Truly stupid CorelDraw question
Not having any luck getting to the CorelDraw newsgroups, so I'll try here...
The simplest statement of the problem is as follows:
Three lines are drawn on a blank page, but not through a common intersection. This results in a triangle bounded by those lines. How do I make a shape that corresponds to that triangle?
In the more general case, how do I create shapes that correspond to the regions bounded by an arbitrary number of open curves?
I've tried every obvious combination of selecting the lines and using the 'shaping' commands (Trim, Intersect, etc)...no joy. I suspect that exporting the drawing as a bit map, using flood fill to color the regions, and then bringing the result back in through CorelTrace will work, but that seems ridiculously kludgy.
Any ideas?
Bounded Regions - Method #1
Lee,
There are a number of methods for calculating the bounded region in CorelDRAW. The best method depends on the geometry and objects in question. I am currently using Corel 11 here, but you can do the same in 12, and should be able to do it in 10.
Creating bounded regions with closed objects is pie. The trick is, how to create them with unclosed Bezier curves (or straight lines, for that matter).
Here is Method #1 (Contouring)
1. Draw your curves or lines:
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/images/a...ounding1_1.gif
2. Select the objects and Weld (or combine):
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/images/a...ounding1_2.gif
3. Apply a small contour (say, .001 in). This creates closed objects. (aha!)
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/images/a...ounding1_3.gif
4. Break the contour apart. (and delete your old object, if you please).
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/images/a...ounding1_4.gif
5. Break the curve apart. (and delete the bounding curves, if you please).
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/images/a...ounding1_5.gif
And.. you've a bounded region:
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/images/a...ounding1_6.gif
Bounded Regions, Method #2
Method 2 is easier. It's the same as Method #1 but actually lets Corel do the work for you.
Here is Method #2 (Outlines)
1. Create your curves.
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/images/a...ounding2_1.gif
2. Weld (combine) your curves into an object.
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/images/a...ounding2_2.gif
3. Arrange > Convert Outline to Object (ctrl+shift+q)
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/images/a...ounding2_3.gif
4. Break curve apart, delete the lines, and you're done.
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/images/a...ounding2_4.gif
And you're done..
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/images/a...ounding2_5.gif