PhotoImpact 12 has several preset work modes. For this tutorial, we will be using the Full Edit mode so all of the tools in PhotoImpact will be available to you.

As you work, use your mouse to drag this along with you to mark your place.

LET'S GET STARTED

Open PhotoImpact 12. Under the Selection menu, make sure Preserve Base Image option is selected.

Open an image of your choice. One with good color contrast will give the best results.

Select the Text tool from the tool bar. A thick font will produce better results than a thin one. Set the font to a large size, color - whatever you like, and set the Mode to Selection.

Type your text anywhere on the image. It will appear as an outline on the image.

Select the Transform Tool on the left tool bar. This will cause the text to change to selection lines. Select the Action on Selection tool and drag your text to the desired position. Move it around until you are happy with the way it looks.

The text on the image below was positioined so the sky would be in the top part of the text and the trees in the bottom part.

While the text is still selected, right-click your mouse and select Convert to Object. Use the pick tool to drag your text anywhere within your image or even drag it off the workspace into a new window.

OUTLINE TEXT WITH POE

If you are familiar with using the Paint On Object tool, it can be used to create a colored outline on the text. While the text is still active, select the Paintbrush from the tool panel. Set the color to black (or a color of your choice), the size to 2, and the Soften Paint Edges to 1. On the menu, select Effect\Creative\Paint on Edges. This will add a black outline around each letter. A shadow can be added for an even more dramatic effect.

OUTLINE TEXT WITH TEXT BORDER

Here's an alternate method of adding a border to your text. Select the Text tool and change the mode to 2D object, set the color to black. Turn the Border option on and set the size to 3 or 4, color to black. Type the same text that you originally typed. Now drag your text over top of the solid black text and arrange it so the black text shows around the edges of the border.

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You're invited to join the PIRC Fourm! This is an active PhotoImpact Forum where you'll find a wonderful group of warm, friendly, talented, and knowledgeable people who are ready and willing to share their expertise with you. There are creative activities for all levels of PhotoImpact users. This forum is 100% free and everyone is welcome.

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Copyright© MaryLou White.
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