Skip to content
CtrlKFind a shortcut

CorelDRAW Shortcut Keys

AppsCorelDRAWPrint and flex workChecked 2 Nov 2026

Rectangle tool

F6

Text tool

F8

Group

CtrlG

Convert to curves

CtrlQ

CorelDRAW shortcut keys use the function row for drawing tools and Ctrl combinations for working with objects. F6 picks the Rectangle tool, F7 the Ellipse, and F8 Text. Ctrl + G groups selected objects and Ctrl + Q converts text or shapes to curves, which printers often ask for.

Single letters align selected objects, for example P centres them on the page. The tables below cover the keys used most in print shops, flex and visiting card design work.

Quick facts

  • Tools

    F5 to F8

  • Group and ungroup

    Ctrl + G, Ctrl + U

  • Convert to curves

    Ctrl + Q

  • Centre on page

    P

  • Duplicate

    Ctrl + D

  • Options

    Ctrl + J

CorelDRAW shortcut keys for tools

Drawing and editing tools
KeyTool
F5Freehand
F6Rectangle
F7Ellipse
F8Text
F10Shape tool (edit nodes)
F12Outline Pen settings
YPolygon
ASpiral
DGraph paper
XEraser
GInteractive fill
HPan

Press Space to switch between the current tool and the Pick tool, which saves many trips to the toolbox. Double clicking a tool in the toolbox opens its settings, and holding Ctrl while drawing with the Rectangle or Ellipse tool makes a perfect square or circle.

Object and arrange keys

Working with objects
KeysAction
Ctrl + GGroup
Ctrl + UUngroup
Ctrl + LCombine
Ctrl + KBreak apart
Ctrl + DDuplicate
Ctrl + QConvert to curves
Ctrl + HomeTo front of page
Ctrl + EndTo back of page
Ctrl + PgUpForward one
Ctrl + PgDnBack one

Align and distribute with single keys

Select objects first, then press
KeyAlignment
PCentre on the page
CAlign centres vertically
EAlign centres horizontally
LAlign left
RAlign right
TAlign top
BAlign bottom

Objects align to the last selected object, so select the one that should stay in place last.

Before sending a file to print, convert all text to curves with Ctrl + Q on a copy. The printer then does not need your fonts.

View and file keys

Other everyday keys
KeysAction
F4Fit all objects in the window
Shift + F4Fit the page
F3View further out
Ctrl + IImport
Ctrl + EExport
Ctrl + SSave
Ctrl + JOptions
Ctrl + ZUndo

When CorelDRAW keys do not work

Problems and fixes
ProblemFix
Letter keys type textThe Text tool is active; press Esc or Space
F-keys change volumePress Fn too, or turn Fn lock on
Alignment keys do nothingSelect two or more objects first
Shortcut changedKeys can be customised under Tools, Options, Customization
A print shop designer lays out visiting cards: F6 for the card border, F8 for the name, P to centre the logo, then Ctrl + D to repeat the card across an A4 sheet before printing.

Setting up a print ready file

Print shops in India commonly ask for files in CMYK colour, with text converted to curves, a bleed of a few millimetres around the edge, and images at 300 dpi. Set the page size first under Layout, add guidelines for the bleed, and check colours in Document Properties. Export a PDF with Ctrl + E as well as saving the original file with Ctrl + S, so the printer can open it even without the same software version. Keep an editable copy where the text is still live, in case the client asks for changes.

Other design software keys

Photo editing keys are on the image editing shortcuts page, and drafting keys on the technical drawing shortcuts page. General undo and copy keys are in undo shortcut key.

This site is not affiliated with Corel; this is an independent explanation.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most used CorelDRAW shortcut keys?

F6, F7, F8, Ctrl + G, Ctrl + D, Ctrl + Q and P.

What does Ctrl + Q do in CorelDRAW?

It converts text or shapes to curves.

How do I centre an object on the page?

Select it and press P.

What is the CorelDRAW shortcut to group objects?
Ctrl + G; ungroup with Ctrl + U.
How do I edit nodes?

Press F10 for the Shape tool.

Can I change CorelDRAW shortcut keys?

Yes, under Tools, Options, Customization.