Path Blending Options Along Curves in CorelDRAW

CorelDRAW provides dedicated path blending options within the Blend tool property bar that allow intermediate vector shapes to follow any curved trajectory seamlessly. By assigning a blend group to a specific curve and configuring properties such as "Blend Along Full Path" and "Rotate All Objects," designers can achieve precise object distribution, progressive scaling, and dynamic orientation along complex vector paths.

Attaching a Blend to a Path

Before an object group can follow a curve, an active blend must be bound to a vector line:

  1. Create a blend between two or more vector objects using the Blend tool.
  2. Select the blended group to activate the Blend Property Bar.
  3. Click the Path properties button and select New Path.
  4. Click directly on the target curved line or shape. The intermediate objects will immediately anchor to the curve.

Key Path Blending Settings

Once the blend is attached to the curve, several specific controls dictate how the shapes conform to and move along that path:

Blend Along Full Path

By default, CorelDRAW may place the blend items only along a segment of the curve between the initial start and end points. Enabling Blend Along Full Path forces the starting object to the very beginning node of the curve and the ending object to the terminal node. The intermediate steps are then calculated and spaced evenly across the entire length of the path.

Rotate All Objects

When blending across sharp bends or fluid curves, shapes can maintain their original static angle or adapt to the path's direction. Enabling Rotate All Objects forces each intermediate shape to calculate its angle relative to the tangent of the curve at its specific position. This causes the objects to turn and follow the twists and loops of the curve naturally.

Blend Steps and Spacing

The density of shapes along the curve is controlled via the Blend Steps or Blend Spacing input fields on the property bar:

  • Number of Steps: Defines an exact count of transitional shapes generated between the start and end objects across the curve.
  • Blend Spacing: Sets a fixed distance between each object, automatically adjusting the total count based on the curve's overall length.

Object and Color Acceleration

The acceleration sliders control the rate of progression across the curve. By adjusting the Object Acceleration, shapes can bunch together tightly at the start of the curve and spread out toward the end, or vice versa, creating dynamic motion effects along the path. Color acceleration applies the same non-linear progression to fills and outlines.

Detaching or Editing the Path

CorelDRAW maintains the path as an independent sub-element. Selecting Path properties and choosing Detach from Path releases the blend while preserving the original curve. Alternatively, using the Shape tool directly on the path allows real-time manipulation of the curve's nodes, automatically updating the blended objects to fit the new trajectory.