Import Photoshop PSD into CorelDRAW with Layers

Importing Adobe Photoshop (PSD) files into CorelDRAW while preserving their layer structure allows designers to transition seamlessly between raster editing and vector layout workflows. CorelDRAW features native support for PSD files, enabling users to maintain individual raster layers, transparency, and blending modes rather than flattening the design into a single static image. This guide walks through the exact steps to import layered PSD files and manage them using CorelDRAW's Object Manager.

Step 1: Open or Create a CorelDRAW Document

Launch CorelDRAW and open your existing project or start a new document by going to File > New. Ensure that your document's primary color mode (RGB or CMYK) matches the color mode of your Photoshop file to prevent unintended color shifts.

Step 2: Use the Import Command

  1. Navigate to File > Import from the top menu, or press Ctrl + I (Windows) or Cmd + I (Mac).
  2. In the file browser window, locate and select your .psd file.
  3. Click the Import button.

Step 3: Configure Layer Import Settings

When importing a multi-layer PSD file, CorelDRAW presents an import dialog specifically for Photoshop files:

  1. Locate the Convert layers to or Layers section within the pop-up options.
  2. Select Maintain layers (do not select "Flatten layers" or "Merge layers").
  3. Choose whether to import Photoshop text as editable text or as rasterized curves/bitmaps. Rasterizing text preserves exact typography, while editable text allows further typographic edits within CorelDRAW if you have the required fonts installed.
  4. Click OK.

Step 4: Place the File on the Canvas

Your cursor will transform into an angle bracket icon displaying the file details. Click anywhere on the drawing page to place the artwork at its original dimensions, or click and drag to specify the exact dimensions and position on the canvas.

Step 5: Manage Layers in the Objects Docker

Once placed, the PSD file will function as a grouped object containing individual bitmap layers:

  1. Open the layer panel by going to Window > Dockers > Objects (or Object Manager in older versions).
  2. Expand the imported group to view each Photoshop layer listed in sequential order.
  3. You can now toggle visibility, lock layers, adjust layer opacity, rearrange stacking orders, or apply CorelDRAW effects directly to individual layers.