CorelDraw 101: Import and Export pg 7: Production Graphics with Wendy Peck at webreference.com

CorelDraw 101: Import and Export

Export GIF File

Why GIF?
If you are exporting any type of image but a photograph style for the Web, GIF is the best choice. It is one of two common formats that can be used on the Web (JPG is the other). GIF is the only format in common use for the Web that can create transparent backgrounds, a very popular feature. GIF is best when you have large areas of solid color, since the file size will be smaller. GIF images have a maximum of 256 colors, so they are not appropriate for photo type graphics.

Export File Basics
Select the items you wish to export with the Pick Tool. Choose File, Export from the Main Menu. Select GIF as the File Type. Choose the name and location for your file. Choose Selected only. (See Export a File in this series for more information on these actions.)

Set Size and Resolution
Choose the size for your file. Size is determined by end use and is not dependent on the original size of the CorelDraw created image. CorelDraw is vector based, so you can resize a graphic on export with no quality loss. Choose 1 to 1 or Custom if you need to adjust size. Note: The Custom size default does not offer proportional sizing. Click on the lock icon beside the size information BEFORE you adjust the size. This locks the proportion. GIF files are usually set for 72 dpi resolution for Web use.

Set Export Attributes
With the color selection box, choose Paletted (8-bit) or Black and White for a black and white image with no gray shading (Grayscale offers no file size reduction for GIF files). If you are going to be using the file only as a black and white image, choose this now, since the file size is significantly lower. Choose Anti-aliasing unless you are exporting small text. Anti-aliasing smooths edges, but with small text (and some detailed small graphics), the result is fuzzy. Normally, dither is not selected.

Set Transparency
You can set a color to be transparent with a GIF file. Normally this will be the background. Be careful when creating your graphics, since any areas of the image that are the same color as the background will be transparent. Choose the eyedropper and move it to the left screen containing your image. Click on the background color. That color is highlighted in the color list. Click preview to see results. The checked background indicates transparency. (Choose None for no transparency.) Click OK.

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CorelDraw 101: Import and Export Tutorial Index

Import/Export Overview
Import a File
Edit Vector Import
Edit Bitmap Import
Export a File
Export TIF File
Export GIF File
Export JPG File
Export AI File
Export CDR File