Lettering Manipulation I cannot accomplish

[GiddyupGilbert]

I'm going to attach a sampling of what I want to accomplish. The lettering is on the top. When I'm through I want it shaped like the green rectangle below it. Thanks. I can't get the type to do anything, and it was hard enough getting the rectangle to give me adjustment points.

[gwpriester]

Not quite your copy but...

Turn off the bevel and then try it. It it works, then reapply the bevel.

[handrawn]

if you want it more laid back, like :



[bit rough and ready sorry]

then fit text to curve is one way to go

[Sadler]

Perhaps answers so far are enough. Just to fill in some details for less experienced designers...

Gary's method (I guess) uses the Mould Tool (Shift-F6) and you shouldn't need to remove the bevel to achieve this.

handrawn's method uses Fit Text to Curve (Arrange menu). This requires a separate curve for the text to sit on. Select text+curve then apply. There are options to keep the text upright.

If you want more control you can remove the bevel, (optionally use one of the above methods as a starting point), convert text to shapes, adjust control points to your liking. Can't easily edit the text after this though.

I should also mention - if the text is a bitmap then you're stuffed - xara can't mould bitmaps or fit them to curves (although there is a hack!). You're best option would be to try to recreate the text as a vector object.

[amoore]

Thanks, Sadler. That's very helpful.

Allison

[GiddyupGilbert]

I apologize to everyone here for my thickness in the matter. So far "Text to a curve" is fine. I have no issue with ClipView (Thanks Gary), but I'm having an issue just getting started. I create a basic line of type, "A TASTE OF ITALY." At this point it is highlighted and I convert to Editable Shapes. It's at this point it just seems to look at me and will not do anything else. With the editable shaped font selected I punch Shape Tool. I gives me four points around the rectangle. It's after this I can't get anything done, I cannot select one of the corner points to begin anything. I know I'm missing something, but haven't figured out what. The curve on the type I want more arched on the top than the curve on the bottom. I know I'll be kicking myself when I discover what I'm not doing properly, but so far I'm speedily getting nowhere fast.

[gwpriester]

You want to use the Mold Tool, not the Shape Tool.

[GiddyupGilbert]

A world of difference. Thanks for the input Gary.

[richinri]

Praise the Lord and pass the bucket!

[GiddyupGilbert]

Amen!