InDesign Type Mask
Ben (121 points) | Wed, 2005-06-15 16:00
Here is a great trick for solving a problem such as this one. This method does not require the use of the InDesign transparency features, therefore no flattening problems will occur when the file is sent for output.
Excuse the windows ui, it's all I have to work on in my free time. I have my text block and shape on two different layers. I will be turning them off and on during the lesson to help minimize confusion. You don't have to do this, but I would suggest doing so the first time. Also, you can obviously use any fill you wish and any keyboard shortcut for the commands listed. The only problem I can think of is that if the text content changes, you will have to redo the effect. It's best to finalize your copy first, however this trick only takes about 30 seconds to complete.
Step 1
Select the text box with the Selection Tool (black arrow) and edit:copy
Step 2:
Hide the text box layer. Select the shape with the Selection Tool and edit:paste into
A copy of the text box is placed inside of the shape in the exact position from before. The path of the shape is masking the hidden part of the text box.
Step 3
Use the type tool or double click the text area to get the insertion point, then edit:select all
Step 4
Change the color of the text to paper. Show the hidden text box layer.
Step 5
By using the Direct Selection Tool (white arrow) you can modify the shape, fill, and position of the path without affecting the position of the masked text box. Just make sure and select the shape path and not the text box path inside.
I knew you could do it!
BENLEIVIAN.com
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I've not used inDesign a great deal before but this is something that i'll print off and keep for reference!
Thanks for the tips buddy!
__
Goo
I thought that InDesign had blending modes...
It is so easy to do in Photoshop: create a white shape, and set its blending mode to difference. White background will become black, and black text will become white.
pierre-etienne courtejoie
Want a PDF of this tip?
Get it here, 144kb:
InDesignTypeMask.pdf
How did you do that Phos?
Yes, InDesign does have blending modes. However using them in this manner would not be recommended for offset printing. The InDesign transparency flattener would rasterize sections of the page and butt them up to text still in its vector state, not to mention altering the fill color. It wouldn't be noticable on the web, but definetly on print. Not to mention increased RIP size and time. Photoshop is not recommended for entire page layouts. Some of these issues were noted by JimD here.
Thanks for the PDF Phosphor!
BENLEIVIAN.com
Hey Ben...
No problem at all.
I just occured to me that having PDFs of some of the more extensive tips available for download might be a good idea. All I did was highlight the pertinent stuff in Firefox, pasted it into NVU, then "Printed" it from NVU as a PDF. As you can see, that quick-n-dirty method split some of the images, but, hey, whaddaya want fer free? :o)
Sidetrack---»I'm wondering if I should have a confab with Ivan about how we could somehow initiate some sort of easy workflow in order to make all such extended tips available as PDFs.
Ivan? What do you think, mate?
That's a great idea. It might be as easy as creating a MEDIA print style sheet. I don't know how this board works, but when we create printable versions of a webpage where I work, we usually drop the header and footer (or include high-res replacements) through php and apply a print style sheet to it.
BENLEIVIAN.com
I just fixed the PDF. It's now all on one long page.
InDesignTypeMask.pdf (one long page), 140KB
Yes. It's a good idea. I'll do that for sure.
There are blending modes in indesign... but these can lead to problems come output time, usually when outputting as PDF.
The only thing about this trick is you gotta make sure none of the text reflows, i guess.
Ben,
The original question was mine... about a year ago!
Thanks for reading old threads and posting a solution. :)
LOL! :D
Sweet!
BENLEIVIAN.com
This is another tip thats nice to know, but does anyone really use this? I feel like readability is an issue.
http://www.davidpcrawford.com - http://www.vomit76.com
Graphic, Web and Logo Designer from Pittsburgh, PA http://www.davidpcrawford.com
I think you're right about the readability issue...BUT:
For some print venues it might just be a handy thing to know. Think about some of the more cutting edge magazines you've seen. What about flyers announcing gigs by local bands?
There are definitely places where it could be used to good effect.
Not everything has to look like a mainstream magazine. For some things, a mainstream look might even be antithetical to the idea and emotion you're trying to get across.
It's quite handy in some ocassions.
thanks for the explanations about why the difference idea is not an viable option.
Tsk, those rips... ;)
It is useful for me... I'll start learning ID soon.
pierre-etienne courtejoie
This is clear from the images in Ben's HOWTO, but not explicit in his directions: the Shape Layer must sit above the text layer for this effect to work.
And, for those of you who wonder why we care about this, pick up most major magazines. This effect is used quite a bit to run feature article text above photos and lightly tinted shapes.
What a god-send! I totally needed these instructions RIGHT THIS MOMENT and lo-and-behold, I find it right here screaming to be put to good use! ;D
Rockstar, that is just awesome. sdimbert, great supplement. Thanks for the great comments people. This makes me eager to post again!
BENLEIVIAN.com