Digital Workshop

Can I curve text round a path?

Thanks, Linda

Morning Linda,

Assuming the text is static, is there a reason why you can't simply export a graphic from something like Illustrator or C/Draw?

Mack

The text could be static, or a variable.

I just thought that as Opus has improved it's handing of vectors, there might be more text path options (as there are with other text animation programmes I use within video.)

Yes, I can do it in a graphics package, but it's an inflexible way to work.

Thanks, Linda

Out of interest, what other application/s can fit dynamic text to a path?

To do this Opus:

1. Parse the string into an array
2. Create a clone TB for each element containing an array variable based on the Clone ID
3. Calculate the kerning
4. Use the FollowPath() command to align the clones.

Mack

Mack,

I appreciate you taking the time to respond, but obviously your reply isn't suitable for someone asking a question in the basics forum, so I'll leave this and find another way.

I guess that variable text is out, but almost every other graphics programme can put text on a curve - I'm sure I'm not the only person to wish to do so without leaving Opus.

Thanks anyhow.

Linda

I use The Logo Creator from http://www.thelogocreator.com/ @ $39.95 to create a huge range of text effects. Export to various graphics formats.

The simple attachment took me 3 clicks (after I'd typed the text).

Not wishing to leave Opus wounded as a mere 'Graphics' program...

http://www.interaktiv.co.uk/plexus/Path/PathText.htm

Enter your text, click go, and watch Opus wrap to the path. I used a circle but any path or kerning would be possilbe.

Mack

Hi Linda,

I'm grateful you put in the comment about Basic - I thought I was reading a foreign language for a moment. As someone who had only used Illumitas for very simple jobs, and recently purchased Opus6 - I have been grateful for the advice given to me in the forum - but the experts do need to remember that basic can refer to the knowledge that some of us have (but I am learning) - but please experts, we do need your knowledge, so please keep helping us.

All the best
Michael

Er -- quite a number of users don't seem to know the difference between basic and advanced when they post their questions.
I see many advanced questions in the basic section and basic questions in the advanced section.
If someone gives advice in good faith, you don't have to follow it, and you don't have to criticise it. Someone else reading the post might gain knowledge they can use.

Paul

Back to Linda's orginal question:



The answer is "No." But as others have contributed, you can use other graphic/text software to make text bend along a curve, do a screen grab or output your final work to an Image Object for insertion into OPUS.

With OPUS there are several very nice things you can do:

1) Create an Animation Path, then have a Text Object float/move along the Path. You can have it reverse to go backward at the end of the Path. You can make it orientate so it remains "level' OR you can have the text snake "along" the Path. This works best for short text/sentences. You can move the Text Object at a Constant (default) speed, or experiment with Ease In/Out, or Linear Accelerate/Deceleration speeds. It will certainly catch the viewers eye -- more so than inanimate bent text.

2) Use the new Text Animation effects. Remember, you can use a Transition OR Text Animation, but not both. There is a LONG list of animations which can be used to make text appear in a spectacular fashion -- MUCH more complex and attractive than anything in PowerPoint. Look under the GIATextPak options and you'll see 23 fabulous text animations for ON SHOW, and there are different animations under ON HIDE.

3) What about typing your text into a Text Object, then Right Mouse Click to reveal a window/menu with "Convert to" which allows you to make the text into a Vector Graphic which you can stretch in two directions.

4) What about using an Animation Action called "Skew Horizontal/Vertical"? There are many creative things you can make text do with these options.

I'm sure you want to make your text "stand out" so that's why you asked your original question. I'm suggesting you re-think this -- using what OPUS CAN do.

Fred,

Thanks for taking the time to write this.... as you know, I've used DW products for many years, but it's still easy to get suck in a rut and forget the other possibilities.

I do a lot of work with text animation within video (using Boris Graffiti), producing caption-only videos so when I come back to multimedia work, I'm always looking to replicate the latest moves I've been working with.

And yes, I love Chris's textpak stuff... I really hope he comes out with more of it.

Meanwhile, off to experiment more with the skew anim, and to look at Ray's suggestion of Logo Creator.

Thanks again, Linda

Linda

If you get around to trying Logo Creator you might find other features that are useful.

It has a huge range of "packs" with different themes. It's unlike me to do this, but I finished up buying all the packs -- cheaper that way.

These packs contain many unique graphics and other design elements. Text is possibly where it excels because I have yet (after 6 years) found a limit to what I can do.

I use it to produce "splash" screen. One of the better features from my point of view is the ability to export to many formats, including transparent backgrounds.

There are undoubtedly better products out there, but something I can use use quickly, easily and effectively -- plus free or low-cost upgrades -- keeps me involved with it.