Hopefully some useful notes for newbies to DSA and CA

This topic came up elsewhere for someone wanting to make a background look paler. In addition to using transparency or overlaying with a semitransparent white Quick shape, it can also be done using Filter effects:

Right click on the object or paper and open Filter Effects.
tick Inner Glow,
change Blend Mode to Normal,
change Colour to white,
select Centre.
Intensity and Blur both to zero.
Now use the Opacity slider to change the intensity of colour(s) in your paper/object.

note: This method of fading using Filter fx can be used on a single or collection of objects within a marquee, but they do not have to be grouped. So that they can be moved around after fading.

This is one method to make a picture or object appear paler or fade into a background.

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The defaults for Bevel and Emboss are a good starting point for a bit of simple 3D effect. Play around with the settings. Very effective on text greetings.

For 2D and 3D look in Help. It's a good idea to print out the Help pages and work through them. I have to admit this is still a bit hazy and I haven't really explored much.

Inner glow set to Edge can give you a nice shaded edge - the sort which is often on a background or material. Play about with the Blend modes (especially Dissolve, for a sort of speckly snowy effect) and other settings.

Outer glow does what it says on the tin!! Good for emphasising a text greeting. Try white font with a dark outer glow on a pale background. Very classy! Add some Bevel and Emboss to make it stand out.

The presets in the Effects tab can also be used as starting points and settings can be modified/changed in Filter effects.

Don't be afraid to experiment. Just remember that too much on one page can be memory hungry, especially 2D & 3D, and redraw (refresh rate) can be sooo sloooow.

NOTE: Filter effects, when applied to one object, can be transferred to another using the Format painter. Very useful! One of my favourite tools

Nice one Annie...I'll add this to the Tutorials by Daisytrail members thread so it doesn't get lost!

Anne

Wow - that was quick. Thanks Anne

Annie

Very useful tips Annie - will have to try them out. thanks Jean

Thanks thats great info.Alison

Oooh, now I am hooked on playing with effects! Really some fun stuff--thanks for the hints!

If you want to make lettering look as though it's stamped into its surroundings, look no further than Neil J's tutorial on Creating Letterpress Text in DrawPlus. DSA/CA is based on DrawPlus, so although the tools are laid out differently the procedure is much the same.

Alfred

Very cool!