Technical Library: Using CorelDRAW's Interactive Contour Tool

There are many different ways to create text engravings that are original and eye catching. In this exercise we will be using the Interactive Contour tool to add an engravable 3-D beveled edge to a font.

Check out the flash demonstration of this technique by clicking here.

 

coreldraw interactive contour tool
 
1.

Start by using the Text Tool to create your sample text. For this exercise we will be using Arial Black with a size of 125 pts. The font fill is black and the font outline is white. Now we are ready to begin creating the beveled edge.

 
  2.

Select the Interactive Contour Tool located in the pull-out menu of the Interactive Blend Tool.


 
  3.

With the Interactive Contour Tool now selected, the options for the tool appear above in the Property Bar. For the beveled edge effect, we want to add multiple steps (or outlines) to the outside of the letters by choosing the Outside Contour button.



 
  4.

Next we'll set the number of grey's that are outlining our letters by setting the Contour Steps. The number will vary depending on the thickness of bevel you want to achieve and the size font you use. For 125 pt. font we are going to use 30 steps of gray. To do so select the Contour Step box and type 30.



 
  5.

To control the width of each contour step use the Contour Offset box. As a general rule, using more contour steps and a smaller contour offset creates more detail and better engravings. For this exercise we are going to set the contour offset to 0.002. Double click inside the Contour Offset box and change the value to 0.002.



 
  6.

And that's all there is to it! Using the Interactive Contour Tool to create 3-D text will add depth and quality to your engraved products. This tool can be used in many different ways, so be creative and have fun with it.



 
   
 
   
 
 


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