Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
NOTE
You can't warp text that has the Faux Bold style applied to it (you can warp all the
other
styles to your heart's content). If you forget and try to do so, Elements politely reminds
you. The program even offers to remove the style and continue with your warp.
Whatever warp style you choose, you can customize it with the Warp Text dialog box's set-
tings:
▪
Horizontal/Vertical
. These radio buttons control the warp's orientation. Most of the
time, you'll want to leave this setting the same as the text's orientation, but you can get
interesting effects by warping the opposite way. A vertical warp on horizontal text gives
more of a perspective effect, like the text is moving toward you or away from you. And
you can get some really funky effects by putting a horizontal warp on vertical text.
▪
Bend
. This is where you tell Elements how much of an arc you want, if you'd like to
change it from Element's standard setting. Just type a percentage (click the existing num-
ber to type over it) or drag the slider.
▪
Horizontal/Vertical Distortion
. These sliders control how much the text warps in the
horizontal and vertical planes. They give you precise control over just how and where the
text warps. They work pretty much the same way as the Bend setting: Type in a negative
or positive percentage or drag the sliders.
The best way to find the look you want is to experiment. Warping text is lots of fun, espe-
cially if you apply a layer style first to give the text a 3-D look.
TIP
Many of the warps look best on two lines of text, so that the lines bend in opposite direc-
tions. However, you can also get really interesting effects by putting two lines of text on
separate layers and applying different warps to each one.
To edit a warp after you apply it, double-click the Text layer's Warp icon in the Layers panel
(it's a T with a curved line under it). Doing so automatically makes the Text layer active
and
highlights the text on it. Then, in the Tool Options area, click the Create Warped Text button
