What is the Weld Command in CorelDRAW?

This article provides an overview of the Weld command in CorelDRAW, explaining its core function, how it works with vector shapes and text, and how to apply it to your designs. You will learn the difference between standard welding and using the Shaping docker, common use cases like preparing files for cutting, and practical tips to ensure clean vector results.

Understanding the Weld Command

The Weld command in CorelDRAW is a vector-shaping tool used to combine two or more overlapping or separate objects into a single, unified curve object. When objects are welded together, their intersecting lines and overlapping segments are eliminated, leaving only a single continuous outer boundary.

The resulting welded object adopts the fill, outline, and color properties of the target object (usually the bottom-most object in the stacking order or the object you click when using interactive welding).

How the Weld Command Works

  1. Removes Overlapping Lines: Unlike grouping, which simply binds objects together while preserving their individual paths, welding completely redraws the geometry. Any interior lines where shapes overlap are permanently deleted.
  2. Inherits Attributes: The welded result inherits the formatting—such as fill color, outline width, and transparency—of the target object.
  3. Works Across Object Types: You can weld basic shapes (rectangles, ellipses), custom vector paths, and text characters.

How to Use the Weld Tool

There are two primary methods to weld objects in CorelDRAW:

Method 1: The Property Bar (Quick Weld)

  1. Select the two or more overlapping objects you want to merge by holding Shift and clicking them, or by dragging a selection marquee.
  2. Look at the interactive Property Bar at the top of the screen.
  3. Click the Weld icon (represented by two overlapping squares joined together).
  4. The selected objects will immediately merge into a single shape.

Method 2: The Shaping Docker (Advanced Weld)

  1. Open the Shaping docker by navigating to Object > Shaping > Shaping (or Window > Dockers > Shaping).
  2. Choose Weld from the drop-down menu in the docker.
  3. Choose whether to check Source Object(s) or Target Object(s) under the "Leave Original" section if you want to keep copies of your original shapes.
  4. Select your first object, click the Weld To button, and click the target object in your workspace.

Common Use Cases

  • Connecting Cursive and Script Fonts: When typing script fonts, individual letter glyphs often overlap. Laser cutters and vinyl plotters read these overlaps as cut lines, which ruins the cut. Welding the text merges the cursive letters into one continuous outline.
  • Creating Custom Logos and Icons: Designers frequently combine basic shapes (such as circles, rectangles, and polygons) using Weld to create custom silhouettes, stamps, and icons.
  • Cleaning Up Vector Artwork: Welding simplifies complex vector paths, reducing node count and ensuring clean output for CNC machines, screen printing, and plotters.