Rasterization Settings for Exporting in CorelDRAW

Exporting vector graphics to raster formats in CorelDRAW requires converting object paths and curves into a fixed pixel grid through rasterization. During the export process to formats such as PNG, JPEG, TIFF, or BMP, CorelDRAW displays the Convert to Bitmap dialog, which allows you to configure resolution, color depth, edge smoothing, and canvas transparency. Properly configuring these rasterization settings ensures that your exported graphics maintain visual clarity, correct color reproduction, and optimal file sizes for either print or digital use.

Color Mode

The color mode determines the color space and depth applied to the exported pixels:

  • RGB Color (24-bit): Standard for web, mobile screens, and digital displays. It supports up to 16.7 million colors.
  • CMYK Color (32-bit): Used for commercial offset and digital printing processes to ensure color accuracy matching physical ink.
  • Grayscale (8-bit): Converts all design elements into 256 shades of gray.
  • Paletted (8-bit): Limits the image to a defined palette of up to 256 specific colors, commonly used for legacy GIF workflows or smaller web graphics.
  • Black and White (1-bit): Reduces the graphic to pure black and white pixels with no intermediate shades of gray.

Resolution

Resolution defines pixel density and is measured in dots per inch (DPI):

  • 72 to 96 DPI: Standard for digital screens, web interfaces, and quick-loading online previews.
  • 150 to 200 DPI: Standard for desktop printing or large-format signage where viewing distances are greater.
  • 300 DPI or higher: Industry standard for professional commercial printing, fine art reproduction, and crisp text rendering.

Dimensions and Sizing

CorelDRAW allows you to define the absolute physical or pixel dimensions of the raster output:

  • Width and Height: Can be set in pixels, inches, millimeters, or other measurement units. Changing the dimensions directly scales the pixel count based on the selected resolution.
  • Maintain Aspect Ratio: Locks the proportion between width and height to prevent distortion of the artwork.
  • Maintain Original Size: Scales the pixel output to match the original dimensions defined in the CorelDRAW document workspace.

Anti-Aliasing

Anti-aliasing smooths the jagged edges ("staircasing") that occur when curved or diagonal vector lines are rendered on a square pixel grid. Enabling this option blends the boundary pixels between objects and the background, resulting in visually smooth edges. It should remain enabled for most illustrations and text, but can be disabled if creating pixel art or graphics requiring razor-sharp, pixel-aligned boundaries.

Transparent Background

Available when exporting to formats that support alpha channels (such as PNG or TIFF). Checking this option removes the default background canvas, leaving empty areas outside and between objects transparent rather than rendering them as solid white pixels.

Embed Color Profile

This setting attaches the document's active International Color Consortium (ICC) color profile (such as sRGB or Coated FOGRA) directly into the raster file. Embedding the profile ensures that other applications, web browsers, and print RIP software interpret and display the colors consistently across different monitors and output devices.

Dithering

When using reduced color depths, such as Paletted (8-bit), dithering arranges adjacent pixels of different colors to create the visual illusion of intermediate shades or smooth gradients. While it reduces color banding, it can slightly increase the final file size.