Switch Desktop and Touch Workspaces in CorelDRAW

Switching between desktop and touch workspaces in CorelDRAW allows users to optimize their interface depending on whether they are using a mouse and keyboard or a touchscreen device like a 2-in-1 laptop or tablet. This guide provides a straightforward walkthrough on how to manually toggle between the standard desktop layout and the touch-friendly interface, as well as how to configure these preferences within the application.

Method 1: Using the Application Menu

The fastest way to switch your workspace while working on a project is through the main menu bar:

  1. Open CorelDRAW and ensure a document is open or create a new one.
  2. Click on the Window menu at the top of the screen.
  3. Hover over Workspace.
  4. Click Touch to switch to the streamlined, touch-optimized interface with larger buttons and gesture support.
  5. To return to the standard desktop interface, repeat the process by clicking Window > Workspace and selecting Default (or your preferred custom desktop workspace).

Method 2: Using the Options Dialog

You can also switch or manage workspaces through the global application preferences:

  1. Click on Tools in the top menu and select Options, then click Workspaces (or press Ctrl + J).
  2. In the list of available workspaces, select Touch or Default.
  3. Click OK to apply the change. The application will immediately reload the interface to reflect your selection.

Method 3: From the Welcome Screen

If you have just launched CorelDRAW:

  1. Navigate to the Welcome Screen tab.
  2. Click on the Workspace category in the left-hand navigation pane.
  3. Select either the Touch tile or the Default tile to set the interface before opening a file.

Key Differences Between the Workspaces

  • Touch Workspace: Designed specifically for stylus and finger input. It features larger buttons, simplified toolbars, streamlined flyouts, and eliminates complex dockers to maximize drawing canvas space.
  • Desktop (Default) Workspace: Geared toward high-density mouse and keyboard use. It restores comprehensive property bars, standard status bars, detailed menus, and multiple dockers for advanced vector editing and layout tasks.