Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
F
IGURE
6-3
Blending shapes
around objects is the solution when
your shapes aren't text so you can't
use Fit Text To Curve.
Using the Contour Tool
The Contour Tool creates multiple copies of a
single
object,
radiating equidistantly from the object's edge in either an
outward or inward direction. Contouring is great for creating
thick outlines to headline text, for creating a feathering effect to
soften a shape's appearance, and for creating fake topological
survey maps. In the next steps, you'll work with the Contour
Tool and a file provided for you to build a suggestion of ocean
depths surrounding the Bahamas Islands.
1.
Open Bahamas.xar in Xara.The artwork is on a
locked layer beneath the shape of the islands on the
top layer. There is also a hidden layer on the top of
the composition you'll use at the end to complete
the illustration. Select the Island object by using the
Contour Tool.
Note that there are control handles surrounding the
2.
islands object, and that the handles are two-headed
arrows, indicating that you can drag them inward or
away from the object. Drag them outward until you see
on the Infobar that you've reached about 24 pixels of
