In this lesson, you learn how to work with text.

This lesson teaches you how to

create a text string using multiple colors

apply drop shadows

edit text

save the file

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If you are starting with this lesson, you can move the Tutor Docker window to another location to make it easier to work.

In the Image Window, drag the Tutor Docker window tab to a new location.


If you are starting with this lesson, click here to open the sample file:


Otherwise, continue working on your file.

If you just opened the sample file, you can zoom out to improve your view.

  1. Open the Object/Mask Tools flyout, and click the Object Picker tool.
  2. In the Image Window, click anywhere.
  3. Press F3 twice to zoom out.


You can add text to your image.

  1. On the on-screen Color Palette, click a red color swatch.
  2. Click the Text tool.
  3. From the Font Name list box on the Property Bar, choose Kids (or Arial if this font is not available).
  4. From the Font Size list box on the Property Bar, choose 36.
  5. In the Image Window, click to the right of the butterfly.
  6. In the Image Window, type Childs Play.
  7. On the Property Bar, enable the Center Text button.
  8. In the Image Window, click to finalize the text.


You can apply a drop shadow to the text.

  1. In the Image Window, highlight "Childs Play."
  2. Click the Object Dropshadow tool.
  3. From the Shadow Preset list box on the Property Bar, choose Flat Bottom Right.
  4. From the Shadow Feather Direction list box on the Property Bar, choose Middle.
  5. From the Shadow Feather Edge list box on the Property Bar, choose Linear.
  6. On the Property Bar, click the Apply button to finalize the drop shadow.


You can change the color of individual letters in the text.

  1. Click the Text tool.
  2. In the Image Window, highlight the C in Childs Play.
  3. On the on-screen Color Palette, click the yellow color swatch.
  4. In the Image Window, repeat steps 1 to 3 for each letter, clicking a different color swatch each time.

You can correct the text.

  1. Ensure that the Text tool is selected.
  2. In the Image Window, click before the s in Childs Play.
  3. Type an apostrophe so that the text reads Child's Play.
  4. Click in the Image Window to finalize the changes.

You can reposition the text.

  1. Ensure that the Text tool is selected.
  2. In the Image Window, click after the s in Child's Play.
  3. Press ENTER to separate the words Child's and Play.
  4. Click in the Image Window to finalize the changes.


You can move the text to a new location.

  1. Open the Object/Mask Tools flyout, and click the Object Picker tool.
  2. Ensure that the Child's Play text is selected.
  3. In the Image Window, drag the text and center it between the edge of the butterfly's right wing and the edge of the blue square.

You can give the text a plastic texture.

  1. Open the Object/Mask Tools flyout, and click the Object Picker tool.
  2. In the Image Window, ensure that the text is selected.
  3. Click Effects menu, Texture, Plastic.
  4. In the Plastic dialog box, click the Reset button to remove previous plastic settings.
  5. Click OK.


You can save your file to safeguard your work.

  1. Click File menu, Save As.
  2. Choose the drive where you want to save from the Save In list box.
  3. Double-click the folder in which you want to save the file.
  4. In the File Name box, type a filename, and click Save.


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