Bar, click the Inside Contour icon (represented by an object with a smaller box inside it).
  3. Set your desired Contour Offset.
    • Note: If the offset value is larger than the interior space of the object, CorelDRAW cannot generate the path. If no contour appears, reduce the offset value.
  4. Set the number of Contour Steps.
  5. Choose your fill and outline color options on the Property Bar.

Key Settings to Refine Contours

  • Contour Corners: Choose between Mitered, Round, or Beveled corners on the Property Bar to match the style of your design.
  • Color Blends: If using multiple steps, use the Linear, Clockwise, or Counterclockwise contour color options to control color transitions from the original object to the outer/inner rings.
  • Acceleration: Adjust the slider to alter the spacing distribution and color progression across multiple steps.

Breaking the Contour Apart

To convert the contour effect into distinct, editable vector shapes:

  1. Switch to the Pick Tool.
  2. Right-click directly on the contour path (not the original object) and select Break Contour Group Apart (or press Ctrl + K).
  3. Select the contour shape and press Ctrl + U if you need to ungroup multiple contour steps into individual curves.