101: how to create a background in colour behind the text that is of the same shape as a text

[elena.bubeeva]

Hi guys,

I searched under Text and Typography, however still can’t find what I need. How do I create a background in colour behind the text that is of the same shape as a text?

Like it‘s written TEXT in white on a black background?

PS I have a screenshot but cant really attacg it here.

Thanks!

[Laubender]

Hi Elena,

do you mean you want to define a stroke value to text with alignment outside?

Perfectly doable with InDesign.

For including screenshots use the Insert Image icon of the forum editor.

You cannot attach images when answering replies by mail.

Regards,
Uwe

[jaym85408297]

I just used the screen clip tool, copy from there and paste in the reply.

Strange I didn't notice your reply, since it is stamped 10 minutes earlier than mine!

[Barb Binder]

Your comments need to move through the moderation, Uwe's don't.

Please add the screen shot through the web browser, and not through your email.

~Barb

[elena.bubeeva]

Hi to everyone again,

So here is the screenshot. I am not really sure what is the correct word of this action but I would like to create this shape in black behind the text "Russian native speaker". As for now I just marked the text with cmd + A, certainly it will be gone once I unclick it.

Thanks everyone.

[Jeffrey_Smith]

You can create this effect a number of ways, here's one way:

Use a styled underline where the underline weight is larger than the size of text, offset to position in relation to text, underline is colorized black, and text is colorized white/paper.

[SJRiegel]

If you have a new enough version, you can use paragraph shading:

this will create a box rather than a rule like the underline.

[elena.bubeeva]

Thanks,

I might try to apply it as well. However, I do not really see the button? Should it be under Paragraph characteristics?

[SJRiegel]

It can be found in several places

the control bar

The menu of the Paragraph Pallet

or Paragraph Shading in the Paragraph Style Panel

[jaym85408297]

How about giving the text a stroke of whatever thickness and color?

[elena.bubeeva]

Hi,

how can you do this? also interested.

[Barb Binder · Accepted solution]

Hi Elena:

I think Jeffrey's approach is a good one. Here are the visuals to support his answer.

1. Type in the text and turn on underline.

2. Alt/Opt click the underline button to access Underline Options. Increase the weight, adjust the offset and change the color to Black.

3. Change the text color to Paper/White.

4. Now when you change the text, the background changes with you.

5. Save this as a  style and you can apply it to any text.

~Barb

[elena.bubeeva]

Thanks, Barb!

This is very helpful, however how can I save this change as a style?

[Barb Binder]

Hi Elena:

Follow the link in your email to view this thread in your web browser, and use this button to add your screen shot. That will help us help you more quickly.

~Barb