Since 1989, CorelDRAW has been a trusted companion for designers around the world. As the first vector graphics software built for Windows, it helped shape the future of digital illustration. Fast forward to today, and with over 90 million users in more than 100 countries, it’s still a go-to for logo design in 2025. Why? Because it’s precise, intuitive, and always evolving – an excellent choice for creating professional logos. In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to create a logo using CorelDRAW—even if you’re new to the software.
Step 1: Set up your workspace
When you launch CorelDRAW, the first thing you’ll see is the Welcome Screen. From here:
- Click “New Document”
- Set the document size to 1000px by 1000px
- Choose RGB color mode (best for digital logos)
- Name your project (e.g., “My_Logo_Design”) and click OK
CorelDRAW uses vector graphics, which means your logo can be resized to fit a business card or a billboard without losing quality.
Step 2: Get inspired and sketch Ideas
Before you dive into CorelDRAW, take some time to brainstorm. What message should your logo communicate? Is your brand modern, playful, professional, or eco-conscious?
Use pen and paper or a drawing tablet to sketch 3–5 rough concepts. Focus on:
- Shape
- Iconography
- Typography
- Style
Having a clear idea will speed up your digital process.
Step 3: Start with basic shapes
Open your blank canvas and begin with simple shapes:
- Use the Rectangle (F6), Ellipse (F7), and Polygon tools.
- Create a foundation with geometric forms. For example, a tech logo may start with a hexagon, while an organic brand may use circles or leaves.
- Use Ctrl+D to duplicate shapes, Ctrl+G to group, and Ctrl+U to ungroup.
In CorelDRAW, everything starts as a shape. Build complexity by combining, trimming, and intersecting them.
Step 4: Use the shape tool for custom forms
Once you have your base shapes:
- Select the shape
- Press F10 to activate the Shape Tool
- Drag anchor points to curve or sharpen edges
- Right-click and choose Convert to Curves for even more control
This allows you to mold your shapes into custom symbols. For instance, a circle can become a water droplet, flame, or abstract icon.
Step 5: Add color and gradients
Color brings your logo to life. Here’s how:
- Open the Color Palette on the right
- Select a shape, then click on a swatch to fill it
- Use the Interactive Fill Tool (G) to add gradients or transparency
- Stick to 2–3 main colors to keep the logo simple and memorable
Pro Tip: Use color psychology. For example:
- Blue = trust
- Green = sustainability
- Red = energy
You can also use CorelDRAW’s Color Harmonies feature (under Window > Dockers > Color Harmonies) to generate pleasing color combinations automatically.
Step 6: Add and Customize Text
Now it’s time to add your brand or company name:
- Select the Text Tool (F8)
- Click anywhere on the canvas and type your name
- In the Property Bar, choose your font, size, spacing, and alignment
Keep in mind:
- Use no more than two font styles
- Choose legible fonts that scale well
- Experiment with kerning (spacing between letters) using the Shape Tool
For logos, sans-serif fonts like Montserrat, Lato, or Futura often work best.
Step 7: Align and Arrange Elements
Clean alignment is key to a professional logo. Use:
- Guidelines (Ctrl+Shift+U) to position elements
- The Align and Distribute docker (Window > Dockers > Align and Distribute)
- Snap to Objects (Alt+Z) for precision
Aim for symmetry and balance. Make sure your text, icon, and spacing feel visually cohesive.
Step 8: Convert Text to Curves
Once you’re happy with your design:
- Select the text
- Press Ctrl+Q to convert text to curves
This prevents font issues when sending your logo to print or sharing the file. It also gives you full control over each letter’s shape.
Step 9: Export Your Logo
Go to File > Export and choose your format:
- PDF or EPS for printing
- PNG (transparent background) for websites
- SVG for responsive web design
- AI if you need Adobe Illustrator compatibility
Set resolution to 300 dpi for print or 72 dpi for web. Always save a CorelDRAW (CDR) copy in case you want to edit later.
Step 10: Test and Refine
View your logo in different sizes:
- Print it on a small label and a large flyer
- Test on a dark and light background
- Check clarity at 100px and 1000px wide
A good logo should remain recognizable and sharp at any size.
So now, fire up CorelDRAW and start building your brand—one vector at a time!