How to Use the Trim Command in CorelDRAW

The Trim command in CorelDRAW is an essential shaping feature that allows you to cut away overlapping areas of vector shapes to build custom objects and clean up vector artwork. This guide explains how to use the Trim tool effectively, covering both the quick Property Bar method and the advanced Shaping Docker method to control which shapes act as the cutting tool and which ones receive the cut.

Understanding How Trim Works

In CorelDRAW, trimming requires at least two overlapping vector objects:

  • Source Object: The object used as the cutting edge (the "cookie cutter").
  • Target Object: The object that gets cut and reshaped.

Method 1: Using the Property Bar (Quick Trim)

This is the fastest way to trim overlapping objects directly on the canvas.

  1. Draw and Position Your Objects: Place two or more vector objects on the canvas so that they overlap.
  2. Select the Objects in Order:
    • Click the Pick tool.
    • Click the object you want to use as the cutting shape (Source).
    • Hold Shift and click the object you want to cut (Target).
  3. Apply the Trim:
    • Look at the top Property Bar.
    • Click the Trim icon (represented by two overlapping squares where one cuts into the other).
  4. View the Result:
    • Click away to deselect, then move the top/cutting object away to see the trimmed cut in the target shape underneath.

Note: If you marquee-select both objects together instead of clicking them individually, CorelDRAW automatically treats the object lowest in the layer order (or the background object) as the target.

Method 2: Using the Shaping Docker (Advanced Trim)

Use the Shaping Docker if you need more precise control over whether the original cutting or target shapes are preserved or deleted after the operation.

  1. Open the Shaping Docker:
    • Go to the top menu and select Object > Shaping > Shaping (in older versions, Window > Dockers > Shaping).
  2. Set the Shaping Mode:
    • In the docker panel on the right, select Trim from the dropdown menu.
  3. Choose Retention Options:
    • Check Source Object if you want to keep the cutting shape intact after trimming.
    • Check Target Object if you want to duplicate and keep the original uncut shape along with the new trimmed shape.
    • Leave both unchecked if you only want the final modified piece to remain.
  4. Execute the Cut:
    • Select the cutting shape on your canvas.
    • Click the Trim button in the Shaping Docker.
    • The cursor changes to a crosshair icon. Click directly on the target object you wish to cut.