Fading Text Boxes

[Volk359]

Hello,

We've been users of Microsoft Publisher for years and have come to a time when we need to start playing with the big dogs. We're looking at purchasing InDesign CS but want to make sure it will do what we need it to do.

I'd like to know if InDesign can put a text box on top of an image, semi-opaque, and have the edges of the box fade or feather out to the image. If so, is it easy to do and can the box be shaped other than rectangular or circular, i.e. "L" shaped? Rounded corners?

Would I then be able to send these files to a commercial printer and they'd be able to use them without any problems?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Eggles]

Yes to all your questions (although not sure about the L-shaped text box).

 

[Orion11]

Hiya,

I'm not the most advanced user but we commonly put text boxes on top of images for our brochures and marketing collateral. InDesign 2.0 gives you lots of options in terms of handling multiple layers, as well as working on the look and feel within the document.

I'm assuming that InDesign CS does the same thing. As far as ease of use goes our experience is that it's really easy to do. You can also manipulate the shape of the text box as well as define the "look" of the corners.

hope this helps.

 

[Volk359]

Very well, the checks in the mail! Thanks for your comments, I feel a bit more relaxed about shelling out the $$$.

 

[Lessa]

Just make sure you talk to your printer ahead of time about what you're doing. They may have pointers on how to prepare files so they rip properly. Transparency in ID can be a PITA for printers.

 

[Volk359]

I plan to, thanks! ;-)

 

[bacup]

Loads of transparency options and text boxes can be round edges or any shape at all, drawn by pen tool or imported from Illustrator.

 

[Volk359]

Thanks bacaup, I'll keep that in mind. The box just showed up on my doorstep and I'm eager to install it and get working! You guys may be seeing more of me in here. ;-)