Neeed help please with a problem: Necklace Brush

**X-Newbie** · 01 July 2007, 04:25 PM

I am trying to create an effect where the font literally looks like it is a chain. The chain needs not to break anywhere. I would love the effect to have larger links than the attachment shown. Can this be done in extreme?

**Xhris** · 01 July 2007, 05:02 PM

Originally Posted by X-Newbie

I am trying to create an effect where the font literally looks like it is a chain. The chain needs not to break anywhere. I would love the effect to have larger links than the attachment shown. Can this be done in extreme?

Yes, in seconds.

1. write text
2. convert to editable shapes
3. give it a line thickness and set it to the brush you want (you may have to make one)
4. give it no fill

**X-Newbie** · 01 July 2007, 06:19 PM

THANK YOU!! I will do that.. This is GREAT!!

**Egg Bramhill** · 01 July 2007, 10:26 PM

X-Newbie,

Choosing a rounded font also helps. Try Arial Rounded for example.

**X-Newbie** · 03 July 2007, 03:17 PM

I used Arial round and agree it looks much better. The only issue I see with your sample is that it looks more like a necklace than a chain. How can I add a gradient or make it look like real metal? I attached what I created but it is a single color.

**stlewis** · 03 July 2007, 03:34 PM

My attempt... I remade the chain; I made two rounded rectangles, one smaller than the other, with no line, and subtracted them to create the link. Then added a Fractal Plasma fill. And then made an oval with the same fill.

**X-Newbie** · 03 July 2007, 03:36 PM

closer to what I want to go for. I really need it to look like metal. Your closer than I have ever been though..

**Egg Bramhill** · 03 July 2007, 09:31 PM

X-Newbie,

You need to understand how to create your own brush. Start off with creating a 2 link mock up of how you want your chain to look.

Select these and in the Freehand tool Select create brush.

Obviously you can refine this down further and further but the principal remains the same.

**X-Newbie** · 05 July 2007, 02:20 PM

I will see how to recreate these and learn this program hard core. You made exactly what I was going for.

**X-Newbie** · 05 July 2007, 03:58 PM

question.. Is there a way to take the literal file and make it export into .ai so I can then take the graphic (vectored) into PhotoShop and use my own metal styles for it? I can export to .ai, but it does not export the shape, only the text. I need the chain to look realistic and I can do that In PhotoShop. I know I can convert to outlines for .ai files, what allows me to do something similar in Xtreme?
I REALLY wish Xtreme could export to PSD..