How to Use the Extrude Tool in CorelDRAW

The Extrude Tool in CorelDRAW allows designers to transform flat, two-dimensional vector shapes and text into realistic 3D objects by adding depth, bevels, lighting, and perspective. This guide provides a straightforward walkthrough on locating the tool, applying basic extrusions, and customizing advanced settings—such as color shading, rotation, and light sources—to create polished 3D effects directly on your workspace.

Step 1: Prepare Your Object or Text

  1. Open your CorelDRAW document.
  2. Use the Pick Tool to select the vector object, curve, or artistic text you want to extrude.
  3. Ensure the object has a fill color applied, as this makes the 3D effect immediately visible.

Step 2: Select the Extrude Tool

  1. Navigate to the Toolbox on the left side of the screen.
  2. Locate the flyout menu containing the Drop Shadow Tool or Blend Tool (depending on your workspace setup).
  3. Click and hold the flyout menu, then select the Extrude Tool.

Step 3: Apply the 3D Extrusion

  1. Click on the center of your selected object.
  2. Drag the cursor in the direction you want the 3D extrusion to project (e.g., toward the top-right for a raised perspective, or inward for depth).
  3. Release the mouse button. A bounding box with a vanishing point marker will appear, indicating the depth and perspective of the extrusion.

Step 4: Adjust Properties Using the Property Bar

Once an extrusion is active, the Property Bar at the top of the interface provides several controls to refine the look:

  • Depth: Use the slider or enter a numeric value to increase or decrease how far back the 3D projection extends.
  • Extrusion Direction: Select from preset perspective types (such as Front Parallel or Perspective Vanishing Point) via the presets dropdown.
  • 3D Rotation: Click the Extrude Rotation icon to open an interactive trackball. Click and drag the trackball to rotate the object freely along the X, Y, and Z axes.
  • Color and Shading: Click the Extrusion Color icon to choose between:
    • Use Object Fill: Uses the base color across the entire extrusion.
    • Use Solid Color: Applies a distinct solid color to the extruded surfaces.
    • Use Color Shading: Blends two colors across the depth to simulate realistic shadows and gradients.
  • Bevels: Click the Extrusion Bevels icon to add beveled edges to the front face of the object. You can specify the bevel depth and angle.
  • Lighting: Click the Extrusion Lighting icon to activate up to three distinct light sources. Toggle each light on, position it on the preview sphere, and adjust the intensity slider to control shadows and highlights.

Step 5: Finalize or Remove the Effect

  • To adjust the shape of the extrusion at any time, click the object with the Extrude Tool active and drag the vanishing point handle.
  • To convert the extrusion into static vector curves for further node editing, select the object and press Ctrl + K (Break Extrude Group Apart).
  • To remove the extrusion entirely, select the object with the Extrude Tool and click Clear Extrude on the Property Bar.