How to Make a Banner in Corel Draw
By Eva David
CorelDRAW X4 offer multiple ways to customize your designs and ideas. While it helps to know a bit about design, there are tutorials available in the program and also online at the Corel home page for beginners. Options to explore the basic keystroke functions and buttons are located within the software’s Help menus. A common use of CorelDRAW X4 is the creation of banners used for personal and business websites. The basics are simple, once you have mastered them, the possibilities are endless.
A Basic Banner
Step 1
Open the CorelDRAW X4 program and press the "Ctrl+N" keys to create a new file. The new file usually starts out in letter format. Click on the drop-down menu in the upper left corner and choose "Web Banner(468x60)", this is the basic size for banners. Change the width and height using the arrow tabs if desired. Press "Ctrl+S" to save in the Corel format,(.cdr).
Step 2
Use the F6 key to access the Rectangle tool. Click near the banner and drag the rectangle shape over it. Let go when it has reached the edges of your shape. Choose a color from the "Color" tab located within the right side dock. Click "Fill" to fill in the rectangle with that color. This shape will serve as your background color.
Step 3
Use the F8 key to access the Text tool. Click on the center of the banner and type your name. Highlight it by holding the left mouse button and dragging the cursor over it from back to front. Click on the font drop-down menu located in the center of the top toolbar, (it might say Arial as that is the default font). Once it is highlighted, use the "Up" and "Down" Arrow keys to select a font. Drag the corners and middle of your name to move and resize it.
Step 4
Use the shape buttons in the left side toolbar, or the "F6, F7 and Y" keys to create designs and new shapes within the banner. Change their colors and sizes the same way you did the first rectangle. Press "Ctrl+Z" if you make a mistake. Every time you press it, the last step is undone. Arrange shapes by clicking on them and then selecting "Arrange," then "Order" from the top toolbar.
Step 5
Use "Ctrl+I" if you would like to import an image from your computer. Browse and select the image you want. Resize the image in the same manner as you did the shapes to fit inside the banner's border.Save your work often and when you are satisfied with the final look of your project.
References
Tips
- Play around with the tools available, learning through trial. As with many software programs, there are several ways of accomplishing a single task.
Writer Bio
Eva David is a freelance writer and graphic designer based in Chicago. She has received several awards for her short stories. David holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications and Advertising from the University of South Florida.