How to Separate PSD Files by Color in CorelDRAW

Use CorelDRAW to separate the colors in a Photoshop file, which has the PSD file extension. Performing this separation involves converting the file to a vector, then pulling apart the vector's component shapes. This process uses the "Quick Trace" command, which converts raster images to vector objects. Converting a PSD file to a vector image may result in a loss of the file's original colors.

Instructions

1. Click "File" then select "New." Click "OK" to create a canvas.

2. Open the File menu and select "Import." Go to and double-click a Photoshop file. CorelDRAW will load the file.

3. Click and hold the mouse button in the upper left corner of the canvas, then drag to the lower right corner and release the button. CorelDRAW will display the Photoshop image on the canvas. Click the "Bitmap" menu and select "Convert to Bitmap." This makes the Photoshop image editable. Select the "Bitmap" menu and click "Quick Trace." CorelDRAW will convert the Photoshop image to a set of vector shapes.

4. Right-click the vector graphic and click "Ungroup All." This action breaks the link connecting all the component vectors to each other, which makes it possible to move each vector independently of the others. Click any part of the graphic to select one of the vectors, then drag the vector away from the main image.

5. Click another vector with the same color as the first you separated from the main image, then drag to move the second vector to a location near the first separated vector. Separate from the main image all remaining vectors with the same color as the first two.

6. Drag the remaining vectors in the main image to form color groups.. Ensure that each vector you separate from the main image has the same color as that of the group you're dragging the vector to.

References

• CorelDRAW X5 The Official Guide; Gary David Bouton; 2010