Is there any way to improve the appearance of small type online? Anything less than 20 points looks like it runs together.
A1:
By default, Photoshop displays type using fractional character widths. This means that the spacing between characters varies, with fractions of whole pixels between some characters . In most cases, fractional character widths provide the best spacing for type appearance and readability. However, for type in small sizes that will be displayed on-screen, rather than printed, fractional character widths can cause type to run together, making it hard to read. Use the pop-up menu on the Character palette to turn off fractional character widths. Using a full-width character will keep small type from running together.
Q2:
I have a lot of fonts installed on my Macintosh, and it takes forever to scroll down the list to find the one I want. Any suggestions?
A2:
Despite OS X's built-in font management, I still prefer to use a font management program such as Suitcase or Font Reserve to sort my fonts into sets. I keep a set for serif type and separate ones for sans serif faces, display faces, and special-purpose fonts such as Handbill, StarTrek, and Wild West. I activate only the suitcases with fonts I am likely to need.
Q3:
I've typed in the text I want and have rasterized it. The problem is I found a typo and when I try to go back and edit the text, I can't. What can I do?
A3:
After you rasterize text, it's converted from an editable text layer to a graphic that can't be edited by any of the Type tools. Make sure that you have the type you want and that it's all spelled correctly before you rasterize it. To save your project, you might be able to go back in the History palette to a state before you rasterized the type.
Q4:
Is there a way to use cut-out type to reveal another picture underneath?
A4:
Certainly. Place the photo you want to see through the cutouts on a layer underneath the layer that will be cut. Switch to the layer you want to cut, and then enter your letters using the Type Mask tool and cut. To enhance the effect, apply a drop shadow to the top layer.
Quiz
1:
Photoshop CS can set type horizontally or vertically.
True
False
2:
Every piece of type needs a drop shadow.
True
False
3:
Photoshop places type on
The Background layer
Special type layers
Regular layers
Adjustment layers
4:
If there's a T in the box on the Layers palette, it means
You can double-click it to open the Type tool
That the layer is a type layer
Layer styles have been applied to the type
Both a and b
5:
There's no way to set small caps in Photoshop.
True
False
Quiz Answers
A1:
a. And if you want it diagonal, rotate it.
A2:
b. Use them sparingly.
A3:
b. Type layers are editable until they are rasterized.
A4:
d. The italic F symbol indicates layer styles.
A5:
b. Small caps is one of the options in the Character palette.
Exercises
1.
Find a nice landscape photo, and add a title to indicate where you shot it.
2.
Add a drop shadow behind the lettering. Try changing the color of the type and shadow so it stands out.
3.
Now, try using a glow instead of the shadow. Which do you like more?
