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Participating Frequently
January 29, 2019
Answered

add blank space around text

  • January 29, 2019
  • 2 replies
  • 7073 views

Hi all,

I'm using AI 2015 CC. I have a design with white text over some white lines in a kind of an "X" for a t-shirt design. I'd like the text to have a transparent outline around the letters, so they do not blend in with the lines that are supposed to appear as being behind the text.

How can I do that?

Thank you

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer rcraighead

    One way would be to set your artwork (white lines and text) as a "Opacity Mask" on a white rectangle. This would allow the text to remain fully editable on the mask. Add a Black Fill Attribute on top of the Character Attributes in the Attributes Panel and assign an "Effect>Path>Offset Path" to it to create the "transparency" to the rectangle.

    2 replies

    rcraighead
    rcraigheadCorrect answer
    Brainiac
    January 29, 2019

    One way would be to set your artwork (white lines and text) as a "Opacity Mask" on a white rectangle. This would allow the text to remain fully editable on the mask. Add a Black Fill Attribute on top of the Character Attributes in the Attributes Panel and assign an "Effect>Path>Offset Path" to it to create the "transparency" to the rectangle.

    pranamanAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    January 31, 2019

    rcraighead, thank you, that is exactly what I am looking for. The top image looks very close to my drawing.

    I've been working with someone, and they actually produced the effect, but, they changed some of letter's font sizes. I asked them to correct it and create it without changing the font sizes, but they have not replied to my request, so, I am trying my hand at it.

    In one of the files she sent me, I found a white rectangle to the right of the drawing and dragged it onto that.

    I've selected all and found the "Opacity Mask".

    As for "Add a Black Fill Attribute on top of the Character Attributes in the Attributes Panel", I've found the Attributes Panel, so I think. I've clicked the upper right icon, and see: "Show Overlay Print Only" and "Hide Note".

    Am I close?

    Monika Gause
    Community Expert
    February 16, 2019

    I've started this thread. I don't know how it marked as solved. I don't think I did it.

    Here is the post relisted, with images.

    I am close, got to here:

    Since I plan to print on a t-shirt, I don't have a background.

    Trying to make it to look like:

    I've grouped it all, yet, without a background, when I implement the mask, my entire drawing disappears:

    What do I need to do to make and see that kind of effect, yet have no background?


    First question would be how will you print it? Screen printing, foil ...

    What kind of file do you need? Which specifications for the file?

    Depending on the printing process the method needs to be chosen.

    Monika Gause
    Community Expert
    January 29, 2019

    Can you show a screenshot?