What is the Repel Tool in CorelDRAW?

This article provides an overview of the Repel tool in CorelDRAW, explaining its core function, how it manipulates vector objects, and where to find it within the workspace. You will learn the mechanics behind the tool, its primary settings on the Property Bar, and practical design scenarios where it is most effectively applied.

The Repel tool is a creative shaping tool in CorelDRAW designed to push vector outlines away from the cursor. By interacting with the nodes and paths of an active object, it acts like a magnetic force that repels lines, allowing designers to sculpt, distort, and reshape vector graphics fluidly without manually moving individual nodes.

Where to Find the Repel Tool

The Repel tool is located in the main Toolbox on the left side of the CorelDRAW interface. It is nested within the Shape edit flyout menu alongside related creative tools like Smear, Twirl, and Attract. To access it, click and hold the Shape tool (or click the small arrow in the bottom-right corner of the icon) and select Repel from the drop-down list.

How the Repel Tool Works

When the Repel tool is active, your cursor transforms into a circular brush representing its area of influence.

  1. Select the vector object you want to modify.
  2. Position the cursor near or on the outline of the object.
  3. Click and hold the mouse button or drag across the edge.
  4. The path and nodes within the brush radius will push outward, away from the center of the cursor.

Key Tool Settings

When you select the Repel tool, the Property Bar at the top of the screen displays several customizable controls:

  • Nib Size: Adjusts the diameter of the tool's brush cursor. A larger nib affects a broader area of the vector path, while a smaller nib creates localized, precise deflections.
  • Rate: Controls the speed and intensity at which the path moves away from the cursor. A higher rate pushes the outline away rapidly, while a lower rate allows for subtle, controlled shaping.
  • Pen Pressure: If you are using a graphics tablet, toggling this option allows the physical pressure of your stylus to dictate the size or intensity of the repel effect dynamically.

Common Uses for the Repel Tool

  • Organic Sculpting: Softening hard geometric paths to give shapes a natural, fluid, or hand-drawn appearance.
  • Textured Contours: Pushing borders outward to create waves, liquid ripples, or splash effects on flat graphics.
  • Rapid Clearance Adjustments: Pushing lines and borders away from an encroaching design element without needing to manually delete and redraw nodes.