How to Create a Business Card with Corel Draw

CorelDraw is the vector graphic creator/editor application developed by the Canada based software company Corel Corporation. CorelDraw runs on Windows platforms. Corel also offers a similar Painter program that is compatible with Macintosh computers.

Using CorelDraw, we will recreate the business card below.

Steps for Designing a Business Card in Corel Draw

• Step 1 - Create your own Layout.
• Step 2 - Organize your Layout by creating layers.
• Step 3 - Design background using CorelDraw tools.
• Step 4 - Import images.
• Step 5 - Design the Logo.
• Step 6 - Add Text.
• Step 7 - Save your Design.
• Step 8 - Save a copy in PDF format for the Printer.
• Step 9 - Upload to our design suite for printing/delivery.

Step 1 - Create the Layout

Create your own Layout. We will use the US standard size 3.5X2 in. Click – File on the Menu item – Click New

Open Layout – Page Setup. On the Options Panel: Paper: Business Card; Orientation: Landscape; Units: inches; Width: 3.5 Height: 2 Bleed: .125

Pull down Guides from the Rulers for your safety margins.

Step 2 - Organize Layout

On the Tools Menu – Click Object Manager – Add and rename Layers for each major element: Background, Image, Text.

Step 3 - Create Background

On the Tool Bar – Double click the Rectangle Tool. This will automatically place a rectangle over your Document.

Apply Texture to your Background.

• On the Tool Bar – Click Fill Tool – Texture Fill
• Click Presets – Choose Styles – Choose Drapes
• 1st Color: R-31, G-26, B-23
• 2nd Color: R-0, G-33, B-77

The Textured Background:

Lock Layer on the Object Manager to keep it safe from accidental editing and movement.

Step 4 - Import Images

Activate Image Layer on the Object Manager Panel.

Import image. On the File Menu – Choose Import – Choose Image from the Import Panel – Click Import. You can download our example Mask graphic by right clicking and saving this link.

The Imported Image. Place the image outside your document for editing.

Step 5 - Design Logo

Choose your preferred Type for the Text.

Add Style to your Text.

• On the Fill Tool – Select Fountain Fill
• On the Preset selection - Choose Pink Neon
• Type - Conical

Insert the Image into your logo.

Add remaining text to your Logo.

Create Reflection. Select the whole Image – Duplicate (click Ctrl+D on your keyboard) – Invert (drag handles to flip image).

On the Tools Menu – choose Transparency Tool. Adjust Transparency using the Handles.

Position Finished Logo on your Document.

Step 6 - Add Type

Create remaining Type using the Text Tool.

Place finished text on your document.

Step 7 - Finish Design

Place additional image. You can download our example transparent Mask graphic by right clicking and saving this link. Save your document.

Step 8 - Export for Printing

Publish a copy to PDF for the printer. On the File Menu – Select Publish to PDF – Click Settings.

On the Publish to PDF settings:

• Bitmap Compression – High Quality
• Downsampling: Color: 360 Grayscale: 360 Monochrome: 600
• Check Bleed Limits
• Output – CMYK



The PDF File ready for the printers.



Step 9 - Upload for Printing

Upload your PDF file to our business card design suite to see an instant proof and to order your cards. We use a lithography press and four color printing to precisely replicate your design on the card. To upload and print your design, visit our custom business card printing suite.