One of CorelDRAW’s most powerful tools is PowerTRACE, which lets you transform bitmap images into scalable vector graphics. This is especially useful when you need to enlarge a logo, simplify a complex design, or prepare artwork for printing without losing quality.
✨ Why use PowerTRACE?
Scalability: Vectors can be resized infinitely without pixelation.
Editability: Break down bitmap images into shapes and paths for easy customization.
Efficiency: Save time by converting existing images instead of redrawing them.
📌 Step-by-Step Guide
- Import your bitmap image
Open CorelDRAW and create a new document.
Go to File > Import (or press Ctrl + I) and select the bitmap image (JPG, PNG, BMP, etc.).
Place the image on your canvas.
- Select the image
Click on the bitmap image to activate it.
You should see it outlined with a selection box.
- Open PowerTRACE
Right-click on the selected image.
Choose “Outline Trace” > [Preset of your choice], for example:
Logo (best for simple, high-contrast logos)
Detailed Logo (if the image has gradients or shading)
Clipart (for complex illustrations).
- Adjust settings in the PowerTRACE window
A preview window will open, showing the original bitmap vs. the vector result.
Adjust settings such as:
Detail Level: Increase or decrease how much detail is traced.
Smoothing: Removes small bumps or noise from the image.
Corner Smoothness: Adjusts sharpness of angles.
Check Remove background if you want a transparent background.
- Review and apply
Use the preview to compare results.
Once satisfied, click OK.
Your vector graphic will appear on the canvas, placed directly above the original bitmap.
- Edit your vector
Ungroup the traced objects (Ctrl + U) to edit individual shapes.
Change colors, resize, or simplify paths as needed.
✅ Pro Tips
Always start with the highest quality bitmap possible for the best tracing results.
Simplify the vector paths if the file becomes too heavy.
Use PowerTRACE to recreate old logos or digitize hand-drawn sketches.