Creating a Text Mask

Use the TextMask command to place a blank area behind specified text entities.

Optionally, you can:

• Define a margin around the text.
• Apply a solid mask to the text. You can select a background color for the text.
• Modify the properties of an existing text mask.

Note: The text and the mask act as an entity. You can move, copy, or delete them together.

• To remove masks from text entities, use the TextUnMask command.
• To separate the text from the mask, use the Explode tool.

To create a default text mask:

1. Do one of the following:
   • On the ribbon, click XtraTools > Annotation > Text Mask.
   • On the menu, click XtraTools > Annotation > Text Mask.
   • Type TextMask.
2. In the graphics area, specify the text entities to mask.
3. Press Enter.

To create a custom text mask:

1. Do one of the following:
   • On the ribbon, click XtraTools > Annotation > Text Mask.
   • On the menu, click XtraTools > Annotation > Text Mask.
   • Type TextMask.
2. Press Enter.
3. In the dialog box, specify options. See To edit a text mask.
4. Click OK.
5. In the graphics area, specify the text entities to mask.
6. Press Enter.

To apply a solid mask with background:

1. Do one of the following:
   • On the ribbon, click XtraTools > Annotation > Text Mask.
   • On the menu, click XtraTools > Annotation > Text Mask.
   • Type TextMask.
2. Press Enter.
3. In the dialog box, specify options:
   • In Entity type, select Solid.
   • In Background, select the color.
4. Click OK.
5. In the graphics area, specify the text entities to mask.
6. Press Enter.

To edit a text mask:

1. Do one of the following:
   • On the ribbon, click XtraTools > Annotation > Text Mask.
   • On the menu, click XtraTools > Annotation > Text Mask.
   • Type TextMask.
2. In the graphics area, specify the masked text to edit.
3. In the dialog box, specify options:
   • In Entity type, select the type of mask:
     • Mask. Creates a rectangular mask entity that has the color of the background.
     • 3D Face. Creates a 3D face entity.
     • Solid. Creates a 2D solid entity in a specified color.
   • In Dimensions, specify the offset value (the space around the text).
   • In Background, select the color of the text background. This option is available only for solid text masks.
4. Click OK.

Examples:

Text over hatch

Masked text over hatch

Masked text over hatch, with solid background

Access

Command: TextMask

Menu: XtraTools > Annotation > Convert SimpleNotes

Ribbon: XtraTools > Annotation > Convert SimpleNotes