From Click Marathon to Turbo Workflow: Save Time with CorelDRAW

CorelDRAW Print-to-PDF Functions

We all know that one job or task that needs to be done: “Here are 100 name badges for the event” or “We need 50 price tags for the new collection – the design stays the same, only the text and image change.” Or similar assignments.

In the past, I would have sighed deeply at tasks like these. Why? Because manually copying, pasting, and aligning data in a design layout is the ultimate creativity killer. It easily takes 60 minutes, is error-prone, and mind-numbingly boring.

Today, I complete exactly this task in under 5 minutes – and you can do the same. In this article, I’ll show you how to use CorelDRAW automation to reclaim your free time or have more time for other tasks, whether for yourself or for your clients, depending on how you use CorelDRAW.

The Secret: Print Merge

Most users use CorelDRAW for drawing and illustration. But the real power for business users also lies in the Print Merge wizard. It connects your design file with an external data source (such as Excel).

Step 1: Prepare the Data Source (2 Minutes)

Instead of typing names individually, you create a simple table in Excel or Google Sheets.

Column A: Name

Column B: Position/Title

Column C: Path to the image (yes, Corel can even automatically swap images!)

Save the file as a .CSV.

Step 2: The Master Layout in CorelDRAW (2 Minutes)

Create your design exactly as it should look in the final output. However, instead of typing a real name, go to: File > Print Merge > Load Print Merge Fields.

Select your CSV file. You can now simply drag and drop the column headers from your Excel table into your design as placeholders. Format them (font, color, size) – Corel remembers this for all subsequent 100 copies.

Step 3: One-Click Magic (1 Minute)

Click “Perform Print Merge.” CorelDRAW now automatically generates a new document in which each page contains a finished, perfectly formatted sign.

The result: 100 individual designs in seconds. No typos, no manual alignment.

Why Professional Software Like CorelDRAW Makes the Difference

Some people try to solve tasks like these with free tools. But this is exactly where the wheat is separated from the chaff. The precision with which tools like the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite process data fields and prepare them for professional printing (CMYK, crop marks) not only saves you time but also prevents costly misprints.

Anyone working professionally as a designer or running a business cannot afford to waste time on “copy-and-paste” tasks.

My tip: If you’re still working with an outdated version, take a look at the current CorelDRAW Graphics Suite. The new workflow acceleration features often pay for themselves after just the first major project.

👉 Click here to view the current CorelDRAW version (trial available)