QuarkXPress 8: Where Text Acts Like an Image Box

by Kevin A. Siegel

 

One of the coolest features in QuarkXPress is the ability to take any old text, convert the text into a picture content box and insert pictures into the letter shapes. Using this technique, you can create truly unique special effects out of otherwise static text.

1. Format some text using a large font size and a thick font (Arial Black works great)
   
   
2. Using the Text Content Tool, select the text and then choose Item > Convert Text To Boxes > Convert Entire Box
   
   It may not seem like you have done anything to the text. However, the letters are now one large picture content box--you could import a single picture into the entire word. However, it may be even cooler to split the letter shapes into individual letters and then import pictures into each shape
   
   
3. Choose Item > Split > Outside Paths to split the letters into individual letter shapes
   
   
4. Now you can import pictures into the letter shapes by choosing File > Import
   
   
   
   Once the text has been converted to an image box, you can use the Select Point Tool to reshape the item.
   
   
   
   

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Want to learn more about QuarkXPress? Attend our QuarkXPress 8 Basics class. Click here for more information.