Create Blur Glass Effect in CorelDRAW
Learn how to create the stunning blur glass effect in CorelDRAW, the leading software for vector graphics and photo editing. This tutorial guides you step-by-step to achieve a frosted glass look, perfect for enhancing your designs.
CORELDRAW TUTORIAL
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CorelDraw Graphics Suite is the best Vector, Graphics, Illustrator, and Photo Editing software. The possibilities are beyond imagination. You can create the Blur Glass Effect in CorelDraw which is very easy and can be done in a few steps. New CorelDRAW_Web has Advanced Print to PDF Enhanced, New Painterly Brush tool, New Enhanced Brush Packs, Stability and Security, as well as comes with New Additional Google fonts
Creating a Blur Glass Effect in CorelDraw: A Step-by-Step Guide
CorelDraw has long been a favorite among designers for its versatility in vector illustration, layout design, and creative effects. One of the most visually striking techniques you can achieve in CorelDRAW is the Blur Glass Effect, a design trick that mimics the look of frosted or blurred glass overlaying an image. In this tutorial, we’ll walk through how to create a slightly blurred rectangular glass piece placed in front of a face portrait photograph, with the text “CorelDraw Blur Glass Effect” written clearly on the glass. The glass will cover only half of the face, creating a modern, stylish composition that blends photography with vector artistry. By the end of this article, you’ll not only know how to replicate this effect but also understand how to adapt it for posters, social media graphics, and branding projects.
Why Blur Glass Effect in CorelDraw?
Before diving into the technical steps, let’s explore why blur glass effect in CorelDRAW is so popular:
Modern Aesthetic: Blur glass effect overlays are widely used in UI/UX design, advertisements, and digital art because they add sophistication and depth. And CorelDraw happens to be the best software to achieve it.
Focus Control: By blurring part of an image, you can direct attention to specific areas, like the text on the glass.
Versatility: This technique works across portraits, product shots, and abstract backgrounds.
Professional Appeal: It mimics real-world frosted glass, giving your design a tactile, realistic feel.
Preparing Your Workspace
Open CorelDraw: Launch CorelDraw software and create a new document. Set the page size according to your project (e.g., A4 for print, 1080x1080 pixels for social media).
Import the Portrait Photograph: Go to File > Import and select the face portrait image you want to use. Place it centrally on the canvas.
Adjust Image Size: Use the Pick Tool to resize the photo so it fills the workspace comfortably.
Step 1: Creating the Rectangular Glass Shape
Select the Rectangle Tool (F6).
Draw a rectangle that covers half of the face portrait. Position it so that it vertically divides the face into two halves.
Ensure the rectangle is slightly larger than the face area it covers, so it looks intentional and balanced.
Step 2: Applying Transparency
To mimic glass, transparency is key:
Select the rectangle.
Go to the Transparency Tool (shortcut: Shift + F11).
Apply a Uniform Transparency of around 20–30%. This allows the portrait to remain visible beneath the glass.
Step 3: Adding the Blur Effect
In CorelDraw you can achieve the Blur Glass Effect using Gaussian Blur via bitmaps:
Convert Rectangle to Bitmap:
With the rectangle selected, go to Bitmaps > Convert to Bitmap.
Choose RGB color mode, 300 dpi for print or 72 dpi for web.
Apply Gaussian Blur:
Go to Bitmaps > Blur > Gaussian Blur.
Adjust the blur radius until the rectangle looks like frosted glass. A subtle blur (around 10–15 pixels) works best for realism.
Step 4: Adding Glass-Like Styling
To enhance realism in the Blur Glass Effect in your CorelDraw design:
Apply a white outline with low opacity (around 20%) to simulate glass edges.
Add a gradient fill (white to transparent) diagonally across the rectangle for light reflection.
Use the Interactive Fill Tool (G) to fine-tune the gradient direction.
Step 5: Overlaying Text on the Glass
Now let’s add the text to this Blur Glass Effect in your CorelDraw document:
Select the Text Tool (F8).
Type: “CorelDraw Blur Glass Effect”.
Place the text centrally on the rectangle.
Styling tips:
Use a bold sans-serif font (e.g., Helvetica, Futura, or Montserrat) for clarity.
Set the text color to black or dark gray for maximum contrast against the blurred glass.
Add a subtle drop shadow to make the text pop.
Step 6: Fine-Tuning Alignment
Ensure the rectangle covers exactly half the face.
Align the text so it feels balanced within the glass area.
Use Arrange > Align and Distribute for precision.
Step 7: Adding Depth with Shadows
To make the glass appear as a physical object:
Select the rectangle.
Apply a Drop Shadow using the Drop Shadow Tool.
Adjust opacity and feathering so the shadow is soft, giving the illusion of depth.
Step 8: Exporting the Final Design
Once satisfied with your CorelDraw Blur Glass Effect design:
Go to File > Export.
Choose PNG or JPEG for digital use, or PDF for print.
Ensure transparency is preserved if exporting as PNG.
Creative Variations in CorelDraw
Once you master the CorelDraw basic blur glass effect, experiment with these variations:
Diagonal Glass: Place the rectangle at an angle across the face.
Circular Glass: Use the Ellipse Tool instead of a rectangle for a round frosted overlay.
Colored Glass: Add a tint (blue, green, or pink) to the rectangle for a stylized look.
Multiple Panels: Overlay several blurred rectangles for a fragmented, artistic composition.
Practical Applications in CorelDraw Designs
This blur glass effect technique in CorelDraw isn’t just for practice; it has real-world uses too:
Social Media Posts: Highlight text while keeping the portrait stylish.
Event Posters: Overlay event details on blurred glass panels.
Branding: Use blur glass effects in product photography for a premium feel.
Web Design Mockups: Simulate modern UI cards and overlays.
CorelDraw Design Troubleshooting Tips
Text Not Clear Enough: Increase contrast by darkening the text or lightening the blur rectangle.
Glass Too Opaque: Reduce transparency to around 20%.
Blur Too Strong: Lower the Gaussian Blur radius for subtlety.
Edges Too Harsh: Feather the rectangle edges or add a gradient.
Final Word on CorelDraw Blur Glass Effect
The Blur Glass Effect in CorelDraw is a powerful way to merge photography with vector design. By overlaying a slightly blurred rectangular glass on half of a face portrait and adding clear text, you create a composition that is both modern and professional. This technique balances clarity and mystery, the blurred glass obscures part of the image while the text stands out boldly. Whether you’re designing for print, digital media, or branding, this effect adds sophistication and depth to your work. With practice designing blur glass effect in CorelDraw, you’ll be able to adapt this method to countless creative scenarios, making your designs stand out in today’s visually saturated world.
CorelDraw Blur Glass Effect Creation Video