Operation Manual
186 | CorelDRAW X8 User Guide
Trimming objects
Trimming creates irregularly shaped objects by removing object areas that overlap. You can trim almost any object, including clones, objects
on different layers, and single objects with intersecting lines. However, you cannot trim paragraph text, dimension lines, or masters of clones.
Before you trim objects, you must decide which object you want to trim (the target object) and which object you want to use to perform
the trimming (the source object). For example, if you want to create a star-shaped cut out of a square object, the star is the source object
because you are using it to trim the square. The square is the target object because it’s the object you want to trim. The source object trims
the part of the target object it overlaps.
The target object retains its fill and outline attributes. For example, if you trim a rectangle that is overlapped by a circle, the area of the
rectangle that was covered by the circle is removed, creating an irregular shape.
CorelDRAW lets you trim objects in different ways. You can use a front object as the source object to trim an object behind it, as well as use
the back object to trim a front object. You can also remove hidden areas of overlapping objects, so that only the visible areas remain in the
drawing. Removing the hidden areas can reduce file size when you convert vector graphics to bitmaps.
Trimming can be used to reduce the number of objects in a drawing. Instead of adding eyes and
spots to the bug, areas (shown on the left in gray) are trimmed to reveal the black background (right).
The letter “A” is the front object used to trim the back object. A partial silhouette of the letter is created in the logo (right).
To trim an object
1 Select the source objects.
2 Hold down Shift, and click the target object.
3
Click Object Shaping Trim.
In the Classic workspace, this command appears under the Arrange menu.