Re: text Images

David:

There are many variations in turning text into an image but in general, the
process is similar.

The easy way is to use a program like Canvas that allows the simultaneous
use of "vector" text--as in a word processor--and a bitmapped image.

However, the same principal applies in any advanced photo application, such
as PhotoShop, Paint Shop Pro, Picture Publisher, etc.

First create the bitmapped image the size you want and with the resolution
you desire. Example: Use the dialog box of the program to create a new
image. (The terminology may vary from one app. to another)

Let us say in our example, that you will be using 72 pixels per inch and you
want the image to be two inches wide and one inch high. Or 144x72 pixels.
Choose whatever background color you wish to be behind your text.

Note that if you save your image as a .gif you can even make this background
color transparent during the Save process.

Now click on the text tool in your program and choose a font and size that
will allow your message to be typed within the image you have created. In
Canvas, the text is typed over the image and can be edited to an amazing
degree.

Choose the color you want for the text. Many programs will let you color the
outline of the text different than the fill color of the text. Also the text
can be duplicated in Canvas--and others--to make a second copy that can be
colored light gray to make a shadow for a 3-D effect.

When you have it just right you either "combine" the two in most paint
programs or "select" both the text and background, (by holding down the
Shift key).

You then Save the selection using Save As and choose GIF as the file type.
During the save process, you will be given the opportunity to choose a color
to make transparent and other parameters. Lots to choose from here and we
could fill a book on the options--but for now--just choose the defaults.

Name the file whatever you wish but be sure the program names it
whatever.gif and not WHATEVER.GIF or whatever.GIF. Some servers don't like
upper case.

Now--in a program like Canvas, you can short cut most of this. Just type out
the text you want in the size needed and then select it and have Canvas
Convert [the object] To Path. Save it as above and you are done.

Any program that allows you to Save objects in image formats will also do
this, including a whole bunch of Microsoft products. However, unless you use
a graphics program, it is often a little hit and miss to get the right size.

I realize this only hits the high spots but it is hard to get down to step
by step without knowing just what you have to work with.

For more help, just name your Graphics program and there will probably be
several on this list that can offer help.

Best wishes
Ted Temer
Temercraft Designs Redding, CA
temer(at)c-zone.net
www.temercraft.com/
www.newsredding.com/



> Can anyone tell me how to turn text into an image
>
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