Section 8: Shadows and Mats
The Silhouette software does have a built-in shadow or matting effect. Many users like to use this feature with text, though it may also be used with any cut line image. The instructions would be the same for either text or any other image.
- Create your desired text or select an image.
- Once you have sized your text or image to your liking, create a copy (as discussed in "HOW TO: Duplicate Designs") and place it off to the side.
-
Select your copied image and click on the "Offset" button:
The "Offset" options will appear:
-
Select your desired settings. The following options are available:
- Offset Value: The greater the number, the farther away the traced shadow or mat will be
- Direction of Offset: "Outside" should generally be selected. This traces your shadow or mat outward. "Inside" will give you a reverse mat and trace your image inward.
-
Method of Join: This is the style of shadow or mat you wish to create.
- Miter - This will provide sharp edges; There is an optional "Miter Limit Value" which will determine how sharply the traced edges bend
- Round - This will provide smooth edges
- Bevel - This will provide blocked edges
-
When finished setting your options, click "OK".
The example below was created with the settings shown in the example "Offset" window above:
-
Cut your original in one color and then cut your shadow/mat in another material color and layer them together.
Next section 
|
