Text Mask

Text Mask allows to hide objects around a text with an empty area offset from the text by a specified value, to make the text more legible.

You can create a Wipeout, a 3dface or a solid to mask objects around a text.

To create a text mask

1. Do one of the following:
   • Select Express > Text > Text Mask
   • Type textmask and press Enter.
2. Select text objects to mask. The options allow to choose the mask type, set the distance from the text, proceed creating the mask with default settings. With the option Mask, you can choose the masktype among Wipeout, 3dface or Solid. Wipeout is a default choice.
   • Wipeout: A wipeout is a polygonal area that masks objects under a text with the current background colour. This area is surrounded by a rectangular frame that can be displayed if you need to modify it or can be removed if you want to print.
   • 3dface: Creates a 3D Face behind the text. The 3D plane obtained by this option has all of its edges set to invisible. If you need to select the mask, set the variable SPLFRAME to On or 1, to make the edges visible.

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     NOTE To remove the mask it is not necessary to select and delete it, but you can quickly use the command Unmask Text of the Express Tools.

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   • Solid: Choosing this option, the text is masked with a 2D solid in a specified colour. Youre prompted to select the colour from the colour palette.
   • Offset: Specify the distance from the text. The initial default value for the offset factor is 0.35. Type a new offset factor relative to the text height and then press Enter.

To remove text mask

1. Do one of the following:
   • Select Express > Text > Unmask Text.
   • Type textunmask and then press Enter.
2. Select the text from which you want to remove the mask and then press Enter or right click the mouse

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