Extream noob here, and zero graphic talent..

[rgranger]

I would just like to use some text as a mask to allow a background to show though. I have tried converting the text to bitmap and then using that but it does not work. is it that the mask needs to be inverted to white. that make it difficult to use as I can't see where it is going - see told ya, complete graphic idiot and I should not be attempting this.
thanks
Rob

[handrawn]

Hi welcome to TG

this the sort of thing?

IN STAGE 4 YOU NEED TO HAVE BOTH TEXT AND SHAPE SELECTED

[bcire68]

Hi rgranger and welcome to Talk Graphics.

As with many things in Xara, there is more than one way to achieve the effect that you are looking for.

Steve's method works fine. Another way to do the same thing is to bring in your bitmap, and type and place your text over the bitmap where you want it. With the text selected move it to the back (Ctrl+B), with the text still selected (but moved to the back) select the bitmap as well by Ctrl+Clicking it. With both the text and bitmap selected (and the text behind the bitmap) press Q which will apply a clipview. That's it.

I hope that helps.

Eric

[handrawn]

nice one Eric - I really must start using clipview more

nice thing about the clipview is that you can move the image around within the text boundary to make adjustments - the text is then a 'true' envelope mask - it really is very easy

[Jon G]

Q and Alt+Q is in heavy use here, wonderful feature.

One of it's applications is working with bleed, it's easy to make the document size to include bleed, design the background in the same size and then use a "target-size" rectangle behind the background and clipview them. This way the document stays target size+bleed, but you'll see only what remains after cutting.

cheers,

Jon

[gwpriester]

Welcome to the Xtreme Conference Rob.

Gary

[bcire68]

nice one Eric -

Thank you Steve.

[ss-kalm]

Steve,

You don't need to convert the text to an editable shape to subtract it from the background rectangle.

[handrawn]

Keith

true enough - its force of habit - I do it nearly always though for other reasons

an example of clipview - done to try to remind me to use it

[rgranger]

That is exactly what I was trying to get at.
thank you all so very much!
rob