How do we make background gradient graphics

[Canberra_Chris]

I have a project that the design concept includes breakout boxes that will have a gradient effect background to the text. Is there a way this can be built into a FrameMaker file so when a breakout (text Style) is applied the effect applied. We really want to use FrameMaker rather than InDesign for this project for other important reasons.

[Michael_Müller-Hillebrand]

Chris,

could you post a screenshot how this is supposed to look like?

- Michael

[Art Campbell]

Assuming you're talking about a box containing the gradient and regular text, with the text simply overlaying the background (and not a gradient font), you have a couple ways to go. It's not elegant, but it'll work.

If the gradient goes from side-to-side, you're in pretty good shape, since you can do that with one gradient graphic file with enough width to span the page or block.

If the gradient goes up-and-down, and you can scale it to fit the depth of the box, you'd also be in good shape.

But if the gradient goes up-and-down and is fixed, you may be screwed because you'd need a different background gradient for different box depths. For instance, a box that contains two lines of text needs a different background gradient than a box that contains 12 lines. And the gradients will probably have to be made to fit the depth of the box, which could become a nightmare.

The general process is the same though:

1. Insert an anchored frame where you want it in text (I'd hang it on a unique paragraph tag that only holds the frame). You may need to use this for indexing or TOC entries though.
   
2. Insert the prepared gradient graphic file in the anchored frame.
3. Add text using the Text Line tool from the graphics palette.
4. When you're done, Select All in Frame and Group the objects so they stay together.