I've setup a CorelDraw X6 document by inserting a background image. I'm using this bitmap to trace over. You can D/L the file HERE.
I added a layer over the top of this image to trace on (the background image will be deleted once I'm done).
My question is, how do I make my drawing layer semi-transparent, almost pure white, with just enough of the bitmap showing beneath to reference it?
I would tend to make the image a bit transparent. But it depends upon the image as to how well it would work. You can add yet another layer. In the middle payer add a rectangle covering the entire bitmap. Color it white, make that layer have transparency. Lock the bitmap and middle layer. Trace away.
Mike
Put a white rectangle over the background image and make that semi-transparent.
Put these both on the same layer and lock it and draw on a new layer above.
Set the transparency of the image by selecting it then use the transparency tool, use uniform and the desired transparency level.
Here ya go. I hadn't look at the file. I would invert the bitmap, then add the rectangle and add transparency to it...
https://www.dropbox.com/s/3zetp4kdx55k9wg/Dromed-rev.cdr
When I have to trace bitmaps, I start choosing a good contrasting colour for the trace.
That would often be yellow for a dark image or red for a light image. You don't have to trace the image in the colour you intend to use permanently, and you don't have to fill the shapes as you trace them, unless it is useful to do so.
For the image you show, yellow should work fine without needing to make the image transparent and you probably don't have anything to fill anyway. Finally, you can delete the image (or put it on a hidden layer). select all outlines and change them to the colour you need.
Its also useful to start by locking the bitmap, to avoid dragging it by accident.