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PAGE 56
Chapter 13 •
Fonts, Sizes, and Styles
FireWriter offers a wide variety of ways to add flair to your titles.
You can independently change font, size, and style, for hundreds of
combinations.
Font and Size
The first menu key brings up the FONT &
SIZE menu. It is used to choose the font and
point size that will be applied to each charac-
ter. (A "font" is the style, or shape, of the
character.)
The top sub-menu determines the point size
for the selected font, while the bottom sub-menu determines
the actual font to be used. Use MARK START to make the
bottom sub-menu active. Each font has a pre-assigned num-
ber next to it. FireWriter allows you to enter fonts by their
respective numbers. You can also use the arrow keys to
move the highlight bar to the desired font. To apply your
choice, press NEW LINE/OK or PLAY.
Hints on Using Fonts and Sizes
•
First, note that using too many fonts and sizes can
create a loud, jumbled look. When you watch television,
notice that professional productions seldom use more than a
one or two styles at once.
•
Combine fonts and sizes in a harmonious way, using
two sizes of one font or using distinctive styles together. For
example, when creating credits, put the character's name in
one style and the actor's name in another.
Font Style
Use the Font Style menu to add shadows, shadow offsets,
and outlines to text. Each line of titles you have typed can
use a different style. You can choose any combination —
shadow plus condensed type, outline plus bold, etc. In all,
there are many combinations of styles. These styles are in
addition to the colors, fonts, patterns, and other changes
made by other menus.
VIDEONICS FIREWRITER
VIDEONICS FIREWRITER
Outlines and Shadows
An outline (2) is an edge that completely encloses the letter
(1). A shadow (3) is similar to an outline except that it is
slightly wider than the character, giving the character a
raised look. The shadow is a subtle effect, providing a slight
separation between the characters and the background.
There are nine different shadow offset selections, including
no shadow .
The top section of the Font Style menu is used for kerning
or character spacing. Character spacing controls the horizon-
tal spacing between characters. Use low values to bring
character closer together – use
higher values to spread them
farther apart.
Hints on Using Styles
•
Use mixed styles with some caution. As with fonts
and sizes, mixing too many styles can create a haphazard,
overly complex look.
•
Some combinations will make the text harder to read
or less attractive. For instance, if you use the spacing option
to place letters closer together, the edges of shadows, out-
lines, or bold letters may be clipped.
If letter spacing is set too tight, letters will be clipped, as in
the bottom sample.
•
Bold Fonts can make a bold statement. They can also
improve readability when small titles are placed over a
video background.
•
Outlines and shadows are particularly useful for
making titles stand out when the letters and backgrounds
are similar in color. They also work well when titles are
placed against a busy video background.
•
The color of the outline or shadow can be set indepen-
dently of the letter color — you can have blue letters with a
white outline, for instance.
PAGE 57
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