CorelDRAW Ctrl+D duplicate offset fix

Problem 1: the copy lands on top

CorelDRAW offsets each duplicate by a set distance. When that distance is zero, the copy sits exactly on the original and it looks as though nothing happened. Check the Objects docker: you will see two objects.

1. Open Tools, Options (Ctrl+J).
2. Go to the document General page and find Duplicate placement (or Duplicate offset).
3. Set Horizontal and Vertical to 0.25 in (6.35 mm), or whatever you prefer.
4. Click OK and try Ctrl+D again.

If the setting keeps resetting, it is stored in the workspace. Save it as part of your workspace (Tools, Options, Workspace) so new documents start with it.

Why the offset changes on its own

CorelDRAW can learn the offset: duplicate an object, move the copy, then duplicate again, and the next copy follows the same distance. That is useful for step-and-repeat, but it means one careless drag sets a new offset. Use Edit, Step and Repeat (Ctrl+Shift+D) when you need exact spacing.

Problem 2: Ctrl+D does nothing

Keyboard shortcuts go to whichever window has focus. After you click a floating macro toolbar or a docker, that window can keep focus, and CorelDRAW never sees Ctrl+D. Delete and arrow keys may still work, which makes it confusing.

• Click once on an empty part of the drawing page, then press Ctrl+D.
• If a macro window is open, close or minimise it and try again.
• Check Tools, Options, Customization, Commands, Shortcut Keys to make sure Ctrl+D is still assigned to Duplicate.

AJILE's toolbar hands keyboard focus back to CorelDRAW when you press Ctrl, so shortcuts keep working while the toolbar is open.

Questions