Remove Background Colors During Tracing in CorelDRAW

This guide explains how to automatically remove background colors from bitmap images while converting them into vector graphics using CorelDRAW's PowerTRACE feature. By adjusting trace settings before finalizing the vectorization, you can eliminate unwanted white or colored backgrounds, delete enclosed background spaces within the graphic, and save time on manual post-trace cleanup.

Step 1: Open PowerTRACE

  1. Select the bitmap image on your CorelDRAW workspace.
  2. In the top Property Bar, click Trace Bitmap.
  3. Hover over Outline Trace and select the preset that best matches your image (such as Clipart or Detailed Logo). This opens the PowerTRACE preview window.

Step 2: Enable Background Removal

  1. In the PowerTRACE window, navigate to the Settings tab located in the right panel.
  2. Under the Trace options section, ensure the Remove background checkbox is checked.
  3. By default, CorelDRAW selects Automatically, which detects and removes the dominant color along the image's outer borders.

Step 3: Remove Background Colors Contained Inside the Object

If your graphic contains enclosed loops (such as the centers of letters like "O", "P", or inner details of a logo), the automatic setting may only remove the background around the perimeter.

  1. Check the box labeled Remove color from entire image.
  2. CorelDRAW will delete the identified background color from both the outside borders and internal enclosed areas.

Step 4: Manually Pick a Background Color (Optional)

If CorelDRAW automatically selects the wrong background color:

  1. Open the dropdown menu next to the "Remove background" option and change it from Automatically to Specify color.
  2. Click the Eyedropper icon.
  3. Click directly on the background color in the preview window that you wish to remove.
  4. If your background contains slight gradients or compression artifacts, adjust the Color tolerance slider until the background is completely eliminated without eroding the foreground subject.

Step 5: Finalize the Trace

  1. Optional: Under the Options section at the bottom, check Delete original image if you no longer need the raster file.
  2. Click OK to apply the trace.

Your newly created vector graphic will now be placed on your canvas with all targeted background colors fully transparent.