Use Type as a Mask

When you use type as a mask, you can adhere the pattern of the underlying masked object to your text. Chapter 18 explores fill options in detail, but for now it s worth noting that the fill options available for type are not as versatile as fill options for other paths. For instance, you can t assign a gradient fill to type. But you can work around the constraints on type fills by using type as a mask over patterns of illustrations.

Follow these steps to use a mask to apply a gradient fill to type:

1. Create some text.

2. Create a rectangle about the size of your text, and apply a gradient fill, as shown in Figure 13-6. Gradient fills are covered in more detail in Chapter 16, but for now simply click the default gradient fill in the Toolbox.

   
   Figure 13-6: The gradient-filled rectangle will eventually provide a fill for the text.

3. Move the type on top of the filled rectangle. Make sure the type is on top. (Choose Object Arrange Bring to Front if necessary.)

4. Select both the type and the rectangle.

5. Choose Object Clipping Mask Make.

6. Click outside your type to see the effect. Figure 13-7 shows type with a gradient fill.

   
   Figure 13-7: Type with a gradient fill