Creating Icons with CorelDRAW Graphics Suite

Users frequently ask how to create icons with the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite. While the ICO file format is listed as one of the file types you can create with CorelDRAW and/or Corel PHOTO-PAINT, it is not the best way to create icon files.

Icons are bitmap files. So even if you create the base graphics in CorelDRAW, it is best for you to bring the graphic into Corel PHOTO-PAINT to create an optimized bitmap. Make sure to size the bitmap to the exact pixel size of the icon you wish to create. When the bitmap is just right, save it to either BMP or PNG format. PNG would support transparency if you want transparency in your icon.

Now you need another application to take your graphic and convert it to a proper icon file. This really can be as simple as opening the graphic you created in Corel PHOTO-PAINT and resaving to ICO format. All you need is the proper application. A very good tool for this is @icon sushi. Best of all, it is a free download. If you have a PNG file with a mask, @icon sushi will save the icon file with transparency.

You've got a really powerful tool for creating graphics with CorelDRAW and Corel PHOTO-PAINT. Combine it with @icon sushi and you can easily create all kinds of cool icons.

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