What Is Lasso Selection Mode in CorelDRAW?

The Lasso selection mode in CorelDRAW is a freehand selection feature designed to help users quickly select specific objects within complex, crowded designs. Unlike the standard rectangular marquee, the Lasso mode allows you to draw an irregular, custom-shaped boundary around vector objects, text, or shapes. This article provides a clear overview of how the Lasso selection mode works, where to find it, and how to use it to streamline your vector editing workflow.

Understanding Lasso Selection

In standard CorelDRAW operations, the default Pick tool creates a rectangular bounding box when you click and drag across the workspace. While effective for simple layouts, rectangular selection often accidentally captures surrounding or overlapping elements in intricate artwork.

Lasso selection—often utilized through the Freehand Pick tool or marquee selection options on the Property Bar—replaces the rigid rectangle with a fluid, freehand loop. You can trace around tightly grouped elements, selectively weaving between objects to isolate only the items you need.

How to Access and Use Lasso Selection

  1. Locate the Tool: Open the Pick tool flyout menu on the main toolbox (left side of the workspace) and select the Freehand Pick tool, or set your marquee selection mode to freehand/lasso in the Property Bar if available in your version.
  2. Draw the Selection: Click and drag the cursor around the objects you want to select, tracing a path that encircles them.
  3. Close the Loop: Release the mouse button. CorelDRAW will automatically connect the start and end points of your drawn path, selecting all objects fully enclosed within that shape.

Key Shortcuts and Modifiers

  • Select Crossing Objects (Alt Key): By default, an object must be completely inside the drawn loop to be selected. Holding down Alt while drawing allows you to select any object that the lasso line touches or crosses.
  • Add to Selection (Shift Key): Hold down Shift while drawing a new lasso loop to add additional objects to your current selection without deselecting the active ones.
  • Deselect Specific Objects (Shift Key): Drawing around an already selected object while holding Shift will remove that specific item from the selection group.

Primary Benefits

  • Precision in Cluttered Layouts: Easily pick out specific details in technical drawings, maps, or detailed vector illustrations without locking or hiding background layers.
  • Faster Workflow: Eliminates the need to repeatedly click individual objects while holding Shift, reducing repetitive strain and saving time.
  • Non-Destructive Navigation: Allows you to isolate elements without changing group hierarchies or disturbing nearby design components.