Corel DRAW comes equipped with features that are handy for design. While graphic design is achievable with Corel DRAW alone, leveraging other graphic software widens the scope of design possibilities.
In this instance, we’ll use “FlowScape” to create natural landscapes on a computer and then import them into Corel DRAW for further editing.
Easily Utilizing Images of Natural Landscapes
When incorporating natural landscapes into backgrounds for illustrations, designs, comics, etc., people often either visit natural locations to capture photos or search (or purchase) images online to draw using graphic software. FlowScape allows for easy creation of landscape images, closely matching your imagination, without leaving your space. FlowScape-generated landscape images are diverse, with variations in angles and positioning.
While achieving realistic images comparable to actual photographs may be challenging, it excels in creating landscape images suitable for clear and crisp vector graphics (illustration style).
Downloading FlowScape
FlowScape is remarkable software that allows the creation of beautiful natural landscapes in real-time, even without knowledge of 3DCG or CAD. It enables the easy generation of 3D images like trees, water, and animals.
This software is available for purchase on the STEAM store.
Launching and Navigating FlowScape
Although this article doesn’t delve into the detailed operations of FlowScape, it’s worth noting that the software allows intuitive interactions, making it easy to navigate. Control the viewpoint with the mouse, move with WASD, and adjust the viewpoint’s height with Q and E.
Upon launching FlowScape, a random natural landscape appears on the screen, accompanied by bars for adjusting elements like the quantity of trees and temperature (snow). Additionally, real-time animations of elements like trees, animals, waves, and wind, coupled with environmental sounds and soothing BGM, enhance the immersive experience.
On the right side of the screen, icons for adjusting 3D object positions and directions, buttons for deletion, 3D parts, sunlight angle settings, and focus range are available.
Importing Images into Corel DRAW
Once you’ve determined your preferred angle in FlowScape, capture the image through a screenshot or similar methods. Save the created data and import the captured image into Corel DRAW (for Windows, the built-in “PRINTSCREEN” function is sufficient).
After pasting the image into Corel DRAW, you can close the FlowScape application.
Tracing the Image Used in Corel DRAW
Paste the image captured in FlowScape into Corel DRAW. Once the image is pasted, you can convert it into vector data for fine adjustments. Corel DRAW features a powerful image tracing function that allows one-click tracing of any image.
Select the image you want to trace and choose Bitmap from the menu on the screen. Corel DRAW’s tracing function includes options like Quick Trace, Centerline, and Outline, which vary based on the simplicity or complexity of the image.
In the example above, the trace used the outline, resulting in an appearance reminiscent of an oil painting or watercolor illustration compared to the original image.
The Traced Image Editing
The traced image comprises grouped curves. To edit, choose Object → Grouping → Ungroup from the menu, allowing you to remove unnecessary curves and adjust colors or shapes. In the example, the blue part of the sky was removed, refining the overall shape.
When creating natural landscapes, it’s convenient to create parts of straight and curved lines in advance. Randomly arrange shapes of leaves and trees, avoiding the repetitive use of the same shape to reduce a sense of artificiality. Adding highlights and shadows is also recommended when emphasizing lines or creating unevenness.
Adding Decorations and Text for the Finishing Touch
Finally, add a gradient background, circular objects, and text to complete the design. In this case, the theme was “nature,” and the design was kept simple while considering overall balance.
Leveraging the tracing function of Corel DRAW and the allure of FlowScape, create your unique and wonderful design. We hope this article sparks interest in Corel DRAW and FlowScape.
Comments