Boris FX Boris Calligraphy Version 2.0 - Manual (Page 56)

56
•
•
•
•
•
•
Working with the Shadows Parameter Group
The Shadows parameter group applies one of three types of shadows to the backdrop.
The Shadow Type menu determines what type of shadow is created.
• None does not apply a shadow.
•
Drop shadows fall a speciÞed distance from the object.
•
Cast shadows appear to fall on another object; the appearance of this type of shadow
depends on the Shadow Distance and Shadow Angle that you set.
•
Solid shadows simulate a 3D appearance by applying a gradient to a shadow. Solid
shadows are useful if you want to create text with a three dimensional appearance but
do not need to apply transformations that would reveal that the text is actually 2D.
You can animate the solid shadow because the shadow honors the Border Begin,
Border End and Border Offset parameters of Border 1 (whether or not Border 1 is
enabled). To create a solid shadow around an entire backdrop, make sure that
Border 1’s Border Begin, End and Offset parameters are at the default positions.
Shadow Color sets the color of the shadow. Click the color chip to access the system color
picker, or use the eyedropper to choose a color from the screen. You can also apply colors
from the Style Palette. For details, see “Working with the Style Palette” on page 30.
Shadow Distance sets the distance between the shadow and the text. Use a small value to
offset the text slightly; use a larger value to create distinct shadows that appear to fall on
another surface.
Shadow Opacity sets the degree of opacity. A value of 100 makes the shadow completely
opaque. Lowering this value makes the shadow increasingly transparent. A value of 0
creates a completely transparent shadow.
Shadow Softness softens the edges, emulating the appearance of shadows cast by a diffuse
light source. A value of 0 creates hard edges. Increasing this value softens the shadow edges.
Shadow Angle sets the angle between the shadow and the horizontal axis of the text.
When the Shadow Type menu is set to Solid Shadow, Highlight Color sets the color of the
highlighted areas of the shadow, and Shade Color sets the color of the shaded areas. Click
the color chip to access the system color picker, or use the eyedropper to choose a color from
the screen. These parameters have no affect with any other shadow type.