How to Share CorelDRAW Macro GMS Files

Sharing custom macro (GMS) files in CorelDRAW allows teams and collaborators to automate repetitive workflows using the exact same tools across multiple workstations. To distribute a custom macro, you must locate the compiled .gms file on the source computer, transfer it via email, cloud, or network drive, and place it into the correct CorelDRAW user directory on the target computer. Once placed in the proper folder, CorelDRAW recognizes the file automatically without requiring complex installation procedures.

Step 1: Locate the Source GMS File

Custom macros are saved as Global Macro Storage (.gms) files. On the source computer, navigate to the folder where CorelDRAW stores user-created macros:

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Enter the following path and press Enter: %AppData%\Corel\
  3. Open the folder corresponding to your installed version (e.g., CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2024 or your specific release).
  4. Navigate through Draw > GMS.
  5. Find the specific .gms file you intend to share.

Note: If the macro was installed system-wide for all users, it may instead reside in C:\Program Files\Corel\CorelDRAW Graphics Suite [Version]\Draw\GMS.

Step 2: Prepare and Send the File

  1. Copy the target .gms file from the folder.
  2. Compress the file into a .zip archive before sending it via email or messaging platforms, as security filters frequently block .gms files due to embedded VBA executable code.
  3. Transfer the file to the recipient using cloud storage, a shared network drive, or email.

Step 3: Install the GMS File on the Target Computer

The recipient must close CorelDRAW before adding the new macro file to prevent read errors.

  1. Ensure CorelDRAW is completely closed on the recipient's machine.
  2. Extract the .gms file from the .zip archive if compressed.
  3. Press Windows Key + R, paste %AppData%\Corel\, and click OK.
  4. Open the active CorelDRAW version folder, then open the Draw folder.
  5. If a folder named GMS does not exist inside Draw, right-click, create a new folder, and name it GMS.
  6. Paste the .gms file directly into this GMS folder.

Step 4: Run the Macro in CorelDRAW

  1. Launch CorelDRAW on the target computer.
  2. Go to the top menu and select Window > Dockers > Scripts (in older versions, select Tools > Visual Basic or Macros > Macro Manager).
  3. Expand the list in the Scripts docker to confirm the shared GMS file appears.
  4. Expand the project tree under your macro name, locate the main module, and double-click the macro entry to run it.

Step 5: (Optional) Create a Custom Toolbar Button

To make the shared macro easily accessible:

  1. Go to Tools > Options > Customization.
  2. Select Commands from the left pane.
  3. In the drop-down menu, switch from File to Macros.
  4. Select the newly installed macro from the list.
  5. Drag and drop the macro command directly onto any existing toolbar or workspace bar in CorelDRAW.
  6. Click OK to save the workspace configuration.