behind fill

[Soquili]

Colin download and open the attached .xar file. Two text objects are used to create the fill behind effect.

If you do not have Xara Designer Pro X installed you will get a warning that the file was create in a new version than you are using. You can savely disregard the warning.



EDIT: I see Steve posted while I was playing.

[Soquili]

This example uses a 1 step Contour.

[handrawn]

Bill - you owe me royalties

[steve.ledger]

ok - the contour method would do it, but that is not defined in point size

Are you sure Steve?

[handrawn]

no, you're right Steve - I think I must have been having a bad thread day.... hey ho

my only excuse [and it's a poor one] is that contour width defaults to 'page' units and not 'font' units, but of course, thinking about it , it would.

[colin]

That does the trick. Thanks again everybody, Colin

[gwpriester]

Corel does to maintain the integrity of the font. Adding an outline distorts the font in a way that was not intended and it also changes the visual weight of the characters.

The simplest way to add an outline that does not distort the font, and one that does not remove the editability of the text, is to copy the text to the clipboard.

Add an outline to the text on the page that is twice the width you wish, e.g. 4pt if you want a 2pt outline.

Paste the original text on top.

This does exactly the same thing as Corel and your text is still editable. True, you have to edit two bits of text.

[steve.ledger]

Of course text is still editable when using a 1 step (custom sizeable) contour as well.

[colin]

Yes, I find the 1-step contour easier and more flexible for text and as sledger says, editable. The duplicating, cutting and pasting method is very useful for other objects however - Thanks.
Two other questions arising;
1. Can the 'duplicate' distance be set to 0 Not that important, as I've been using 'clone' to set the second object immediately over the first
2. Can the number of 'contour steps' be set, by default - or at least for the duration of a project , to 1. Again not vital and only a marginal time saver.
Thanks, Colin

[handrawn]

yes the duplication can be set to 0 or other +/- values in options at bottom right of general tab - often useful if you just want one axis at 0 for using duplication to make rows and columns

the default for contour steps is 4 - cannot be changed, and the ability to do so much requested