CHAPTER
19
STROKES: OUTLINE EFFECTS
When you create objects with drawing tools, Canvas applies a stroke
to the objects according to attributes set in the Strokes palette. A
stroke is a line centered on the path of vector objects and the outlines
of type. You can shape a stroke with standard and calligraphic pens,
parallel lines, even neon tubes. You can also add dashes and arrow-
heads to strokes.
This chapter explains basic stroke settings, how to customize strokes,
and how to apply strokes to objects and text.
Types of strokes
Canvas has three basic types of strokes plus arrows and dashes,
which you can use to create unlimited variations. The following types
of strokes appear on tabs in the Strokes palette.
Pen
Strokes made of a single line. You can specify the width, shape
(standard or calligraphic), type of line joins, and shape of end caps.
Parallel
Strokes made of two or more lines. You can specify width,
dashes, colors, and spacing.
Neon
Strokes shaded like glowing tubes. You can specify width,
colors, tube shape, line joins, and end caps.
Arrows and dashes can be applied to strokes for additional effects.
Two tabs in the Strokes palette contain settings for these attributes.
Arrow
You can use preset or custom arrowheads that appear at the
endpoints of each path segment.
Dash
You can apply preset or custom dash sequences that divide
solid strokes into solid and blank segments.
How inks affect strokes
You define the colors that apply to strokes separately from the stroke
settings. The pen ink (specified in the Inks palette) and the stroke set-
tings together produce the appearance of an objects outline. The pen
ink is the color (or pattern) that paints the objects stroke. There-
fore, the object must have a visible pen ink for the stroke to be visi-
ble. Conversely, the object must have a stroke for the pen ink to be
visible.
Pen
Parallel
Neon
Arrow
Dash