Creating a background fill in a text box

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Hi there,

I am using CS4 and want to make text boxes with backgroud (e.g., white). I know I can add a white box but is there a easier way?

Thanks!

rcraigheadCorrect answer

Legend

Yes. Make sure you're using Area Type, then select the Area type bounding box and assign a fill color. Use the Direct Selection tool so you select only the type box, not the type itself.

You can also create a background color with Point Type by adding another fill attribute to the type, in the Appearance palette, then using "Effect>Convert to Shape" to convert it to a rectangle or oval. You can then move it behind the "Character" level in the Appearance panel and assign it a color. This method allows the flexibility of defining margins around the text.

Barclay_M13177356

Participant

Okay. I've made sure I'm in area type. I've selected the Area type bounding box but NOTHING is changing. I can't even drag and drop swatches in like I used to be able to do. Anybody else having this issue?

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Barclay_M13177356

Participant

In the appearance window. I pressed "Clear Appearance" and everything worked from there. If anyone else faces this issue, PRESS CLEAR APPEARANCE or the above answer won't work for some reason.

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Barclay_M13177356

Participant

ANOTHER UNEXPECTED ROADBLOCK: Make sure to click on the CORNER anchor point of the textbox in order to change the attributes of the box. I clicked straight on the edge and strain on an empty text box area and NO response. Very frustrating.

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B

Bluesky6686Author

Participant

I got it. Thank you!

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rcraigheadCorrect answer

Legend

Yes. Make sure you're using Area Type, then select the Area type bounding box and assign a fill color. Use the Direct Selection tool so you select only the type box, not the type itself.

You can also create a background color with Point Type by adding another fill attribute to the type, in the Appearance palette, then using "Effect>Convert to Shape" to convert it to a rectangle or oval. You can then move it behind the "Character" level in the Appearance panel and assign it a color. This method allows the flexibility of defining margins around the text.

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